Field Officer-Laboratory

ABOUT THE STRUCTURE…

Solidarités International (SI) is an International NGO working with vulnerable populations, mainly victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters. Specialized for nearly 40 years in the coverage of vital needs, S.I. takes charge of emergency and reconstruction programs.

With respect for cultures and close to the people, Solidarités International implements its programs by combining its skills with those of its employees and local managers.

Solidarités International's teams, made up of around 270 expatriates and nearly 2200 local employees, are today present in 18 countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Caribbean where they are particularly committed to fighting diseases related to unsafe water but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods.

ABOUT THE JOB

General objective:

Under the direct supervision of the services team leader, the Laboratory officer plans, implements, monitors, and reports on water and wastewater quality analysis of SI programs, ensuring that Solidarités International technical recommendations and procedures are followed. The incumbent will be based in North or Akkar.

The main challenges:

• Understanding the organization’s processes and procedures and learning about the services offered to beneficiaries.
• Autonomy of the position at both office and field levels
• Coordination with external laboratories and external partners

Priorities for the 2/3 first months:

• Participate in ensuring that program tools are up to date.
• Refine the sampling and analysis protocol to be adapted in the context.

Responsibilities and main activities:

List of main responsibilities:

Water and wastewater quality analysis

• Implement the water and wastewater analysis/sampling according to the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP)
• Plan and organize field visits to take samples of water and wastewater on-site according to the approved methodologies.
• Add, monitor, and adjust bio additive products to existing septic tanks based on the wastewater test results.
• Collaborate with the services team leader in to share the data of water quality to the beneficiaries over WhatsApp Bot or any available tools.
• Fill the analysis results sheets and contribute to providing an analysis of the result under the supervision of the services team leader:
• Identify problems during implementation and suggest improvements on processes and organize training for staff collecting samples if needed.
• Plan and request from concerned departments tools and materials needed for sample analysis (lab material, equipment, etc…) upon validation of services team leader.
• Plan for sending water and wastewater samples to external labs after identifying which labs can test the required parameters.
• Monitor and update the stock of the lab and request replenishment of supplies, tools, and equipment in collaboration with his/her Line Manager ahead of time.
• Ensure that the materials and tools are stored in an appropriate place and manner.
• Ensure the maintenance and the proper operating of all SI material related to water and wastewater analysis.
• Manage the stock of chemicals & materials under the supervision of his/her direct line manager.
• Enforce safety procedures and follow the health and safety guidelines of each analysis procedure or material (chemicals) in use (i.e., Material safety data sheet “MSDS”)
• Ensure the safety of the lab equipment, tools, and material, against any unauthorized access or use.

Reporting / communication / representation

• Report to the MEAL department any request for referral/complaints from beneficiaries and/or stakeholders at the field level.
• Draw up and submit a monthly task/achievements report to his/her services team leader.
• Work in close collaboration with the MEAL and IM departments to ensure that water and wastewater quality data is successfully integrated into the M&E tools.
• Coordinate with field representatives in accordance with management guidelines.
• Maintain in depth knowledge and attend relevant trainings to improve her/his laboratory skills on continuous basis.
• Report any defects (caused by tear and wear, or incidents) immediately to her/his line manager.
• Report any hazardous spill immediately to the Logistics Department (operation manager) and to the staff that might be exposed to the spill and take necessary actions for removal asap.

The list above is not strictly definitive; an employee working within the framework of these tasks may carry out other tasks if asked to do so by his/her line manager.

The Field Officer-Laboratory should be able to drive SI cars and respecting the driving policies set by the logistic department.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART POSITION

• Line report(s) on base: Services team leader
• Line report(s) on base:  Laboratory field worker (if any)
• Functional manager:  Services team leader
• Functional report(s):  -

YOUR PROFILE

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in laboratory science and/or Chemistry and/or Engineering, or similar field is desirable; it can be balanced by experience.
• Minimum 1-year experience in a similar position, for INGO/NGO sector
• Knowledge of water and wastewater sampling/analysis methodologies
• Knowledge of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programming, including technical standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Familiarity with the Lebanese context, including the political, social, and economic landscape.

Transferable skills

• Good prioritization and organization skills.
• Strong communication, and interpersonal, skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Proactivity, flexibility, pragmatism, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Capacity to work under pressure, solve problems, and decide quickly on contingency actions.
• Good analytical and writing/editing skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including community members, suppliers, and other NGOs.

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post:  1325 USD

Vacation: 1.5 days/month
Social and medical coverage