- Position Title: Laboratory Technician
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Location: Dagahaley Refugee Camp, Garissa County, Kenya
- Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract (12 Months – renewable based on performance; initial 3 months probation)
- Start Date: ASAP
- Application Deadline: 14th January 2026
- Category/Department: Medical / Laboratory Services / Humanitarian Operations
- Salary Expectation: Estimated KSh 90,000–140,000 gross monthly (including applicable hardship and field-related benefits). This estimate is based on prevailing Kenyan market rates for Laboratory Technician roles within humanitarian and NGO medical programmes operating in remote and hardship locations. Actual remuneration is determined by MSF salary scales and local conditions; this estimate is provided strictly for guidance – no legal implication intended.
Introduction
The Laboratory Technician role is a critical frontline position supporting accurate diagnosis and effective patient treatment within a humanitarian healthcare setting. Based at Dagahaley Refugee Camp, this role is essential to ensuring reliable laboratory results that directly inform clinical decisions in a high-demand medical environment.
As a Laboratory Technician, you will perform a wide range of clinical laboratory tests in line with MSF protocols, hygiene standards, and safety procedures. This position is ideal for Kenyan nationals with solid laboratory training, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure while upholding humanitarian principles.
About Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency medical assistance to populations affected by conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF operates globally in challenging environments, guided by principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, while maintaining high clinical and ethical standards.
1. Laboratory Technician (Dagahaley Refugee Camp – 1 Post)
Brief Overview:
The Laboratory Technician will perform clinical laboratory activities according to MSF protocols, security, and hygiene measures to obtain accurate results necessary for determining patient treatment.
Key Responsibilities
- According to medical prescription, preparing and performing clinical exams/tests with appropriate techniques and following MSF protocols and procedures, including taking blood, vaginal and urethral samples.
- Centrifuging blood and urine samples.
- Performing laboratory exams (serology, hematology, biochemistry, bacteriology or parasitological, according to context of the mission).
- Ensuring proper reporting and registration of sample results to maintain written records and ensure confidentiality.
- Managing, organizing, and maintaining laboratory materials and equipment efficiently.
- Performing cleaning and minor maintenance of biomedical equipment, following user manuals and protocols, and alerting the supervisor in case of malfunction.
- Applying hygiene and safety protocols, including daily cleaning, sterilization, and washing of general glassware after procedures.
- Ensuring proper sample waste disposal according to MSF protocols and highest safety standards.
- Supplying orders, managing stock, following up on storage conditions, and maintaining inventory.
- Keeping laboratory data collection systems organized and ensuring accurate recording of all generated information.
- Reporting relevant laboratory activity information to the line manager, including loss, robbery, or damage of laboratory equipment or medicines.
- Respecting universal hygiene standards and disposal guidelines at all times.
- Applying personal protective measures while working in the laboratory, including use of MSF-recommended scrubs and protective clothing.
- Disinfecting working benches and tables before and after work according to MSF protocols.
- Ensuring proper and optimal waste segregation to reduce accidents and enhance safety.
- Placing weekly or monthly orders for reagents and materials based on consumption, with support from the supervisor.
- Charting refrigerator temperatures morning and evening and monitoring the cold chain.
- Keeping records of all investigations conducted, including patient details, diagnosis, requester, and results.
- Performing tests as per SOPs and within specified turnaround times.
- Preparing blood and blood products for transfusion, prioritizing emergency cases in consultation with the supervisor or line manager.
- Ensuring timely dispatch of results to relevant departments and units.
- Preparing, staining, and examining TB smears, peripheral blood films, Gram staining, and Indian ink staining.
- Reporting problems and relevant patient service information to the supervisor in a timely manner.
- Performing internal and external quality controls as scheduled in SOPs and MSF guidelines.
- Facilitating referral of samples to external laboratories in coordination with the laboratory supervisor or line manager.
- Conducting pre- and post-counseling, grouping, screening, and bleeding of blood donors.
- Performing investigations in departments, units, or wards when required.
- In the absence of the laboratory supervisor, supervising auxiliary laboratory assistants, allocating duties, and conducting training or refresher sessions as needed, while maintaining communication with the line manager.
- Generating daily, weekly, and monthly laboratory activity reports.
- Supporting epidemic surveillance activities.
- Working irregular hours when required to support laboratory operations.
Requirements for Appointment / Qualifications
Education
- Essential: Diploma or Degree in Laboratory Technology or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum of 1 year relevant working experience is essential.
Languages
- English is essential.
- Swahili and Somali are desirable.
Knowledge
- Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel, and Internet).
Competencies
- Results orientation
- Teamwork and cooperation
- Behavioral flexibility
- Commitment to MSF principles
- Service orientation
Terms of Service
- Contract Duration: 12 Months (renewable based on performance)
- Initial Probation Period: 3 Months
- Reporting To: Laboratory Supervisor, MSF Dagahaley Project
- Eligibility: Open to Kenyan nationals only
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates must complete their application by 14th January 2026 through the official MSF recruitment portal.
Applicants must attach the following documents:
- Detailed CV (including telephone number, email address, and physical address)
- Short cover letter (maximum ½ page)
- Scan of National ID
- Scan of academic qualifications
Each attachment must be named as follows:
“CV Last name First name 2024” (example: “CV Ahmed Mohamed 2024”, “Bachelors degree Johnson Mary 2024”).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Apply for Laboratory Technician at MSF – Dagahaley Refugee Camp | Deadline 14th January 2026
MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any recruitment or training fees.
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Tags
Laboratory Technician Jobs Kenya,
NGO Healthcare Jobs,
MSF Careers Kenya,
Humanitarian Medical Jobs,
Garissa County Jobs,
Medical Laboratory Jobs,
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