A reputable humanitarian medical organization operating in challenging and resource-limited environments is seeking to recruit a qualified and committed Laboratory Technician to support its medical activities at Dagahaley Refugee Camp in Garissa County. The role is integral to the delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable laboratory diagnostic services that directly inform patient treatment and clinical decision-making.
The Dagahaley project operates in a complex humanitarian setting where access to quality healthcare services is critical. Laboratory services play a central role in disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, epidemic surveillance, and emergency response. The Laboratory Technician will contribute to these efforts by ensuring that all laboratory procedures are conducted in strict adherence to established medical protocols, safety standards, and quality assurance guidelines.
This position is suitable for professionals who are capable of working in demanding environments, maintaining a high level of professionalism, and delivering consistent results under pressure. The successful candidate will work closely with medical and non-medical teams, supporting patient care while upholding confidentiality, hygiene, and safety standards at all times.
Position Overview
The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for performing clinical laboratory activities in accordance with organizational protocols, security rules, and hygiene measures. The primary objective of the role is to ensure that laboratory results are accurate, timely, and reliable, thereby enabling clinicians to determine appropriate patient treatment and management plans.
The position requires direct involvement in routine and emergency laboratory examinations, sample collection, equipment maintenance, data recording, and quality control. In addition, the Laboratory Technician will play a role in supervising auxiliary laboratory staff when required and contributing to reporting and surveillance activities.
Main Purpose of the Role
The main purpose of the Laboratory Technician position is to perform clinical laboratory examinations and related activities in line with approved protocols and standard operating procedures. This is done to support patient diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, while ensuring the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and confidentiality are maintained within the laboratory environment.
Detailed Job Description and Accountabilities
Clinical Laboratory Testing and Sample Management
The Laboratory Technician will prepare and perform clinical laboratory examinations according to medical prescriptions and established protocols. This includes the use of appropriate techniques, tools, and procedures relevant to the context of the mission and the available laboratory capacity.
Key responsibilities under this function include the collection of biological samples such as blood, vaginal, and urethral specimens. The role also involves centrifuging blood and urine samples and preparing them for further analysis. The Laboratory Technician will conduct a wide range of laboratory examinations, which may include serology, hematology, biochemistry, bacteriology, and parasitology, depending on the needs of the project and the operational context.
All tests must be carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures and within the defined turnaround times to ensure timely availability of results for clinical teams.
Recording, Reporting, and Data Management
Accurate documentation is a critical component of laboratory operations. The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for ensuring proper reporting and registration of laboratory results. This includes maintaining written records that provide a clear and traceable account of laboratory activities.
The role requires the careful recording of patient information, including names, age, address or block, date of investigation, diagnosis, requesting department or clinician, and test results. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times, and information should only be shared with authorized personnel.
The Laboratory Technician will also ensure that data collection systems for laboratory results are well organized and up to date. This includes managing all information generated from laboratory analyses and contributing to the preparation of daily, weekly, and monthly activity reports.
Laboratory Equipment and Material Management
The position involves the efficient management and organization of laboratory equipment and materials. The Laboratory Technician will carry out routine cleaning and minor maintenance of biomedical equipment in accordance with user manuals and established protocols. Any malfunction, damage, or irregularity must be promptly reported to the supervisor.
Responsibilities also include ensuring that laboratory benches, tables, and work surfaces are disinfected before and after work. General glassware must be washed and sterilized after procedures are completed. Daily cleaning and maintenance tasks are essential to maintaining a safe and functional laboratory environment.
The Laboratory Technician will oversee the proper disposal of laboratory waste, ensuring that all waste is segregated and disposed of according to protocols and safety standards. This is essential to minimize the risk of accidents, contamination, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Stock Management and Supply Ordering
Effective stock management is a key responsibility of the role. The Laboratory Technician will support the ordering of laboratory supplies, including reagents and materials, on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on consumption patterns. This will be done in coordination with the direct supervisor.
The role includes conducting stock counts, monitoring storage conditions, and maintaining an accurate inventory of laboratory supplies. Particular attention must be paid to the cold chain, with the technician required to chart fridge temperatures in the morning and evening to ensure compliance with storage requirements.
