CON 2026 025 | Laboratory Assistant

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Laboratory Technologist and the overall supervision of the Chief Migration Health Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for the technical and administrative support to laboratory services with respect to Migration Health Assessments (HAP) and other programmes implemented by the IOM Migration Health Division in country Manila, Philippines.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

International Organization for Migration - Manila Health Centre Laboratory

Responsibilities

The Consultant will provide technical support to laboratory service delivery and contribute to quality assurance and process improvement initiatives. Specifically, the Consultant will deliver the following:

• Provide technical support to laboratory operations resulting in the accurate and timely processing of assigned specimens (e.g., blood, urine, sputum), in accordance with established SOPs and quality standards.
• Ensure proper preparation and availability of reagents and media to support uninterrupted laboratory services.
• Support adherence to laboratory quality assurance standards and biosafety protocols through consistent application of SOPs.
• Identify gaps or deviations in quality or safety practices and contribute to corrective actions.
• Contribute to improving laboratory workflow efficiency by supporting the processing of laboratory request forms and coordination of client scheduling.
• Provide observations and recommendations to enhance turnaround time and service delivery.
• Support the implementation of laboratory quality control activities and contribute to continuous service improvement initiatives.
• Participate in the review and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as required.
• Monitor the availability and utilization of laboratory consumables and equipment and identify risks to uninterrupted operations.
• Ensure laboratory records related to assigned outputs are properly documented, organized, and maintained in accordance with established systems.
• Provide additional technical inputs or support activities related to laboratory service delivery and quality improvement, as agreed with the supervisor and aligned with the consultancy objectives.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results:

• Timeliness and accuracy of submitted reports
• Compliance with laboratory SOPs and biosafety standards
• Quality and practicality of recommendations for improvement
• Completeness and reliability of documentation and reports
• Monthly timesheet logs and performance checklist

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, Medical Laboratory Technician, or any related field from an accredited academic institution with at least one (1) year of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Relevant experience working as phlebotomist in a tertiary hospital or busy laboratory.
• Experience in sputum collection is an advantage.

Skills

• Valid medical technology license in the Philippines.
• HIV proficient is an advantage.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent venipuncture skill using different collection methods.
• Experienced in using Laboratory Information System.

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English and Tagalog (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies