Laboratory Assistant, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Laboratory Assistant, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Organization: WHO - World Health Organization Country: Burkina Faso Ouagadougou Office: WHO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Laboratory Assistant

( 2603852 )

Grade : G7 Contractual Arrangement : Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 12 Months Job Posting : Sep 9, 2026, 2:03:13 PM

Formation / Diplômes

The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), within the DPC cluster, supports Member States in achieving the elimination of priority neglected tropical diseases through integrated, evidence-basedand people-centredapproaches. The programme focuses on generating strategic information, strengthening laboratory capacity, and supporting countries in decision-making processes required to stop mass drug administration and verify elimination.

Responsabilités

Manages the reception, registration and trace ability of incoming epidemiological and entomological samples, ensuring compliance with established standards for collection, preservation, packaging and shipment, and maintaining proper chain-of-custody procedures. Performs pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, including preparation and processing of samples, operation, calibration and basic trouble shooting of laboratory equipment, and provides support to molecular analysis workflows such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays used in onchocerciasis surveillanceContributes to vector processing and identification activities, including the application of cytotaxonomy techniques where applicable, ensuring that all laboratory work is conducted in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).Supports the implementation of quality assurance systems by maintaining laboratory records and log books, verifying quality controls, ensuring adherence to biosafety standards, and contributing to validation and reliability of laboratory resultsMaintains laboratory inventories, including reagents, consumables, equipment and sample repositories, and supports routine laboratory operations such as equipment maintenance and calibration, cold chain monitoring, waste management, and preparation for audits and quality assessments.Collaborates with the ESPEN laboratory team and other WHO units in the interpretation andverification of laboratory outputs, ensuring accuracy and consistency of results shared with Member States.Contributes to countrys upport and capacity-building activities by participating in training, mentorship and technical assistance initiatives aimed at strengthening national laboratory capacities in molecular diagnostics and surveillance.Perform other related duties as required or instructed, including providing support to other areas of work.

Education Essential : Completion of secondary education, supplemented by training in the field of molecular biology. Desirable : University degree in biological sciences/molecular biology and certifications/attestations of training in laboratory quality management systems would be an asset.

Expérience

Essential : 10 yearsof experience in the field of molecular testing using polymerase chainreaction (PCR) test using the pool screening method for blackflies Desirable : Experience in identification of onchocerciasis vectors by cytotaxonomy would be an asset.

The incumbent is required to demonstrate sound technical knowledge of molecular biology laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques used in epidemiological and entomological surveillance. A good understanding of laboratory quality assurance systems, including internal quality control processes, validation procedures and biosafety standards, is essential to ensure the reliability and accuracy of laboratory results.Good hand-eye coordination, especially when using needles and microscopes during collection and preparation of specimens for analysis.Attention to detail and good organizational skillsUnderstanding of electronic and computerized equipment in laboratoriesAble to follow instructions and strictly follow proceduresGood level of computer literacy; the ability to analyze and manage electronic information. WHO Competencies Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Moving forward in a changing environment Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Use of Language Skills Essential : Expert knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of English. Desirable : Working knowledge of any other UN official language.

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the General Services category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at XOF 16,659,000 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework. This vacancy notice may be used to fill other

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