ThaiNGO

American Refugee Committee

Position Title: Laboratory Trainer                                                                       

Department/Country Program: Thailand                                                                        

Responsible to: Laboratory In-Charge

Status (full, part-time, temporary): Full-time

Supervisory Capacity: Laboratory technicians in charge and laboratory technicians- camp staff 

Duty station: Mae Sod, with frequent travel to Mae La, Nu Po and Umpiem temporary shelters

Department/Country Program Description/Mission (Briefly describe your department’s/country program’s core functions or mission)

Since 1978, the American Refugee Committee (ARC) has provided life-saving primary health services for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities in emergency and post-conflict settings around the world. Since 1995, ARC has expanded its portfolio to include countries transitioning to longer-term development. From program inception, ARC strives to build host country capacity to provide a broad range of comprehensive health care services by supporting Ministries of Health, service providers, and local communities. ARC implements innovative and inclusive solutions to ensure that all beneficiaries have ready and equal access to health care.

ARC has been working in Thailand for over 30 years, with current projects including primary health care, water and sanitation, gender-based violence prevention and response, and innovative economic opportunities.  In the health sector, ARC provides an essential package of primary, reproductive, maternal, and child healthcare services in several refugee camps along the border with Myanmar, providing supplies, training, and supervision of refugee staff, along with community-based education. 

Primary Purpose Of The Position (A brief description of the overall purpose of the job; the rationale for why the job exists and how it contributes to ARC’s mission and strategic plan.)

The Laboratory Trainer will work with refugee laboratory staff to both supervise their work and build their capacity to perform basic laboratory functions such as blood sample analysis, urinalysis, and diagnostic tests.  In doing so, the Laboratory Trainer will be empowering the refugee population with skills needed to care for their own communities, while also building skills for future livelihood opportunities.

Major Areas Of Accountability (List the primary duties and responsibilities of the position as simply, yet completely as possible.  Include the average percentage of time spent on the duty/responsibility.  Generally, these are no more than ten (10) major responsibilities.)

Primary Duties/Responsibilities is responsible of supporting and supervising technically the laboratories activities in all ARC Health facilities and implementing initial training of Laboratory technicians.                                                                                                                                                                       

1.         Support and supervise laboratory services in 3 camps

•           Organize field supervision visits to the camps.

•           Provide feedback and guidance during visits.

•           Ensure that ARC guidelines and protocols are understood and followed by the laboratory technicians

•           Ensure proper adherence to safety regulations while undertaking laboratory tasks

•           Ensure proper laboratory waste management

•           Identify issues and problems in the laboratory activities and assist in finding solutions

2.         Improve the Laboratory Technicians’ knowledge and skill

•           Participate to biannual assessment of knowledge and practice of Laboratory Technicians

•           Participate to refresher training and on the job training for Laboratory Technicians.

3.         Implement new Laboratory Technician training

•           Participate to the recruitment process of trainees

•           Implement initial training for new Laboratory Technicians according to ARC training curriculum.

•           Perform intermediary and final evaluation of trainees

•           Participate to the development of a training curriculum and training materials in coordination with Laboratory In- Charge

4.         Ensure proper stock management of reagent and tests and to ensure a proper use and maintenance of lab equipment and supplies at camp level.

•           Check stock cards, real stock level, and storage monthly in the camp           80%

5.         Assist to develop, document, and implement written protocols and standard operating procedures            10%

6.         Miscellaneous:

Adhere to established safety/security policies and procedures

Adhere to prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation code of conduct, sexual misconduct policy, and consensual relationships policy

Other tasks as assigned by the Laboratory In- Charge 

            10%

Technical Skills & Knowledge Required (List the important technical and professional skills and knowledge required to do the job well.  Include years of experience required.)

1.         Medical lab technician degree

2.         2 years in Laboratory practice

3.         2 years in Laboratory management, capacity building and quality control.

Key Behaviors & Abilities (List the key behaviors and abilities that relate to success on the job that are critical to achieving the position’s mission and goals.)

1.         Ability to provide basic laboratory training to refugees and local staff

2.         Ability to work with resource-limited contexts

3.         Ability to work in a team: excellent coordination and communication skills.

4.         Ability to work and live in basic conditions.

5.         Ability to work independently.

Language Skills: 

Fluency in English and Burmese (Thai, Karenni or Karen is a plus)

Working Environment: 

The position will be based in Mae Sod, Tak Province in Thailand, with frequent and regular travel to Mae La, Nu Po and Umpiem temporary shelters.

Contac: nujarinp@arcrelief.org