US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (USAMRU-K) / Henry Jackson Foundation for Medical Research International (HJF MRI) ‘The Walter Reed Project’ HIV Program – Kericho Jobs

1.     Counseling Officer / Community Field Worker
2.      Laboratory Technologist
The US Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (USAMRU-K) / Henry Jackson Foundation for Medical Research International (HJF MRI) ‘The Walter Reed Project’ HIV Program – Kericho is seeking to fill the positions listed below.
The HIV Program carry out HIV AIDS vaccine and therapeutic research studies and support HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in southern Rift Valley.
1. Counseling Officer / Community Field Worker
Key Duties and responsibilities
The officer will conduct community outreaches to mobilize the community particularly most at risk populations (MARPs) for purposes of HIV prevention. He / she will conduct training for health workers and most at risk populations .The officer will provide counseling for the most at risk populations and support all HIV preventions activities and programs. He /she will prepare reports as required and liaise with various governmental and non-governmental partners in planning for HIV prevention outreach activities.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Diploma in Community Development/Public health or Social Work from a recognized institution.
  • At least 3 years working experience with recognized CBO/NGO in relevant community development programs particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention
Additional Requirements:
  • Applicants with Higher Diploma in Psychological Counseling will be given preference.
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting trainings for health workers and the community.
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
  • Being a registered member of the Kenya Counseling Association would be an added advantage
  • Good team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
2. Laboratory Technologist
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties of an officer in this position will include separation, aliquoting and archiving of patient serum / plasma for long term frozen storage. He/she will document and maintain sample processing records and enter the aliquoted and archived sample into a database for easy retrieval.
The officer will also prepare solutions, reagents and stains in accordance with standard laboratory formulas and procedures. He/she will be expected to operate basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuge, analytical balance
and pH meter. The officer will maintain and make minor adjustments to equipments e.g. calibration and alignment.
The officer may also be called upon to collect blood and other samples from patients. He/she will record and compile daily readings on all temperature controlled laboratory equipments and areas and maintain laboratory freezers and fridges. He/she will be expected to comply with all relevant safety and infection control policies and procedures and ensures tidiness of laboratory rooms and benches.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Higher Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Minimum two years working experience in a busy medical laboratory.
  • Excellent knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
Additional Requirements:
  • Knowledge and experience in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cell (PBMC) separation and storage.
  • Registration with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board.
  • Good knowledge of HIV / AIDS and previous experience in research.
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Ability to carry out duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision.
Applicants should submit their application letters, CVs, testimonials, copies of certificates and day time telephone contact(s) no later than June 18, 2010 to:
The Human Resources Manager
“The Walter Reed Project” USAMRU-K/HJF MRI
P.O. Box 1357 – 20200; Hospital Road; Kericho, Kenya
Only short listed candidates will be contacted