Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.
UNDP Turkmenistan was appointed by the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) as the Principal Recipient (PR) for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria TB grant implementation in 2010. As the PR, UNDP is responsible for management and coordination of the implementation of the programme, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and effective and transparent use of the Global Fund resources. Up to date UNDP has implemented TB grants with total budget more than $42 mln. The implementing partners of the grant: Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Interior (MoI), World Health Organization (WHO), National Red Crescent Society (NRCS) and the National TB Programme. In 2025-2027 Turkmenistan implements Transitional TB grant aiming gradual phase-out from the Global Fund support in 2027-2030. In the transitional grant UNDP’s role will be to support MoH and NTP with building national policies and capacities to advance transition to full domestic funding of the TB grant and at the same time to ensure universal access to timely and quality diagnosis and treatment of all forms of TB.

Besides the Global Fund’s TB grant, UNDP country office implements financing agreements funded by MoH aiming at control of infectious diseases (TB, HIV, viral hepatitis, blood-born infections, sexually transmitted infections). Since 2017 UNDP implemented more than $69 mln Government funding for improving control of infectious diseases. The projects funded by the Global Fund and by the MoH are thematically combined and contribute to implementation of the plan for sustainability and transition of the National TB Programme to full domestic funding. The projects include technical assistance, capacity building, introduction of innovations for lab detection of infectious diseases, as well as procurement of quality-assured health products (reagents, commodities, medicines, medical equipment) for the needs of national programmes. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Laboratory Associate will lead on those activities implemented in collaboration with the national and international counterparts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Supply of lab reagents, consumables and equipment for TB and other infectious diseases:

Follow up on proper implementation of diagnostic algorithms in the scope of the project.
To assist national partners with preparation of the annual needs’ estimation for procurement of lab supplies for detection of TB and other infectious diseases (reagents for sputum microscopy, culture investigations, PCR, drug susceptibility testing, reagents for clinical lab tests, various consumables, PPE, lab equipment).
To assist national partners with preparing specifications and quantification for procurement of lab supplies, compare the specifications and quantifications of lab reagents and consumables offered by the suppliers, provide inputs in clarification process.
To assist national partners with preparing distribution lists for the delivered lab supplies; advise on re-distribution of lab supplies between laboratories as a preventive/corrective measure in case of risk of stockout or expiry of lab supplies at some labs.
Monitor implementation and quarterly/annual reporting of national targets on testing, laboratory supply and quality control of laboratory services related to TB.
To assist with preparing quarterly reports on stock of the lab supplies, analyze the reports and warn on potential stock-out or expiring items.
To verify status of the lab equipment and physical count of inventory items provided by the project to laboratories.
Participate in regular (quarterly and annual) monitoring visits to TB and other infectious diseases’ facilities across Turkmenistan for routine supervision and verification purposes.

Infection control, Quality Assurance, maintenance and calibration of lab equipment in TB and other infectious diseases laboratories:

To identify and monitor the needs in maintenance and calibration of the lab equipment supported by UNDP projects.
To support implementation of annual maintenance and calibration plans. The incumbent will be required to accompany engineers conducting various maintenance or calibration services.
To assist national partners with implementing the necessary infection control measures.
Contribute to implementation of the External and Internal Quality Assurance plans.

Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing

To contribute to introduction of innovations for national counterparts, including specialized lab technologies and digital tools;
To contribute to capacity building activities for the national implementing partners as per identified needs through formal training, on-site training, supervisory visits etc;
Contribute to preparation of TORs and provides logistical support with organization of missions/trainings etc;
To follow up recommendations of SNRL, WHO and other experts with regard to strengthening national TB and other infectious diseases’ laboratories.
Provide sound contributions and support to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.

Perform other duties within your functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the health projects.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Development

Human-centered design
- Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the
  problem-solving process.
- Knowledge and understanding of human centred design principles
  and practices.
Knowledge Facilitation
- Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate
  activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas.
- Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

Business Management

Results-based Management
- Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
Working with Evidence and Data.
- Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

2030 Agenda: People

Health
- Sustainable financing for HIV and health.
- Universal Health Coverage.
- Procurement services of health products.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary education is required. Or
A university degree in Biomedical Science or Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or equivalent field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in bacteriological or clinical laboratory performing laboratory testing and related functions.
Working level of usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

Desired Skills:

Experience in lab techniques for detection of TB, HIV, viral hepatitis or STI;
Experience in procurement of laboratory reagents, consumables and equipment, specifically quantification of annual needs and/or developing quantities and specifications for bacteriological or clinical laboratories.
Familiarity or experience with software for lab inventory and reporting.

Languages:

Fluency in Russian and Turkmen is required.
Working knowledge of oral and written English is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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Laboratory Associate [Open to internal and external candidates]