Laboratory Technologist, Drivers, Transport Manager and Housekeeping Supervisor Jobs in Kenya - The Walter Reed Project

KEMRI / US Army Medical Research Unit - Kenya (USAMRU-K) 'The Walter Reed Project' HIV Program - Kericho is seeking to fill the positions listed below.

The HIV Program carries out HIV AIDS vaccine and therapeutic research studies and supports HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in southern Rift Valley.

1. Laboratory Technologist

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties of an officer in this position will include separation, aliquoting and archiving of patient serum / plasma for long term frozen storage. He/she will document and maintain sample processing records and enter the aliquoted and archived sample into a database for easy retrieval.

The officer will also prepare solutions, reagents and stains in accordance with standard laboratory formulas and procedures. He/she will be expected to operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, analytical balance and pH meter.

The officer will maintain and make minor adjustments to equipments e.g. calibration and alignment. The officer may also be called upon to collect blood and other samples from patients. He/she will record and compile daily readings on all temperature controlled laboratory equipment and areas and maintain laboratory freezers and fridges.

He/she shall comply with all relevant safety and infection control policies and procedures and ensure tidiness of laboratory rooms and benches.

Minimum Requirements:

* Higher Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
* Minimum two years working experience in a busy medical laboratory.
* Excellent knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
* Knowledge and experience in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cell (PBMC) separation and storage, good knowledge of HIV /AIDS and previous experience in research
* Registration with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board.
* Excellent computer skills and ability to work with minimum supervision.

2. Driver
(Two Positions)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

* Drive unit vehicles on official duties.
* Ensure safety of passengers and / or goods and maintain cleanliness of the vehicle.
* Adhere to WRP policies regarding unit vehicles and their use.
* Ensure that all vehicle records are well maintained.
* Report any defects or malfunctioning of the vehicle as soon as possible.
* Report any incident as soon as possible and not later than 48 hours.
* Renew driving license as required by the Traffic Act.
* Ensure that vehicles have valid Insurance Certificates and other relevant documents.
* Perform routine checks on the vehicles and any other duty that may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

* Valid driving license (BCE).
* Form four certificate with at least five years experience as a professional driver.
* Certificate of good conduct.
* Must have good knowledge of the roads and streets of Kenya's big towns and cities.
* Candidates who are over 30 years old will be given preference.
* Basic motor vehicle mechanical skills and knowledge of computer applications.

3. Logistics/Transport Manager

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be the key person managing and coordinating the day to day running of the transport section and all logistics in the organization.

He/she will supervise staff in the transport section and advise on logistics management, structures and staffing levels to ensure that they are at all times adequate to meet the requirements of the organization.

He/she shall also ensure that accurate and complete vehicle data are kept and relevant records maintained, while keeping internal control systems in the transport section optimally functional at all times.

The incumbent will manage all aspects of the unit vehicles e.g. adherence to driving regulations, ensuring validity of insurance certificates, road and inspection licenses among other routine checks.

Minimum Requirements:

* Diploma in Transport Management or equivalent from a recognized institution.
* Applicants with additional training in Fleet Management will be given preference.
* Clean and valid driving license.
* At least ten years working experience in a transport/logistics environment at a senior level; past experience in hospital or medical research set up is preferable
* Good knowledge of transport legislation and insurance matters
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills and excellent computer skills.

4. Housekeeping Supervisor

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

* Oversee housekeeping operations, ensuring that all offices are clean and neat all the time.
* Supervise and participate in all housekeeping activities including setup of facilities for meetings, conferences, events, etc.
* Ensure adequate supply, proper use and safe storage of cleaning materials and equipment
* Submit written reports as and when required to do so
* Liaise with the maintenance team to ensure any faulty equipment is repaired and kept in optimal working condition
* Manage housekeeping section staff - carry out continuous and annual performance appraisal, analyze training needs and plan vacation times to ensure that coverage is provided at all times.

Minimum Requirements:

* Successful completion of form four education and additional training in housekeeping.
* Minimum five years working experience performing similar duties preferably in a busy research or hospital set up
* Ability to communicate fluently in English and Kiswahili and excellent interpersonal skills.

Applicants should submit their application letters, CVs, testimonials, copies of certificates and day time telephone contact(s) no later than April 20, 2011 to:

The Human Resources Manager
"The Walter Reed Project"
P.O. Box 1357 - 20200;
Hospital Road; Kericho, Kenya

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.