Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization providing assistance to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, natural or non-natural disasters, or persons excluded from access to health care. The organization has health projects in more than 70 countries.
MSF France has had a significance presence in Kenya since 1996. In Homa Bay, MSF France supports the HBCTRH in the adult medical (in-patient and TB) wards to improve management of adults’ patients hospitalized, as well as managing chronic disease activities in 2 decentralized sites.
MSF France in Homa Bay is looking to fill the position of Laboratory Supervisor. The successful candidates report to the Medical Team Leader.
Main purpose of the Position:
Planning, organizing and carrying out laboratory activities and supervising the laboratory staff according to MSF protocols, security measures and hygiene standards, in order to support the MSF medical team in the diagnosis of patients’ diseases.
Tasks & Responsibilities include but not limited to:
In collaboration with the MTL, participating in the project planning and follow-up and reviewing the laboratory budget, when necessary, to support MSF’s medical activities.
Ensuring the compliance of MSF hygiene and safety protocols, both individually and collectively as well as informing staff of existing biological risks.
Performing laboratory tests and carrying out sample collection (serology, hematology, biochemistry, bacteriology, parasitology …) in accordance with prescriptions as well as ensuring that quality control tests are carried out regularly. Informing the doctor of the results of the tests and keeping a record of the analysis with data from patients.
Ensuring proper management (cleaning, maintenance, arranging) of all laboratory equipment and the adequate supply of needed equipment and material to prevent stock-outs. This includes being responsible for all required automatic instrument calibration, ensuring that no material is taken out of laboratories without prior authorization and carrying out a proper storage system and conditions, inventory, etc. In cooperation with the logistics department, ensuring that cold chain is properly maintained in Laboratory areas for both samples and reagents.
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Ensuring proper registration and needs of all lab’s related activities and implementing the correct use of the associated management tool (EpyTryp. Etc.) to have a proper recording of laboratory activities. Preparing and sending slides/samples for external quality control.
Supervising, in close coordination with the HR department, the associated processes (recruitment, training/induction, coaching, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication) of the staff under his/her responsibility to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required
Ensuring that all staff using medical devices are qualified and trained. Ensuring cleaning and minor maintenance tasks are performed according to the protocols. Reporting any malfunction to the project’s biomedical service.
Producing regular reports on the testing and on any issues / problems related to laboratory personnel and / or the material used.
Responsibilities of Lab Supervisor in the IPD LAB
Coordinate laboratory staff to ensure smooth operations and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Monitor and review quality control results to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
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Conduct regular rounds in the laboratory to ensure compliance with safety protocols and quality standards.
Oversee the performance of point-of-care tests conducted by clinical officers at the bedside.
Review and analyze test results to ensure timely reporting to healthcare providers, especially externally outsourced tests.
Address any technical issues or deviations from protocols that arise during testing.
Monitor inventory levels of reagents, consumables, and equipment to prevent stock out.
Conduct staff meetings to communicate updates, discuss any issues, and provide training as needed.
Maintain accurate records of test results, (REDCAP) quality control data, and inventory management.
Conduct quality assurance audits to evaluate the performance of the laboratory and identify areas for improvement with reference to MSF laboratory manuals and other validated guidelines.
Review and update standard operating procedures based on feedback and best practices.
Analyze trends in test results and quality control data to identify potential issues or areas for additional training.
Coordinate with the pharmacy department to ensure timely ordering of reagents and supplies.
Together with the MTL, conduct performance evaluations for laboratory staff and provide feedback on areas of strength and areas needing improvement.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care and laboratory-related issues.
Prepare and submit reports on laboratory performance in the project, quality control data, and inventory management to MTL.
Conduct training sessions for laboratory staff on new procedures, equipment, or quality control measures.
Review and update the laboratory’s quality management plan based on feedback and performance data.
Participate in continuous education and professional development activities to stay current with best practices in laboratory management.
Responsibilities of Lab Supervisor in Blood Transfusion Services
Coordinating and overseeing the daily operations of the blood bank and laboratory in collaboration with MOH county blood coordinator.
Ensuring proper inventory management of blood products, including storage, labeling, and tracking in collaboration with MOH blood services coordinator.
Monitoring blood availability and coordinating with the blood donation team for replenishment and expiries.
Conducting quality control checks on blood products and maintaining proper documentation.
Supervising and supporting lab technicians and staff in performing blood typing, cross-matching, and other necessary tests in IPD Laboratory.
Participating in daily rounds and consultations to provide guidance on appropriate blood transfusion practices.
