Lab Coordinator, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (Kenya) for IPA

Lab Coordinator, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (Kenya)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Lab Coordinator for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Benefits Project. This position is located in Kakamega, Kenya.

Project Overview

• Project: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Benefits Project
• Reports to: Country Director
• Location: Western Kenya
• Deadline to Apply: Rolling review of applications
• Desired start date: By July 2014, immediately preferred
• Length of commitment: 2-year commitment required

Responsibilities

• Develop and supervise implementation of sample collection and processing systems, ensuring highest quality data and developing SOPs, documentation, and tracking systems.
• Keep senior management appraised of all key developments related to lab activities, providing written reports.
• Directly supervise two Lab Project Associates, provide mentorship, hold regular meetings, and coordinate trainings.
• Oversee sample collection, processing, and microbial analysis of drinking water sources, household stored water, child hands, and toys for enumeration of fecal indicator bacteria using membrane filtration.
• Oversee sample collection, processing, aliquoting, and sample flow of child stool, blood, and urine samples for biomarker measurement of environmental enteropathy and parasite infections (e.g., microscopy of stool, blood centrifugation).
• Coordinate logistical planning for sample collection, processing, flow, and data entry, tracking enrollment, specimen collection, and follow‑up targets.
• Lead the design and participate in the coding of survey instruments used during field sample collection.
• Assist with data management, cleaning, and analysis of all lab and field sample collection data.
• Provide projections and basic oversight of financial accounting related to lab activities.
• Participate in HR oversight process and provide recommendations on all aspects of HR for the Lab team.
• Overall responsibility for inventory and procurement coordination for all lab and field sample collection activities.
• Closely coordinate with Data Management, Data Collection, Logistics, and Procurement personnel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in biology, environmental health, public health, or related field.
• At least two years of laboratory experience, preferably in a field lab in a low‑income country.
• Experience with culture‑based bacterial assays, processing blood and stool samples, and running ELISA assays.
• Experience with Open Data Kit and STATA.
• Experience shipping and tracking samples.
• Excellent management, organizational, quantitative, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible, self‑motivating, and team‑player with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Fluency in English required; Kiswahili proficiency preferred.
• Experience working in a low‑income country, particularly sub‑Saharan Africa, and familiarity with randomized controlled trials.

Application Instructions

1) Complete the J‑PAL/IPA common application. Select the position of interest on the “Submit Application” page. Include two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts. Reference letters may be submitted later if invited for an interview.
2) Only applications submitted through the designated process will be considered. The review is on a rolling basis. Applicants will be considered even if reference letters are not available by the deadline, but they will be required for an interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities.

Disclaimer

The statements above describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the Lab Coordinator . They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend duties to meet organizational needs. Please confirm all details with IPA before submitting sensitive personal information. Contact for questions.

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