Head of Laboratory at the 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.