WE, PROFESSIONALS DOING GOOD, ARE SEARCHING FOR A FOOD MICROBIOLOGIST/LAB TECHNICIAN ON BEHALF OF A WATER NGO IN CAMBODIA.

Key Requirements

Minimum 3 months
Minimum Bachelor’s degree
Seniority: two – three years’ experience
Start Dates: Round the year position
Reporting to: Technical Advisor

JOB BRIEF

Develop and implement new analytical tests putting in place the necessary procedures and practices to ensure sound, reliable results
Train laboratory staff members to effectively execute new tests in compliance with standard methods
Contribute to the continuous improvement of current laboratory practices

RESPONSIBILITIES
Review current analysis methods according to standard procedures. Revise current laboratory manual policies and procedures as necessary.
Develop and introduce specific procedures, instructions and tools related to the new pathogen and quality indicator bacterial tests to be executed by the WFC laboratory.
Further develop the quality control plan and good laboratory practices in the WFC lab.
Train technicians and other staff members in new procedures, including sampling requirements, performing analysis, and interpreting and reporting results.
Introduce systems for consolidating results and producing technical reports
Develop materials and guidance for the lab to use when providing information to clients on sampling, appropriate tests, interpreting results and suggesting possible remedial measures.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in food technology or microbiology
Two to three years’ experience executing analytical tests in a food laboratory environment
Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory best practices
Excellent written and spoken English
Demonstrable experience in training others
Track record in developing and introducing new laboratory systems and processes

Personal qualities and attitudes to be successful in the project

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail: As with any laboratory, WFC strives to provide sound, reliable results to its clients. A keen eye for detail will help us identify the priority areas where we can make improvements and ensure we continue to provide accurate, reliable and timely results.
Flexible and proactive approach: The lab is small and microbiological testing is limited to basic parameters and represents only a small proportion of its current testing. We need to someone who is adaptive and can use their initiative to work with the resources available in the lab to find solutions that are appropriate and feasible in the context.
Work well independently and as part of a team: It will be important to work with other team members to develop and put in place new systems and processes. At the same time, you will have space to work independently and to propose new work practices and areas for improvement.
What difference will you be able to make by the end of the project (outcomes)

In terms of work related deliverables, we expect that at the end of the placement to have achieved the following:

the successful implementation of a range of new analytical tests for food delivered to a standard that produces sound, reliable results for our clients
to have trained laboratory staff able to effectively execute tests according to standard procedures
to have improved the quality control measures in the WFC lab
to have engaged in positive communication with our customers about the new services on offer
As for you, we will work together to

achieve your personal goals for this project, be these work-related experiences, new skills, discovering Siem Reap, the temples and Cambodia.
We understand that your time in Cambodia is as much about your goals as it is about ours.
Benefits

You will be able to experience

Working in a laboratory that is moving towards a new phase of development and shaping the vision for its expansion
the challenges of working in a laboratory environment in a developing country;
the satisfaction of contributing to an organization that positively affects the lives of local people and communities;
and doing all that in a pleasant and fun atmosphere with a team that is really looking forward to your stay here!
Other benefits provided for free by the hosted organization during your staying

Usage of office desk with WiFi
Usage of office computer or laptop
Usage of bycicle

The hosting organization- who we are and what we do

This professional volunteer project will place you with a Cambodian Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)
The hosting organization is one of the only water testing laboratories based in Siem Reap. The organization was established in 2002 in response to a local hospital’s urgent request to help the hundreds of children coming in to be treated for preventable waterborne diseases, the organization was set up.
Since 2006, the hosting organization has been building and installing biosand water filters in rural communities in and around Siem Reap. These filters are household units that produce clean water directly from contaminated sources. The water quality testing laboratory was set up in 2007/2008 to help us monitor the effectiveness of our biosand filters, and identify areas where training in installation, use and maintenance must be strengthened. The lab also offers commercial testing locally which helps support the operation.
As part of its holistic approach, hosting organization also runs literacy and education programmes that are offered mainly to village women who never had the opportunity to learn to read, write or do simple maths. Classes include education in health, hygiene and sanitation.

Working environment: what it’s going to be like professionally volunteer with us

You will work five days a week, office hours, and report to the Technical Advisor. The small laboratory is presently based within the Water for Cambodia offices and is staffed by one technician.
The laboratory presently conducts water quality testing for its community development projects and commercially for private individuals, hotels and other businesses in the leisure industry in Siem Reap. There has been demand from commercial clients for food safety and environmental testing and in response, the laboratory is now looking to expand its services to offer a wider range of microbiological tests.
Other supportive information required by the hosting organization prior to your arrival. Without it, you will not be allowed on the project

Reference letter from at least one previous employer
Photocopy of qualifications and certificates
Proof of travel and medical insurance
Evidence of financial self-sustainability during the internship
Criminal record check

How to apply:

Send us an updated copy of your CV and accompany letter explaining why you are applying to the volunteering position HERE

In the CV, please remember to include email address and Skype ID
You will be shortly contacted by a Professional doing good representative for an interview via Skype

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Not-for-profit Org Recruiter London 2018