Laboratory Technologist 23 views0 applications

Overview

The Pharo Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a pioneering, mission-driven organization working to build a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Founded and fully funded by Pharo Management, an emerging markets hedge fund, the Foundation represents a new model of philanthro capitalism: a private endowment using its own capital to design, fund, and operate development programmes with private-sector discipline and long-term commitment.

Over the next decade, the Foundation’s ambition is to deliver lasting impact across three interdependent missions:

1. Empowering the next generation through affordable, high-quality education.
2. Solving water scarcity by building and operating sustainable water infrastructure.
3. Driving economic productivity by unlocking jobs, investment, and innovation through both non-profit and for-profit ventures.

Pharo Ventures, which is the Foundation’s for profit- arm, is building commercially sustainable businesses across East Africa to create thousands of jobs and generate inclusive economic growth. We complement the development work above by running for-profit ventures with our current interest being in agri-business and healthcare sectors.

Pharo Health

Pharo Health is establishing a portfolio of companies under the Pharo Ventures Group, to drive its healthcare strategy across the region. We intend to transform the healthcare landscape in the Horn of Africa region by providing access to a network of premium diagnostic centers. Pharo Health Somaliland will be a portfolio company of Pharo Ventures Group.

The first healthcare venture in the portfolio is currently being established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Building on this foundation, the organization is now launching a flagship diagnostic and healthcare services business in Somaliland, with ambitions to expand nationally and across the wider region.

The Somaliland business will operate as part of a growing regional healthcare network, benefiting from cross-border collaboration, shared expertise, and operational synergies.

1. Position summary

The Laboratory Technologist performs accurate and timely diagnostic laboratory tests to support patient care, disease prevention, and clinical decision-making. The role requires strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance systems, and biosafety regulations. As a senior member of the technical team, the Technologist contributes to laboratory efficiency, ensures the reliability of results, and provides essential mentorship and supervision to junior staff and interns.

1. Key Relationships

Position Title: Laboratory Technologist

Location: Hargeisa, Somaliland

Reports To: Laboratory Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Diagnostic Testing and Analysis

• Perform routine and specialized diagnostic tests in departments including Hematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology, and Serology.
• Strictly follow approved SOPs, testing algorithms, and laboratory protocols to maintain high standards of consistency and accuracy.
• Validate test procedures and manage workflow to ensure samples are processed within established Turnaround Times (TAT).
• Review results to identify abnormal or critical values and promptly escalate them to the Laboratory Team Coordinator or the relevant clinician.

B. Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate complex laboratory instruments and automated analyzers (e.g., Automated Chemistry and Hematology systems) in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
• Perform and document routine maintenance, daily calibrations, and function checks.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate corrective actions with supervisors or external technical support.
• Manage the inventory of reagents and consumables, ensuring proper storage (e.g., cold chain management) and handling.

C. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

• Implement and monitor daily Internal Quality Control (IQC) procedures for all test parameters.
• Actively participate in External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Proficiency Testing (PT) programs.
• Investigate deviations from quality standards and implement corrective or preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory reliability and accreditation readiness.

D. Data Recording, Analysis, and Reporting

• Accurately record and verify test findings in laboratory registers and the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Analyze test results for clinical relevance and validity before final release.
• Maintain clear, traceable, and complete documentation in compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Generate timely reports for clinicians and stakeholders to facilitate urgent patient management.

E. Biosafety and Infection Prevention

• Maintain 100% compliance with biosafety, infection prevention, and medical waste management protocols.
• Ensure the safe handling, transport, and disposal of biological specimens and hazardous chemicals.
• Conduct laboratory safety audits and participate in emergency preparedness activities.
• Identify environmental risks and report incidents or “near misses” to the Lab Manager.

F. Supervision, Mentorship, and Team Support

• Supervise junior laboratory technicians and interns during routine duties and practical training sessions.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and technical guidance to improve the overall competence of the lab team.
• Support the Lab Manager in performance monitoring and skills development for staff.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, ethical practice, and professional integrity.

G. Customer Service

• Maintain high standards of professionalism and patient confidentiality (HIPAA/Data Protection) at all times.

Collaborate with the front desk and clinical teams to resolve patient inquiries or specimen-related issues promptly

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Laboratory Technology or a related field from a recognized institution.

Experience:

• 5–7 years of post-qualification experience in a busy clinical laboratory environment.
• Proven experience operating automated analyzers and implementing QC systems.

Licensing:

• Must hold a valid and current license to practice from the relevant national/regional professional regulatory body.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and automated diagnostic platforms.
• Proficiency in laboratory mathematics and statistical analysis for QC.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and basic Microsoft Office Suite.

1. Core Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: High level of precision in manual tasks and data entry.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex data and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting and mentorship.
• Ethics: Unwavering commitment to patient confidentiality and professional ethics.