Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 40 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.

The IRC began programming in northern Uganda in 1998 in response to mass displacement and devastation wrought by rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army. In 2002, the IRC expanded to the remote, conflict-affected region of Karamoja and in 2011, began working with refugees in Kampala. Monitoring the influx of South Sudanese refugees at the end of 2015, the IRC began scaling up its response to refugees arriving in the West Nile region. By promoting durable solutions that deliver on the interdependent aims of saving lives, strengthening institutions, and supporting social cohesion, the IRC in Uganda is laying the building blocks for long-term stability and development –bringing people from harm to home. The IRC currently works in 9 districts in Uganda, including Kitgum, Lamwo, Kyegegwa, Moroto, Amudat, Yumbe, Arua, Kiryandongo and Kampala.

The IRC is currently implementing its health and nutrition programs focusing on providing primary health care services to refugees in their settlements. The health and nutrition programs are aligned to the IRC mission; “ to help people whose lives and livelihood are shattered by conflict and disaster including climate crisis to survive, recover and gain control of their future”.

Job Overview/ Summary:
The laboratory Assistant will ensure that laboratory services of the health facility are well planned for, provided with necessary resources, and implemented in accordance with the set policies and standards. S/he will ensure that laboratory services are well managed, laboratory investigations on clients are carried out in a timely manner in accordance with the established standard operating procedures, laboratory reagents and supplies are effectively used, and the laboratory equipment are well maintained.

Responsibilities
• Receive /collect laboratory samples and conduct necessary tests.
• Keep accurate records and confidentiality of the tests conducted.
• Conduct laboratory tests with proficiency to produce accurate results.
• Participate in development/updating and implementation of laboratory standard operating (SOPs).
• Participate in report writing and compiling of reports on test conducted in the health facility laboratory.
• Carry out quality control of laboratory reagents and equipment.
• Assist in development of laboratory plans and budgets.
• Mentor laboratory volunteers and any other trainees.
• Ensure safety of the clients in the laboratory.

Key Working Relationships
Internal
Direct Supervisor: Laboratory Technician
Technical Support: Laboratory Technician, Clinical Officer, Medical Officer
Other: Logistics, finance, and admin staff.

Professional Standards:
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.