Laboratory Technician

ABOUT THE ROLE

Lindii Peace Foundation (LPF) is seeking a qualified, competent and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support laboratory services and diagnostic investigations within its health programme.

The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for conducting routine laboratory investigations, collecting and processing specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, managing reagents and supplies, and ensuring the accurate documentation and reporting of laboratory results. The post holder will work closely with medical doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other healthcare personnel to support timely diagnosis, clinical decision-making and quality patient care.

The successful candidate will ensure that laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with approved clinical protocols, infection prevention and control standards, laboratory safety procedures and applicable professional regulations.

This position requires strong technical competence, attention to detail, professional integrity and a commitment to patient confidentiality, quality assurance and safe laboratory practice in a humanitarian healthcare setting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Laboratory Investigations and Diagnostic Services

• Conduct routine laboratory tests and diagnostic investigations within the scope of professional training, approved protocols and available laboratory capacity.
• Receive, identify, label and process patient specimens accurately to ensure traceability and prevent sample mix-ups.
• Perform approved laboratory investigations, including routine haematology, urinalysis, stool examination, malaria testing and other available diagnostic procedures as applicable to the facility.
• Prepare specimens and reagents for testing in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments safely and correctly when conducting assigned investigations.
• Review test results for completeness, consistency and possible technical errors before forwarding them through the appropriate reporting process.
• Promptly communicate critical or abnormal findings to the authorized clinician in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintain accurate laboratory registers, test records and patient results documentation.
• Ensure that laboratory results are reported within appropriate turnaround times to support clinical decision-making.
• Refer tests that cannot be performed at the facility to an approved referral laboratory in accordance with established procedures.

Specimen Collection, Handling and Processing

• Collect or assist with the collection of blood and other clinical specimens when authorized and appropriately trained.
• Verify patient identification and ensure that specimen labels correspond accurately with the relevant laboratory request forms.
• Explain specimen collection procedures to patients in a respectful and understandable manner.
• Ensure that specimens are collected, handled, transported and stored under appropriate conditions to preserve sample integrity.
• Reject or report unsuitable, insufficient, improperly labelled or compromised specimens in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Maintain proper specimen tracking and documentation from receipt through testing, storage or disposal.
• Ensure that specimens are handled using appropriate personal protective equipment and infection prevention measures.
• Dispose of specimens and related materials safely in accordance with biomedical waste management procedures.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Implement routine internal quality control procedures for laboratory tests and equipment.
• Ensure that laboratory investigations are performed according to approved standard operating procedures and applicable quality standards.
• Monitor the accuracy, reliability and consistency of laboratory results and promptly report suspected errors or quality concerns.
• Participate in proficiency testing, external quality assessment and other quality assurance activities where available.
• Maintain quality control records, equipment logs, reagent records and other required documentation.
• Identify errors, deviations and gaps in laboratory processes and recommend corrective actions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Ensure that reagents, test kits and laboratory consumables are used within their validity periods and under the required storage conditions.
• Support the review and implementation of laboratory procedures to improve accuracy, efficiency and patient safety.

Laboratory Equipment and Maintenance

• Operate laboratory equipment in accordance with manufacturers\' instructions and approved operating procedures.
• Conduct routine equipment checks before use and ensure that instruments are clean, functional and properly maintained.
• Maintain equipment usage logs, maintenance records and calibration documentation where applicable.
• Report equipment breakdowns, malfunctions and other technical issues promptly to the designated supervisor.
• Ensure that equipment requiring calibration, servicing or repair is addressed through approved maintenance arrangements.
• Maintain appropriate storage and handling conditions for laboratory instruments, reagents and diagnostic materials.
• Ensure that laboratory benches, work surfaces and equipment are cleaned and disinfected according to established procedures.
• Prevent unauthorized use of laboratory equipment and promote responsible handling of organizational property.

Reagents, Supplies and Inventory Management

• Monitor laboratory stock levels, including reagents, test kits, specimen containers, personal protective equipment and other consumables.
• Maintain accurate inventory records showing quantities received, issued, used, remaining and expired.
• Monitor expiry dates and storage conditions of reagents, test kits and other laboratory supplies.
• Apply appropriate stock rotation procedures, including First-In, First-Out (FIFO), while prioritizing expiry-date monitoring where applicable.
• Prepare timely requisitions for laboratory supplies to prevent stock-outs and interruptions to diagnostic services.
• Ensure that received supplies are checked against delivery documentation and recorded accurately.
• Report shortages, damaged items, expired products and discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor.
• Ensure that temperature-sensitive supplies are stored under recommended conditions and that temperature records are maintained where required.
• Support periodic physical stock counts and reconciliation of laboratory inventory records.
• Use laboratory materials responsibly to minimize wastage while maintaining diagnostic quality and patient safety.

Infection Prevention, Biosafety and Waste Management

• Comply with established infection prevention and control procedures during all laboratory activities.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling specimens, reagents, chemicals and potentially infectious materials.
• Apply standard precautions and safe laboratory practices to minimize occupational exposure and cross-contamination.
• Ensure that work surfaces, equipment and laboratory areas are cleaned and disinfected appropriately.
• Segregate, handle, store and dispose of infectious waste, sharps and other laboratory waste in accordance with approved procedures.
• Ensure that sharps containers and designated waste receptacles are used correctly and replaced when required.
• Report spills, accidental exposures, injuries, equipment failures and other laboratory safety incidents immediately through established channels.
• Participate in laboratory safety briefings and relevant infection prevention and control training.
• Ensure that laboratory areas remain secure and accessible only to authorized personnel.

