Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
As a trusted, long-term partner of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund, GF), UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient and provider of technical assistance in over 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach and providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies, and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management. Within the HHD Group the Global Fund – Health Implementation Support Team (GF/HIST) is a dedicated team providing support to UNDP Country Offices implementing health and development programmes.
In Nepal, UNDP is the Co-Principal Recipient (PR) of the Global Fund GC7 grant for three diseases and work closely with the Government of Nepal. For effective implementation of the Global Fund programme, UNDP Nepal has established a Programme Management Unit (PMU) to coordinate and oversee the implementation and to ensure compliance of the terms and conditions of the grant agreements with the Global Fund and UNDP rules, policies, and procedures. The PMU coordinates with the national partners particularly the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the Provincial and local government, government entities at federal and provinces, Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), communities, technical partners, UN agencies, the Global Fund (Local Fund Agent) and the Country Coordinating Mechanism.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will work under overall supervision of Project Manager and direct supervision of Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist.
The Laboratory Analyst will be responsible for coordinating the Lab related interventions under the Global Fund Cycle-7 grant. The incumbent will coordinate with the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP), the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), the National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC), the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) and the UN agencies particularly the WHO Nepal and other stakeholders engaged/active in lab related interventions in Nepal. The incumbent will coordinate/collaborate with different stakeholders and ensure the effective implementation of Global Fund Cycle-7 supported interventions and its link with HIV, TB and Malaria. The incumbent will work closely with NPHL for its institutional strengthening and for effective coordination with other entities.
Under the overall supervision of Project Manager and direct supervision of Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist, the Laboratory Analyst will deliver following responsibilities:
Diagnostic System Interventions:
Verify Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and ensure conformity with product specifications. Regularly review laboratory and other activities within the framework of the Program in line with WHO recommendation. Monitor implementation and reporting of SRs on testing, laboratory supply and quality control of laboratory services related project components. Facilitate the ordering and procurement process of laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables for laboratories in collaboration with procurement and PSM analyst. Support national counterparts for timely update of national protocols and guidelines related to laboratory diagnostics in the scope of the project, in accordance with the WHO guidelines and recommendations.Quality Control and Assurance:
Participate in proficiency testing programs to ensure laboratory performance meets required standards. Maintain accurate records of test results, including deviations and corrective actions. Assist partners in rationalizing laboratory services according to GF QA, UNDP QC and WHO technical requirements. Follow up on proper implementation of diagnostic algorithms in the scope of the project. Provide technical support to the national disease Programmes in developing of laboratory databases for logistics and supplies, equipment, and its maintenance in the country; support national counterparts on the rational use of lab supplies and commodities.Sample Management and Laboratory Equipment Maintenance:
Ensure the collection, handling, storage, and disposal of samples follow laboratory protocols. Ensure chain of custody procedures are followed for all samples received and tested. Facilitate through Laboratory Technical Working Group and other existing/new mechanism that all equipment is used safely and in compliance with laboratory protocols. Participate in laboratory-focused technical working groups and contribute expertise to enhance the effectiveness of these collaborative platforms.Compliance Support and Reporting:
Maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with national and international laboratory standards. Support the preparation of laboratory audit reports and corrective action plans. Assist / Lead in preparing documentation for regulatory submissions as required. Support to document non-conformities and propose corrective measures.Facilitation of Knowledge Building:
Provide support to build knowledge related to lab system strengthening interventions. Provide technical support in capacity-building initiatives to strengthen Nepal’s national quality control systems for diagnostics. Provide technical support in synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices to contribute to strengthening quality control systems for diagnostics. Interact with/ and provide guidance for national partners and independent experts on developing adequate specifications in line with the UNDP rules and procedures and review and adjustment as needed. Provide technical assistance on External Quality Assessment system development and implementation.Contribution towards Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
Promote a safe working environment by developing respectful and safe organizational culture and supporting practices. Collaborate with team members, programme partners, and sub-grantees to ensure safe implementation of programmes at the community level applying Do No Harm approach. Fully comply with UNDP’s GESI policy and ensure contribute to the zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.Perform other duties within your functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office.
Competencies
Core competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationCross-Functional & Technical competencies
Business Management
Communication - Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Customer Satisfaction/Client Management - Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.Procurement
Supplier Management/Relationship Management - Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situationsBusiness Direction & Strategy
System Thinking - Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system2030 Agenda: People
Gender - Innovation for Gender Equality2030 Agenda: Prosperity
Inclusive Growth - Social Inclusion2030 Agenda: People
Health - Support to Global Fund and other health programmesRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a related field is required. OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master’s degree.Experience:
A minimum of 2 years (with a master’s degree) or 4 years (with a bachelor’s degree) of experience working in laboratory system strengthening interventions within national/ international organizations or the public health sector. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages as well as web-based management. Knowledge of using analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy). Knowledge of Nepal’s regulatory framework and global laboratory standards. Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and WHO guidelines Strong analytical skills to interpret data and make informed decisions. Experience working in public health programs or donor-funded projects (e.g., Global Fund, USAID, WHO). Understanding of Gender and Diversity in the context of Nepal.Required Languages
Fluency in English and Nepali is required.Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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