Regional Laboratory Quality Support Officer

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title

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Duty Station

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Bangkok, Thailand

Classification

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NOB

Type of Appointment

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One Year Fixed Term

Estimated Start Date

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As soon as possible 

Closing Date 

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28 May 2025

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Laboratory Coordinator (RLC) and the overall supervision of the Regional HAP Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for technical support for the establishment and maintenance of laboratory quality management systems (LQMS) with respect to Migration Health Assessments Programme (HAP) and other programmes implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division. Under the guidance of the RLC, the incumbent will work directly with IOM laboratory staff across the Asia-Pacific region and will support them with the creation and management of LQMS documentation, and quality system essentials focal points on undertaking their duties. The incumbent will undertake laboratory audits and will guide staff in place in conducting internal audits. The incumbent will keep an overview of the overall LQMS implementation progress in the region, and will regularly provide progress reports to the RLC. 

Core Functions / Responsibilities: 

1. Develop and maintain up-to-date document templates, including a standardized laboratory quality manual, which fulfil the requirements of the ISO 15189:2022 standard for medical laboratories. 

2. Ensure dissemination of templates globally, in coordination with the regional and global laboratory coordinators.

3. Guide the laboratory supervisors and laboratory quality officers across the Asia-Pacific region on the implementation of the templates and other LQMS documentation as part of the individual LQMS, in collaboration with the RLC

4. Undertake site visits to ROAP laboratories to provide support for LQMS implementation, and to perform external audits in preparation for accreditation.

5. In coordination with the laboratory supervisor and RLC, liaise with national accreditation bodies to determine requirements for accreditation in specific contexts.

6. Perform training on LQMS implementation for IOM laboratory staff at a regional and global level, if required.

7. Create and maintain a repository of LQMS documentation for each laboratory in the region.

8. Create and maintain a repository of laboratory-related training events for laboratory staff across the region.  

9. Support similar initiatives in other regions, if required.

10. Perform other duties as may be assigned. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, or a related discipline, with 4 years of relevant experience; or

• Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related discipline with 2 years of relevant experience. 

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. 

Experience 

• Two to four years of relevant laboratory experience in a busy institution, preferably in a mycobacteriology laboratory; 

• Proven experience in the production of LQMS documentation, and maintenance of a document control system;

• Computer literate, with understanding of accurate data collection and analysis for monitoring and continuous improvement of laboratory services and performance;

• Good awareness of the laboratory role in health systems, optimal use of resources for quality and efficient services delivery;

• Training experience is desirable;

• Proven experience with taking a laboratory through the ISO 15189:2012 and/or ISO 15189:2022 implementation process to full accreditation is desirable;

• Experience of producing English-language documentation is desirable. 

Skills 

• Certification in performance of laboratory audits;

• In-depth knowledge of the ISO 15189:2022 standard. 

Languages

• Fluency in English and Thai language is required. 

Required Competencies

Values 

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. 

• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. 

• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. 

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others: Creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential. 

• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.

• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via IOM e-Recruitment system within the above said deadline at 11:59 p.m. (BKK Time) referring to this advertisement. Please attach the following documents in your application: 

• a cover letter, indicating the dates of availability; 

• a curriculum vitae. 

Other

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination.

3. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

4. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

5. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and have the right to work in Thailand will be eligible for consideration.

6. For non-Thai candidates applying for this position, proficiency (either fluency or working knowledge) of the Thai language is mandatory. 

7. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for assessment.

Please ensure that your application is complete with the above-mentioned documents. As incomplete applications generate an immense administrative burden for our organization. As a general rule, candidates who have not properly submitted their application with required documents will be excluded from consideration.