Hygiene, Safety, and Infection Control
The Laboratory Technician must adhere strictly to universal hygiene standards and safety guidelines at all times. This includes the consistent use of personal protective measures such as recommended scrubs or tunic trousers while working in the laboratory.
Proper waste segregation is a critical safety measure and must be carried out diligently to reduce the risk of injury or contamination. The technician will also ensure that hygiene and safety protocols are applied during all laboratory activities, including sample handling, testing, and equipment cleaning.
Quality Control and Assurance
Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of laboratory results is a central responsibility of the position. The Laboratory Technician will perform internal and external quality control tests as scheduled in standard operating procedures, guidelines, and protocols.
Quality control activities must be documented, and any deviations or issues identified during testing should be reported promptly to the supervisor. The technician will also ensure that all laboratory tests are performed according to approved procedures and within the required quality standards.
Specialized Laboratory Procedures
The role requires the ability to prepare, stain, and examine various laboratory specimens. This includes, but is not limited to, tuberculosis smears, peripheral blood films, Gram staining, and Indian ink staining. These procedures must be conducted accurately and safely, following established guidelines.
The Laboratory Technician will also be responsible for preparing blood and blood products for transfusion. Emergency cases must be prioritized, and all transfusion-related activities should be carried out in consultation with the direct supervisor or line manager.
Patient Services and Interdepartmental Support
The Laboratory Technician will ensure that laboratory results are dispatched to the relevant departments or units in a timely manner. This supports efficient patient care and clinical decision-making.
The role may also involve conducting investigations in different departments, units, or wards when required. In addition, the technician will report any problems or relevant information related to patient services to the supervisor in a timely manner.
Referral and Surveillance Activities
In coordination with the laboratory supervisor or line manager, the Laboratory Technician will facilitate the referral of samples to external laboratories when necessary. This requires proper packaging, documentation, and communication to ensure sample integrity and timely processing.
The technician will also support epidemic surveillance activities by facilitating laboratory-related needs, generating relevant data, and contributing to early detection and monitoring of disease trends.
Supervision and Team Support
In the absence of the laboratory supervisor, the Laboratory Technician may be required to supervise auxiliary laboratory assistants. This includes allocating duties related to laboratory work, ensuring tasks are carried out correctly, and maintaining clear communication with the line manager.
The role may also involve providing training or refresher sessions for auxiliary laboratory assistants when needed. Effective supervision and knowledge sharing contribute to overall laboratory performance and service quality.
Counseling and Blood Donor Activities
The Laboratory Technician will conduct pre- and post-counseling activities related to blood donation. This includes grouping, screening, and bleeding of blood donors in accordance with protocols and ethical standards.
Reporting and Communication
Regular reporting is an essential aspect of the role. The Laboratory Technician will generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports summarizing laboratory activities, workload, and key findings. Any loss, robbery, or damage of laboratory equipment or medicines must be reported immediately to the supervisor.
Clear and timely communication with the laboratory supervisor and other relevant team members is expected to ensure smooth operations and prompt resolution of issues.
Work Schedule and Flexibility
The role may require working during irregular hours, depending on operational needs, emergencies, or workload demands. Flexibility and availability are therefore important aspects of the position.
Requirements
Education
Laboratory Technician Diploma or Degree is essential.
Experience
A minimum of one year of working experience in a laboratory setting is essential.
Languages
English language proficiency is essential. Knowledge of Swahili and Somali is desirable.
Knowledge
Computer literacy, including the use of word processing software, spreadsheets, and internet applications, is essential.
Competencies
The role requires a demonstrated ability to deliver results, work effectively within a team, adapt to changing circumstances, show commitment to humanitarian principles, and maintain a strong service-oriented approach.
Application Process
Interested and eligible candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their applications by 14 January 2026 through the designated application platform using the Apply Now button.
Applicants are required to attach the following documents as part of their application:
- A detailed curriculum vitae, including contact information such as telephone number, email address, and physical address
- A short cover letter, not exceeding half a page
- A scanned copy of the national identification document
- Scanned copies of academic qualifications
Each attachment must be clearly named using the following format:
“Document Type Last Name First Name Year”
For example:
“CV Ahmed Mohamed 2024”
“Bachelors Degree Johnson Mary 2024”
Applications that do not comply with these instructions will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
