Administrative Laboratory Assistant

Since 1833, we’ve been empowering leaders to accelerate self-sufficiency and prosperity for their communities, businesses, institutions, and countries.

In the 19th century, that meant connecting people and trade by building roads and railways. In the 20th century, it meant building the capacity of national governments to meet their citizens’ needs, managing funds to support service delivery in difficult contexts and delivering world-class humanitarian aid. In the 21st century, we’re continuing that work and investigating the potential of frontier technologies to accelerate the pace of change for our partners.

BACKGROUND

The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network aims to determine and track the causes of under-five mortality and stillbirths through epidemiologic surveillance, including reporting within 24 hours, clinical sampling, and use of advanced laboratory testing and diagnostics across a network of international sites. The areas selected for CHAMPS in Sierra Leone is Bombali Sebora and Bombali Siari chiefdoms in Bombali district (population 606,544), and Tikonko and Kakua chiefdoms in Bo district. The site area in Bombali has a population of 161,383 and is mostly urban, including the city of Makeni (population 125,970). 

CHAMPS employs the Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure for post-mortem diagnosis. MITS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to that collected from other sites and will help reduce child deaths in lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of funders and stakeholders. 

The Laboratory Data & Administrative assistant will manage reagents and consumables inventory, and specimen biorepository. S/he will be reporting directly to the Lab manager. 

CHAMPS Administrative Laboratory Assistant (Based in Makeni – One Position)

This is a 9 months’ position and will be based in Makeni and will report to the Laboratory Manager. You will maintain laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. You will be responsible for the storage and inventory of all samples held prior to being requested via a distribution requests. You will ensure adaptation of network laboratory protocols and SOPs to site-specific procedures. Prepare, and process a shipping list needed for shipment of specimen. Support installation, operation, and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment by preparing lists of all equipment in laboratory.

 You will provide administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the laboratory. You will be responsible for the distribution and or retrieving one or more samples from the biorepository inventory system. You will perform laboratory data entry of testing results using relevant LMIS.

Requirements.

Completion of High School diploma highly desirable. Knowledgeable of appropriate software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat. At least three-year prior experience in similar role, must possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Good interpersonal, writing, presentation, and communication skill, must have experience with data entry and computer. Willingness to work extended hours, as required. Drive for continuous improvement and ability to work under pressure.

Interested candidates can apply by sending their updated curriculum vitae to the Email Address Below: 

sierraleonerecruitment@crownagents.co.uk 

The closing date for receiving applications will be 29th September 2023. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. ONLY shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.