In collaboration with IPD MAM and medical team, handling any issues related to blood transfusion reactions or complications in the hospital.
Collaboration with external blood collection agencies for regular blood campaigns.
Providing training and education to healthcare staff on proper blood collection, storage, and transfusion procedures.
Conduct meetings with the blood bank team and discuss ongoing activities or challenges.
Reviewing blood bank reports and statistics, identifying trends or areas for improvement and sharing with MTL.
Ensuring compliance with Kenya blood transfusion and international standards for blood safety and quality in collaboration with county laboratories coordinator.
Together with County blood bank coordinator and MTL, developing and implementing strategies to promote voluntary blood donation and community engagement.
Evaluating the performance of the blood bank and identifying areas for optimization.
Participate in internal audits to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.
Updating and maintaining accurate records of blood donors, recipients, and transfusion-related data.
On a need basis, provide support and expertise during emergencies or mass casualty incidents.
Analyzing blood utilization trends and patterns to optimize blood ordering and inventory management.
Planning and coordinating awareness campaigns and educational programs on blood donation.
Collaborating with other healthcare facilities to strengthen regional blood transfusion services.
Evaluating the success and impact of blood campaigns and donation initiatives.
With the MTL, conduct performance evaluations for lab staff and provide constructive feedback.
With the support of the MTL, collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop and implement a replacement donor strategy.
Together with the county blood bank coordinator, conduct training programs for lab staff on blood banking practices and procedures.
Assessing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the blood bank operations and suggesting improvements.
Technical Support for the NCD Clinics in Marindi and Nyalkini
Collaborate with healthcare providers in the NCD clinics to ensure proper utilization of laboratory services for NCD diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.
Provide guidance and support on the interpretation of laboratory test results related to NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Assist in troubleshooting technical issues related to laboratory tests conducted in the NCD clinics.
Ensure that point-of-care tests conducted in the NCD clinics and outreaches meet quality assurance standards and provide accurate results.
Monitor the inventory of NCD-related test kits and supplies at the health centers to prevent stockouts.
On a need basis, conduct training sessions for healthcare providers in the NCD clinics on the proper collection and handling of samples for NCD-related tests, especially for new clinical staff (due to high clinical staff turnover)
Review and analyze data from NCD-related tests to identify trends and patterns that may require further investigation or intervention.
Coordinate with the NCD clinic staff to ensure timely reporting of test results to facilitate patient care and treatment decisions.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans involving laboratory testing.
Conduct quality assurance assessments of NCD-related laboratory tests conducted in the health centers to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
With the support of the Lab referent, review and update standard operating procedures for NCD-related tests based on feedback and best practices.
Provide feedback and recommendations to healthcare providers in the NCD clinics on improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory services.
Monitor and evaluate the overall performance of NCD clinic laboratory services to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed in collaboration with Data management
Qualifications & Requirements:
Education
Essential: Diploma in Medical laboratory Technology from the Kenya Medical Training College or any national recognized institution.
Registration with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
Essential Experience
Essential 2 years’ experience in a laboratory, preferably as a Lab Tech.
Desirable in MSF or another NGO, desirable in a clinical laboratory
Laboratory commodity management skills
Languages
Fluent in English and Kiswahili
Knowledge
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
Competencies
Results
Teamwork
Flexibility
Commitment
Stress tolerance and management
Leadership and team management skills
Able to work with limited supervision
How to apply
Applicants MUST be Kenyan nationals and have the necessary statutory documents (ID, NSSF, NHIF and a PIN certificate). Candidates meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit a motivation letter, updated Curriculum Vitae and valid license as a single file mentioning the subject line “Laboratory Supervisor – Homabay “ and email to: msff-kenya-recruitment@paris.msf.org on or before by 19th December 2024.
The protection of your personal data is important to MSF and will be treated confidentially. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application, and selection of the most suitable candidate. MSF does not sell your personal data under any circumstances. If you have any questions, requests, or concerns, you can contact us on msff-kenya-recruitment@paris.msf.org
MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity and therefore women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
MSF does not tolerate any kind of harassment and abuse including but not limited to sexual harassment, exploitation and discrimination. MSF provides a working environment that upholds our safeguarding commitment to ensure that children and adults are protected from both deliberate and accidental harm caused by MSF staff and/or other representatives. Our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks reflects our commitment to the protection and safeguarding of our beneficiaries from abuse.
Applications must be received by the deadline. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
MSF is an equal Employer and does not charge any application/ recruitment fee.