Light for the World is a global development organization. We empower people with disabilities and enable eye health services in low-income countries. Over the last three decades we improved health systems, enabled education for all, and amplified the voices of people with disabilities. We focus on the poorest and hardest to reach because that’s where we will have the biggest impact.

Our program include:
•    Eye Health – preventing blindness and promoting eye health for all.
•    Inclusive Education – ensuring children with disabilities receive quality, inclusive education.
•    Inclusive Economic Empowerment – ensuring that barriers are removed for men and women with disabilities to access decent work. 
In Ethiopia, our country strategy for the year 2021-2025 focuses on Eye Health, Inclusive Economic Empowerment, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Inclusive Education and Humanitarian Action. Advocacy and disability inclusion are cross cutting theme.  Currently, Light for the World Ethiopia is supporting projects in Addis Ababa City Administration, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Sidama, and SNNP regions.

Light for the world therefore seeks the services of an experienced and self-driven person to lead this innovative and ambitious project hence the vacancy below.

Job Title: Laboratory Coordinator
Contract length: up to 31 Dec 2025 with the possibility of extension on project fund availability
Location: Adama, Ethiopia
Number of Posts- 1 (One)
Job Purpose
The role holder is responsible for providing a wide range of support to the Onchocerciasis Molecular Laboratory located in the APHRRLC. This will include survey protocol development, coordination of surveys, forecast laboratory supplies, and provide molecular laboratory tests using serological, parasitological and entomological samples which will be collected from various areas of Ethiopia. Hè/she is also responsible to support the national onchocerciasis elimination program, Onchocerciasis Molecular Laboratory has been established in the premises of Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Center (APHRRLC) in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. work closely in collaboration with the MOH, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, APHRRLC, Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs) and other implementing partners in need of collaboration and support.  

Key Roles and responsibilities:

•    Oversee day to day activities of the Onchocerciasis Molecular Laboratory and supervise the two Laboratory Technologists. 
•    Ensure prompt communication among MOH, regional health bureas/RHB/, EPHI and LFTW towards the national onchocerciasis elimination program.
•    Plan and manage laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure operational sustainability of the molecular Laboratory.
•    Analyze dried blood spot (DBS) and blackfly samples using standard operating procedure (SOP) of the techniques of ELISA and PCR to detect Onchocerca volvulus DNA.
•    Evaluate and interpret laboratory test results to determine the prevalence of infection in blackflies and human populations.
•    Store DBS and black fly samples at the specified conditions (temperature and space) needed to maintain the samples. 
•    Keep track records of comprehensive documentation of samples, laboratory results and other activities.
•    Implement and perform each laboratory test according to the laboratory’s SOP to ensure quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC).
•    Prepare and submit timely reports on monthly, bi-monthly, and annually to the Head of APHRRLC and LFTW.
•    Be a Liaison person of the Adama Onchocerciasis Molecular Laboratory and stakeholders of the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program (MOH, RHB, EPHI, LFTW, APHRRLC and other implementing partners)
•    Prepare inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents on quarterly basis and make prompt report before shortage of supplies and reagents. 
•    Perform laboratory tests in/on a clean and safe working environment based on the workflow.
•    Implement SOPs in the laboratory with proficiency to ensure quality standards.
•    Ensure quality assurance through adherence to internal SOP. 
•    Monitor temperatures of the working environment and equipment.
•    Keep and comply with organization data protection and confidentiality.
•    Adhere laboratory policies and procedures including use of protectives, safety and reporting. 
•    Ensure adherence and monitor safe handling and biosafety compliance for all lab staff in the collection, preparation, processing and disposal of infectious biological samples and other infectious agents and diagnostic testing.
•    Prepare entomological and epidemiological surveys proposals and coordinate field surveys related to onchocerciasis monitoring and evaluation activities when needed.
•    Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisors

Job Requirements

Skills, Educational requirement and experience: 
BSC/MSC in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Science, Molecular biology or related biological sciences or health-related discipline with 3/1-year experience respectively in molecular laboratory, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Molecular laboratory experience on onchocerciasis and other vector-borne infectious diseases is more desirable.
Skills & Abilities
•    Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Outlook, Power Point, Excel etc.).
•    Ability to multi-tasking.
•    Ability to work well with others.
•    Self‐disciplined and ability to work independently.
•    Attention to details and accuracy.
•    high teamwork abilities.
•    commitment to ethical standards.
•    laboratory safety measures/adherence to protocols.
•    Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal skills. 
•    good computer applications skills.
•    Travel to project areas when required.
•    Interest to abide by Light for the world’s values- Together, with Respect, Accountability, Inclusion & Learning

How To Apply

Please send non-returnable CV and a cover letter mentioning how your experiences match with the job advertisement until August 06,2025. Please mention your expected salary in your application letter and include 3 professional references into your CV. Applications should be sent to THIS LINK
Note: We only accept applications from qualified persons.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for assessment. People with Disabilities and Female candidates are highly encouraged to Apply
More information about Light for the World can be found on light-for-the-world.org