Laboratory Technologist

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
Partners in Health (PIH) is a non-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through service delivery, training, advocacy and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH has programs in Haiti, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kazakhstan and Boston.

PIH began working in Malawi in 2007, where today we support the Ministry of Health (MOH) to serve a catchment area of 165,000 through 12 health centers and two hospitals in partnership with our sister organizations. Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (APZU) has its headquarters in Neno District with operations across the country.

We therefore seek to recruit suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions;

Position: Laboratory Technologist
Department: Clinical Department
Reports to: Secondary Care Director
Second Line Reporting : Chief Medical Officer
Commitment: Full Time (Monday-Friday)
Working Hours: Regular Office Hours (40Hrs/Week)
Location: Neno

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory Technologist will support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered laboratory services in Neno District. This role will work closely with the Ministry of Health staff, APZU clinical teams, and partners to decentralize and strengthen laboratory services.

The position will provide direct clinical care, mentorship, and assist in quality improvement efforts, routine data collection and use, and implementation of key strategies aligned with the National policies, PIH/APZU strategic priorities, and HSSP III reforms.

The role will require regular travel within Neno Health facilities for mentorship of MOH Laboratory staff and engagement with other stakeholders in the district.

The position reports directly to the Secondary Care Director with secondary reporting to the Chief Medical Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Provide direct laboratory services in accordance with Ministry of Health (MoH) and Partners In Health (PIH) protocols and guidelines.
• Mentor and support laboratory staff at the district hospital and all affiliated health facilities within Neno District.
• Ensure proper functioning and calibration of laboratory equipment, using internal quality controls and following standard operating procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment through regular servicing, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs as needed
• Collaborate with scientific stakeholders, including universities, the Bureau of Standards, and other professional groups, to enhance laboratory practices and standards.
• Support the training and supervision of students and interns undertaking professional laboratory attachments.
• Accurately record and manage laboratory data in appropriate registers and digital systems, and perform routine laboratory analyses as required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise direct reports and lead performance management including work planning, coaching, and evaluations.
• Identify capacity gaps and support staff development, training, and cross-team collaboration.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.
• Manage program logistical implementation schedules, ensure support, and troubleshoot challenges in collaboration with clinical and operations teams.
• Liaise with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of laboratory supplies and equipment.
• Oversee facility readiness, cleanliness, infection prevention and control (IPC), and client safety standards.
• Oversee laboratory service decentralization secondary care to primary care facilities.
• Champion laboratory accreditation efforts for Neno district and Lisungwi hospital laboratories.
• Collaborate with M and E, MEQ, and clinical teams to collect, analyze, and use data for decision-making and reporting.
• Lead or contribute to operational research, Ql projects, abstracts, presentations, and publications.
• Organize and participate in data review meetings and quality assessments across sites.
• Contribute to the development of program budgets and track expenditures in line with project work plans and grant conditions.
• Support grant reporting by providing timely program data and activity updates.
• Participate in donor visits and proposal development where required.
• Maintain strong relationships with facility in-charges, laboratory teams, DHMT, and district coordinators for joint planning and supervision.
• Support vertical and horizontal integration of programs within facilities and with the community.
• Represent the program in relevant technical working groups and district coordination forums.

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES, ATTRIBUTES, AND BEHAVIORS

• Program Implementation and Coordination: Strong ability to manage daily execution of programs across multiple sites.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of laboratory service delivery.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses routine data to identify gaps, monitor performance, and inform program improvements.
• Mentorship and Capacity Building: Passion for developing others through coaching, on-the-job training, and support.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory service public management, health programming, and Malawi’s national laboratory policies.
• Proven experience with data-driven program management, monitoring and evaluation, and Ql methods.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Builds trust, collaborates across departments, and fosters mutual accountability.
• Flexibility and Resilience: Remains composed and productive in dynamic, rural, or resource-limited environments.
• Service Orientation: Prioritizes client needs and ensures dignity and equity in all service delivery.
• Integrity and Accountability: Upholds ethical standards, confidentiality, and organizational values
• Execution and Follow-through: Delivers on plans, monitors results, and adapts where needed to stay on track.
• Problem Solving: Approaches challenges methodically and proactively
• Communication skills: Clearly communicates goals, expectations, and feedback to teams and stakeholders.
• Supportive
• Supervision: Leads by example, building a motivated and effective team
• Passionate about health equity, rural health, and serving vulnerable populations.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and adapt to changing program needs.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
• At least 5 years of clinical laboratory experience or as a Laboratory Manager in a busy hospital.
• Registered with the Medical Council of Malawi and in good standing.
• Experience in mentorship, clinical training, or quality improvement is an asset.
• Familiarity with DHIS2, EMR systems.
• Willing to be based in a rural district and travel regularly to facilities and communities.
• Flexibility to support weekend or after-hours activities as needed for program success.
• Fluent in English and Chichewa

BENEFITS AND REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidates commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Qualified and interested persons should apply strictly to the email address below, enclosing their cover letter; copies of relevant certificates and Curriculum Vitae indicating three names of traceable referees with valid telephone numbers and email addresses not later than 5th January 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Email: apzurecruitment@pih.org

with the title of the position indicated on the subject of the email addressing;

The Director of Human Resources and Administration
Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (PIH/APZU)
P.O. Box 56
NENO