Laboratory Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory registers, specimen records, test results and other required documentation.
• Record laboratory investigations and results promptly using approved paper-based or electronic systems.
• Ensure that test results are properly identified, dated, verified and communicated to authorized healthcare personnel.
• Prepare routine laboratory activity reports, including test volumes, diagnostic findings, supply consumption and other approved indicators.
• Maintain records of quality control, equipment maintenance, reagent usage, stock balances and laboratory incidents.
• Protect patient information and ensure that laboratory records are stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel.
• Support the compilation of health programme data and laboratory statistics for internal reporting and approved donor reports.
• Ensure that laboratory records are complete, traceable and available for authorized clinical reviews, monitoring visits and audits.

8. Collaboration and Patient Care Support

• Work collaboratively with medical doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other healthcare personnel to support effective patient management.
• Respond promptly to authorized laboratory requests and communicate delays or specimen-related concerns to the relevant clinicians.
• Provide appropriate technical information regarding specimen requirements, test availability and laboratory procedures.
• Support clinical teams in interpreting laboratory reports within the limits of the Laboratory Technician\'s professional scope.
• Maintain respectful and professional communication with patients and colleagues.
• Protect patient dignity, confidentiality and privacy throughout specimen collection, testing and reporting.
• Participate in clinical meetings, laboratory reviews and programme coordination activities when required.
• Support health outreach activities and field-based diagnostic services when assigned, subject to available resources, professional authorization and safety requirements.

9. Compliance and Professional Development

• Comply with LPF policies, laboratory standard operating procedures, clinical protocols and applicable professional and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain professional conduct and work within the scope of training, competence and authorized responsibilities.
• Participate in relevant technical training, mentorship, supportive supervision and continuing professional development activities.
• Identify training needs and communicate them to the appropriate supervisor.
• Support the review and improvement of laboratory procedures, documentation systems and quality assurance practices.
• Report suspected laboratory errors, ethical concerns, confidentiality breaches or unsafe practices through established channels.
• Perform other laboratory-related duties assigned by the supervisor, consistent with the position\'s scope and professional competence.

KEY DELIVERABLES

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the following:

• Accurate and timely laboratory test results and diagnostic records.
• Properly collected, labelled, processed and tracked patient specimens.
• Updated laboratory registers and patient result documentation.
• Routine quality control records and documented corrective actions.
• Updated laboratory inventory, reagent and consumables registers.
• Timely supply requisitions and monitoring of expiry dates.
• Functional laboratory equipment supported by maintenance and usage records.
• Compliance with infection prevention, biosafety and biomedical waste management procedures.
• Regular laboratory activity and diagnostic service reports.
• Proper documentation of equipment faults, laboratory incidents and quality concerns.
• Secure storage and confidentiality of patient records.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent recognized qualification in Medical Laboratory Technology or Medical Laboratory Science, as applicable to the candidate\'s professional registration category.
• Valid registration and current practising licence with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), where applicable to the qualification and scope of practice.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in laboratory services, diagnostic testing or a clinical laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated competence in specimen collection and processing, routine diagnostic investigations, laboratory documentation and equipment handling.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance, infection prevention and control, biosafety and biomedical waste management.
• Experience managing laboratory reagents, diagnostic kits, consumables and inventory records.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and reports.
• Strong attention to detail, professional integrity and commitment to patient confidentiality.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in a hospital, primary healthcare facility or humanitarian health programme.
• Experience with routine malaria diagnostics, haematology, urinalysis and other basic diagnostic investigations.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality control and external quality assessment procedures.
• Experience working with NGOs, INGOs or donor-funded health programmes.
• Experience supporting laboratory services in resource-constrained or emergency-response settings.
• Familiarity with health information systems and laboratory reporting tools.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Technical competence: Ability to conduct assigned laboratory investigations accurately and safely.
• Attention to detail: Ability to identify specimen, documentation and testing errors.
• Quality assurance: Commitment to reliable results and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Biosafety awareness: Ability to apply infection prevention and laboratory safety procedures consistently.
• Integrity and accountability: Commitment to ethical laboratory practice and accurate reporting.
• Confidentiality: Ability to protect patient information and sensitive clinical records.
• Organization and time management: Ability to prioritize laboratory requests and meet appropriate turnaround times.
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with clinical and programme teams.
• Problem-solving: Ability to identify technical challenges and report or address them appropriately.
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a demanding humanitarian healthcare environment.

SAFEGUARDING, CODE OF CONDUCT AND ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

The post holder is required to:

• Adhere to LPF\'s policies, procedures, Code of Conduct and organizational values.
• Demonstrate commitment to safeguarding, gender equality, diversity, inclusion and respect for human rights.
• Maintain zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), harassment, fraud, corruption and abuse of position.
• Report safeguarding, SEA, fraud or other serious misconduct concerns through established organizational reporting mechanisms.
• Maintain professional conduct and respect confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts and the needs of affected populations.
• Comply with applicable health, safety, infection prevention and security requirements.
• Use organizational resources responsibly and protect organizational property.