IPA WASH Benefits Project Field Officer (Laboratory) Job in Kenya

Innovations for Poverty Action

WASH Benefits Project

Position: Field Officer – Laboratory
 

Deadline to Apply: 10th March 2016, applications reviewed on a rolling basis
 

Start Date: Mid-March 2016
 

Location: Kakamega and Bungoma
 

Eligibility: Position open to local Kenya hires only
 

About Innovations for Poverty Action: is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems. 

 

In close partnership with decision makers — the policymakers, practitioners, investors, and donors working with the poor around the world — IPA designs and evaluates potential solutions to poverty problems using randomized evaluations, the most rigorous evaluation method available. 

We also mobilize and support these decision makers to use these solutions to build better programs and policies at scale.
 

About the Project: Innovations for Poverty Action seeks qualified applicant for the position of a Field officer for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Benefits Project. 

The Project is a five year study to evaluate the health benefits of sanitation, hygiene, household water treatment and nutrition, using a large-scale, randomized evaluation that is taking place in Western province. 

We are currently seeking Field Officers to complete key lab related activities of the WASH benefits project. The Field Officer will be based in the Western region, and will be required to work in the laboratory. 

He/she will work closely with fellow Field Officers and with the WASH Benefits laboratory team, including Associate Field Managers, Research Associates (RA’s), and the Senior Research Associate. 

The Field officer will spend approximately 100% of his/her time in the Laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities:
 

Laboratory specific Duties

• Analyze water samples using culture based methods.


• Observe sterile technique when performing analyses


• Assist with set-up of / maintenance of lab space and respect the shared lab space


• Keep track of supplies and prompting the supervisors on those that need to be replenished


• Complete daily logs of samples processed and results from assays


• Regularly assist with preparations of supplies for field teams (e.g. packing and cleaning field coolers)


• Clean apparatus used during sample analysis


• Ensure proper storage and handling of laboratory equipment


• Clearly communicate issues to the Associate field manager, Lab Research Associate and Senior Research Associate


• Barcoding and archiving of blood spot samples


• Any other duties assigned by the Associate field manager

General

• Work schedule will include working from Mondays to Friday from 11am-8pm.


• Working later hours (after 8pm) may be required based on field sample collection schedules.


• Prompt arrival to work.


• Completion of scheduled activities each day in a timely manner.


• Maintaining high standard of professional integrity in all activities.


• Observe quality control and quality assurance measures during sample processing.


• Successfully complete all tasks assigned by the WASH Benefits management team.


• Knowledge of assigned tasks and delivery according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Ability to work with minimal supervision


• Team player – interacts well with colleagues and offers support in the field and in the office


• Maintain professional relationships with IPA and hospital staff


• Responsible – takes up responsibilities, shows initiative in solving issues and reports challenges to supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience with assays to assess microbial water quality required


• At least 2 years’ experience working in a lab setting


• Bachelor’s degree or a diploma in a laboratory specific training (biomedical science, applied biology, laboratory technology)


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word


• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Kiswahili.

How to Apply:
 

Please send a cover letter and detailed CV, 3 references, daytime phone number(s), and email address. 

Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.

Applications must be submitted ONLY by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org , please ensure that the subject line reads: “Field Officer-Laboratory” REF NO. Wash Benefits: 2016-02-01. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by email for an interview. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a ROLLING BASIS.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Field Officer-Laboratory. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. 

Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. 

Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org.