Laboratory Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Laboratory Manager Organisation: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Date advertised: 13 August 2026 Job title: Laboratory Manager Direct reports: Project Medical Referent Location: Lindi Region – Liwale District, Liwale About Médecins Sans Frontières Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. […]
Laboratory Manager
Organisation: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Date advertised: 13 August 2026
Job title: Laboratory Manager
Direct reports: Project Medical Referent
Location: Lindi Region – Liwale District, Liwale
About Médecins Sans Frontières
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare.
MSF provides assistance based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. The organisation is guided by the principles of neutrality and impartiality. These principles must apply to all MSF staff.
Main purpose
Define, implement and monitor all laboratory activities in the project area, including managing relevant staff, according to MSF protocols to ensure the quality of laboratory work.
Key accountabilities
The Laboratory Manager will:
- Participate in defining and updating laboratory activities, including the associated budget.
- Assist in the medical diagnosis and treatment of patients’ diseases and supervise laboratory activities in health facilities.
- Perform quality-control tests and analyses, ensuring compliance with the laboratory’s basic plans.
- Ensure that all tests—including serology, hematology, biochemistry, bacteriology, parasitology and compatibility tests—are performed correctly and according to prescriptions.
- Ensure that hygiene and safety protocols for individual and collective protection are implemented in laboratories. These include required clothing and equipment, hygiene measures and universal precautions.
- Ensure that cleaning personnel are informed about biohazards.
- Ensure proper registration and recordkeeping for all laboratory-related activities, including the correct use of associated management tools such as EpyTryp.
- Prepare and send slides and samples for external quality control.
- Ensure the confidentiality of all patients’ laboratory results at all times, according to the protocols in place.
- In coordination with the project biomedical service, supervise the appropriate use of medical devices under the position’s responsibility to ensure they are always available for use.
- Ensure the correct calibration of automatic instruments and maintain accurate, up-to-date inventories of laboratory materials and equipment.
- Anticipate and communicate future laboratory equipment and material requirements.
- In close coordination with the Human Resources department, plan and supervise processes involving the recruitment, training, performance evaluation, development, and internal and external communication of project laboratory staff.
- Improve staff capabilities and ensure the required staffing levels and knowledge.
- Compile, analyse and report laboratory activities and results to medical staff and the immediate supervisor.
- Provide data on complications, the total number and types of tests conducted, and any problems involving laboratory staff or materials.
- Participate in developing epidemiological reports relating to MSF health services.
MSF section and context-specific accountabilities
The Laboratory Manager will also:
- Co-manage laboratory activities in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health laboratory management team.
- Serve as the focal point for communication and coordination between MSF and the Ministry of Health on laboratory-related matters.
- Oversee and monitor cold-chain management within laboratory services to ensure compliance with the required standards.
- Ensure the availability and implementation of the MSF minimum laboratory package at Liwale District Hospital, Barikiwa Health Facility and Kibutuka Health Facility, in line with the scope of medical services provided.
- Monitor the performance, maintenance and quality control of point-of-care instruments and rapid diagnostic tests at Lilombe and Kimambi dispensaries.
- Ensure that all laboratory documentation is complete, accurate and compliant with MSF and Ministry of Health standards.
- Provide technical support to the Liwale District Hospital laboratory in alignment with ISO 15189 quality-management standards.
- Monitor the consumption of MSF reagents according to the agreed MSF–Ministry of Health procedures.
- Ensure accurate, timely and complete reporting of all laboratory data.
Qualifications and requirements
Education and professional registration
Candidates must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Microbiology, or another closely related laboratory or biomedical science discipline from a recognised institution.
- Current registration and a valid practising licence from the relevant professional regulatory body, where applicable.
Specialisation or training in tropical diseases or other laboratory domains is desirable.
Experience
Candidates should have:
- At least two years of experience as a laboratory technician.
- Previous experience with MSF or another non-governmental organisation, which will be considered an asset.
- Justifiable experience working in developing countries, which would be an added advantage.
Languages
Good spoken and written English and Kiswahili are essential.
Technical knowledge
Essential computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and internet use.
Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:
- People Management and Development
- Commitment to MSF Principles
- Behavioural Flexibility
- Results and Quality Orientation
- Teamwork and Cooperation
Important notes
- Residents of Liwale will be given priority for consideration.
- MSF will not provide support for accommodation or transportation.
- Women and people who identify as members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
- MSF is dedicated to fostering a safe work environment with zero tolerance for any form of abuse.
How to approach this opportunity
Before applying for Laboratory Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), review the requirements carefully, tailor your CV to the role, and follow the instructions shown in the advert.
- For health roles, make your registration, license, clinical experience, and relevant certificates easy to find in your CV.
- Prepare a short application message that mentions the exact job title and why you fit the role.
- Keep your phone and email active after applying so you do not miss interview or assessment updates.
Tailor your CV before applying
For Laboratory Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), align your CV with the location and role context: Tanzania.
Questions to prepare for
Before interviewing for Laboratory Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Tanzania, prepare short answers backed by real examples from your experience.
Tell us about your clinical or patient-care experience and how you keep records accurate.
How do you handle pressure when there are many patients or an emergency?
What steps do you take to maintain infection prevention and patient safety?
Give an example of working with a health team to solve a patient-care challenge.
How would you support a worried or upset patient or patient relative?
What key information do you make sure is recorded after patient care?
View sample application letter Dynamic draft tailored to this job post. Edit it before sending.
Refer to the letter heading above, I am writing to apply for the Laboratory Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) position at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). After reviewing the advertised requirements, I believe my skills, experience, and commitment to professional results make me a strong candidate for this opportunity.
My background has prepared me to contribute effectively in jobs. I can bring relevant experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work responsibly with teams, clients, and organizational priorities. In tailoring this application, I would highlight evidence related to Laboratory Manager Organisation: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Date advertised: 13 August 2026 Job title: Laboratory Manager Direct reports: Project ....
I am especially interested in this role because it gives me an opportunity to apply my strengths, support the organization objectives, and continue growing professionally while delivering reliable results.
I have attached my CV and supporting documents for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications match this position.
Thank you for considering my application.
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