Laboratory Supervisor

ABOUT THE STRUCTURE…

Solidarites International 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, Solidarites International implements its programs by combining its skills with those of its employees and local managers.

Solidarites 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 South America 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 supervision of the Program Manager, the Laboratory Supervisor plans, implements, monitors and reports on water and waste water quality analysis of SI programs, ensuring that Solidarités International technical recommendations and procedures are followed.
• S/He will provide full support and training to field officers involved in analysis activities on the field.
• Insure personal flexibility (emergency phase), involvement and respect

The main challenges:

• Research protocol (main component of the position) and capitalization needs for waste water management using a specific product (bio additive product)
• 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 FU tools are up-to-date
• Refine the sampling and analysis protocol to be adapted in the context

Responsibilities and main activities:

Goal / Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Laboratory Supervisor plans, implements, monitors and reports on water and waste water quality analysis of SI programs, ensuring that Solidarités International technical recommendations and procedures are followed.

S/He will provide full support and training to field officers involved in analysis activities on the field.

Insure personal flexibility (emergency phase), involvement and respect

List of main tasks:

Water and wastewater quality analysis:

• Implement the water and wastewater analysis/sampling according to the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP)
• Plan and organise field visits to take samples of water and wastewater on-site according to the approved methodologies
• Add, monitor and adjust bio additive product to existing septic tanks based on the wastewater tests results;
• Collaborate with the Program Manager in defining the strategy of maintaining a satisfying water quality;
• Fill the analysis results sheets and contribute to provide an analysis of the result under the supervision of the program manager.
• Identify problems during implementation and suggest improvements on processes and organize training if needed.
• Plan the weekly activities and have them approved by his/her Project Manager:
  • Plan human resources needs (daily workers, workers...)
  • Plan tool and material need for sample analysis (lab material, equipment, etc…) (request from stock or from logistics department) upon validation of Program Manager
  • Plan for sending water and wastewater samples to external labs after identifying which labs are capable of testing the required parameters
  • anticipate administrative issues (requests in advance)
  • Anticipate logistics issues (transport, communication means...)
• Ensure that the materials and tools are stored in 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 supervisor
• Enforce safety procedures
• Respect schedules and deadlines agreed upon with his/her Program Manager

Reporting / communication / representation

• Report back to his/her line Manager before, any additional information related to WASH related activities or any event that may affect Solidarités International activities and security.
• Report to MEAL department and to his line manager any request for referral/complaints from beneficiaries and/or stakeholder at field level.
• Draw up and submit a weekly task report to his/her program manager
• Work in close collaboration with the MEAL and IM department to ensure that water and wastewater quality data is successfully integrated into the M&E tools.
• Produce a weekly report to managers regarding activities progress and analysis results according to formats
• Coordinate with field representatives in accordance with management guidelines.
• Coordinate with support staff (logistic and administration) and all staff involved on the program.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART POSITION

• Line report(s) on base: Program Manager
• Line report(s) on base:  
• Functional manager:  WASH Coordinator
• Functional report(s):  -

YOUR PROFILE

Specific skills and experience:

Bachelor Degree in Laboratory Science and/or Chemistry and/or Engineering, or similar field is desirable; it can be balanced by experience

At least 2-year experience in a similar position, for INGO/NGO sector

Experience with major humanitarian donors and donor compliance rules

Knowledge and technical skills

Water and wastewater sampling/analysis methodologies

Advanced knowledge of delivering WASH services in emergency context is mandatory

Advanced knowledge of project cycle management, humanitarian world, and emergency donors

Good and proven writing and spoken English are required.

Proficiency with the standard MS Office package compulsory (Word, Excel -large data management capacity is a must, Outlook).

Excellent in reading, writing and speaking both Arabic and English

French is a plus

Soft skills

Excellent prioritization and organization skills to work independently

Ability to work under pressure and to handle multiple tasks at the same time

Work accurately with close attention to details

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

Excellent interpersonal, analytical, communications and diplomatic skills

Diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, negotiation skills.

Motivation and commitment to humanitarian work and values

Language:

ARABIC LANGUAGE: Fluent

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Good

FRENCH LANGUAGE: None

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post: 1,615 USD – Basic salary

Vacation: 1.5 Paid Leaves/month

Social and medical cover