African Union (AU)
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Head of Laboratory
Requisition ID: 1782
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Head, Medical Support Services
Directorate/Department/Organ: Medical and Health Services
Division: Medical Support Services
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Job Grade: P4
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular
Purpose of Job
- To provide technical leadership for the effective management of the AU Laboratory to help in achieving the objectives of the AU.
Main Functions
- Provides technical and intellectual support in the management of various partnerships relevant for the division and directorate;
- Identifies best practices and monitor effectiveness of the division/directorate’s support to AU;
- Contributes to the development of the departmental strategies and business continuity plan and participate in/ensure their implementation
- Involved in negotiations;
- Fosters and ensures implementation of large-scale and long-term initiatives related to strategic partnerships;
- Supports the organization of thematic networks, consultations and meetings on development cooperation and international relations;
- Develops training materials and provides necessary training and support to Organization Units;
- Provides technical resource allocation and policy guidance on matters relating to system-Implementation projects and maintenance.
Specific Responsibilities
- Verifies and releases laboratory results in a timely manner.
- Supports Doctors in the selection of laboratory investigations in the management of patients.
- Participates in the monitoring of response to therapy of communicable and non-communicable diseases and work with them to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Participates in the preparation of new SOPs/ reviews existing ones for the management of specimens and procedures.
- Ensures that all laboratory procedures are performed in accordance to the MHSD/ WHO/ other international guidelines and best practices.
- Ensures the highest possible standards of infection prevention and control, provide a safe environment for clients and a conducive working environment for all laboratory staff.
- Participates in the AU Medical Board in determining the necessity for medical evacuations.
- Evaluates the periodical performance of laboratory staff, and directs the rest of the staff evaluation to be performed accordingly.
- Ensures participation in External Quality Assurance Systems (EQAS).
- Prepares and signs agreements with Laboratory Service Providers.
- Prepares budget for laboratory and shares it with the Head of Division, Medical Support Services.
- Leads the improvement of the laboratory, periodically quantify, prioritize and identify equipment and consumables for procurement.
- Reviews and captures data of suppliers/tender documents and contracts including purchase orders, follow-up with procurement unit and suppliers for evaluation and tender awards.
- Ensures the maintenance of all laboratory equipment as required by the manufacturer.
- Ensures that preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment are carried out as agreed and on schedule.
- Continuously evaluates service provision for physicians/clients and makes recommendations for improvement where necessary.
- Ensures that the 24 hour AU Laboratory coverage is carried out on a shift basis (for day time, night time, weekends and public holidays).
- Contributes to training programs and workshops for continuous medical education for the laboratory and MHSD.
- Mentors, trains and supports young Medical Graduates, Clinical attachés and Interns.
- Participates in the development and delivery of health promotion, disease prevention and occupational Health and Safety programs of the Directorate (including HIV and AIDS in the workplace).
- Represents the laboratory in interactions with other units/ departments within and outside the Directorate.
- Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
- Provides advanced problem solving, troubleshooting, interpretation, consultation, verification of specimen quality and test results.
- Performs any other relevant duties assigned by the immediate Supervisor
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience
- Must have a Medical Degree (MD or MBBS plus BMBCh) with Ten (10) years post qualification work experience within a government hospital or private practice, or international organization is essential which 6 years should at expert/specialist level and 3 years at supervisor level.
- Must currently be working in a combined clinical and laboratory role (mandatory).
- Relevant Must be licensed to practice medicine as a Laboratory Medicine Specialist in his/her home country or country of residence, as at the time of application (mandatory).
- Experience as head of a clinical unit, section, service or department will be an advantage.
- Clinical specialization in one of these specialties of Pathology (Haematology, Chemical Pathology, Microbiology/ Virology, Anatomical Pathology, Parasitology) will be mandatory:
- Membership/ MMED of a professional Regional College of Pathologists listed above with eight (8) years work experience in a clinical role. OR
- Fellowship of a professional Regional College of Pathologists listed above with five (6) years work experience in a clinical role.
Required Skills:
- Leadership and Management Skills
- Knowledge and working understanding of international and regional guidelines for managing medical conditions.
- Interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- Clinical skills.
- Research and analytical skills
- Ability to work in teams and in a multicultural environment
- Knowledge and working understanding of Microsoft office suite, stock management software packages and Hospital Information Systems
- Knowledge and working understanding of AU policies, processes and standards
- Report writing, communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another is an added advantage.
Languages:
- Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.
Leadership Competencies:
- Strategic Insight
- Developing others
- Change Management
- Managing Risk
Core Competencies:
- Building Relationship
- Accountable and Complies with Rules
- Learning Orientation
- Communicating with Influence
Functional Competencies:
- Conceptual Thinking
- Job Knowledge Sharing;
- Drive for Results
- Continuous Improvement Orientation
Tenure of Appointment
- The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.
Gender Mainstreaming
- The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 42,879.00 (P4 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 26,208.00 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff
Application Closing Date
8th June, 2023.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
Note
- Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Only applications registered online with a complete curriculum vitae (CV) attached will be considered.
- The Africa Union is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.