About the Organization
Médecins Sans Frontières – Belgium (MSF-Belgium) is an internationally recognized humanitarian medical organization dedicated to providing life-saving medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare services. The organization operates in many countries around the world and is known for delivering emergency medical aid where it is needed most.
MSF works independently and neutrally, focusing on providing quality healthcare to vulnerable populations regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. Its teams consist of medical professionals, logisticians, technicians, and support staff who work together to strengthen health systems and provide essential services in underserved communities.
In Ethiopia, MSF runs several health and emergency programs aimed at addressing malnutrition, infectious diseases, maternal health challenges, and emergency health situations. These programs provide critical support to public health facilities and ensure communities receive the care they urgently need.
Joining MSF offers professionals the opportunity to work in a highly respected humanitarian organization that values ethics, compassion, and professionalism. Employees are given the chance to develop their technical skills while contributing to meaningful humanitarian impact.
MSF is strongly committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Women and individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply and contribute to the organization’s mission of improving access to healthcare services.
Job Description
MSF-Belgium is currently seeking a qualified Laboratory Supervisor to support its Afar Project. The position plays an essential role in ensuring reliable laboratory services that support clinical decision-making and patient care.
The Laboratory Supervisor will oversee daily laboratory operations and ensure that laboratory services are conducted accurately and efficiently. This role includes supervising staff, managing equipment calibration, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring compliance with MSF medical protocols.
The successful candidate will coordinate laboratory activities with medical teams to ensure accurate diagnostic services. The position requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage laboratory operations in a challenging and fast-paced humanitarian environment.
This role contributes directly to improving the quality of patient care by ensuring reliable diagnostic testing. The laboratory services provided through this position support clinical management, disease surveillance, and emergency health responses.
The position also involves mentoring laboratory staff and strengthening laboratory systems to ensure sustainable service delivery within supported healthcare facilities.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology from a recognized institution.
Candidates must also possess a valid professional license issued by an authorized government body, demonstrating that they are legally eligible to practice laboratory services.
Strong academic preparation in diagnostic testing, laboratory management, and medical analysis is required to successfully perform the responsibilities of this role.
Work Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience working in laboratory services.
Among this experience, at least two years must include demonstrated experience in a supervisory role within a laboratory setting.
Experience working in clinical laboratories supported by non-governmental organizations or humanitarian agencies is considered an advantage.
Candidates with experience in hospital laboratories, emergency health programs, or large public health facilities will be particularly competitive.
Required Skills and Competencies
The Laboratory Supervisor must demonstrate strong technical knowledge and leadership abilities to ensure efficient laboratory service delivery.
Important competencies include the ability to manage laboratory operations while maintaining strict adherence to medical protocols and safety procedures.
Key skills and competencies include:
- Strong understanding of laboratory diagnostics including serology, hematology, bacteriology, parasitology, and biochemistry
- Ability to supervise laboratory staff and support their professional development
- Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control systems
- Experience managing laboratory supplies, equipment, and cold chain systems
- Strong computer literacy, especially with Microsoft 365 applications
- Ability to work under pressure in emergency or high-demand environments
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality results
- Flexibility and adaptability in humanitarian field settings
The role requires a professional who is committed to humanitarian values and able to work effectively in multicultural teams.
Job Location
The position is based in the Afar Region of Ethiopia.
The selected candidate will work closely with MSF medical teams and local health facility staff, including the Deputy General Hospital laboratory teams.
Working in this region provides professionals with the opportunity to directly contribute to strengthening healthcare services in underserved communities.
Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time position offered under a fixed-term contract.
The starting monthly gross salary for this role is 1,009 USD, in accordance with MSF salary policies.
Additional benefits will be provided based on MSF organizational policies and employment conditions.
Working with MSF offers significant professional growth opportunities. Employees gain valuable experience in humanitarian health programs, emergency response, and international medical operations.
Staff members are also exposed to diverse professional environments that strengthen leadership skills, technical expertise, and collaborative practice.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates must submit their application through the official MSF online application form.
Applicants should complete the application using the following link:
https://forms.office.com/e/Xyvnugcv4b
Candidates are encouraged to carefully complete the application form and ensure that all required information is provided.
Applicants do not need to submit scanned certificates or additional attachments at this stage of the recruitment process.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and only applications submitted through the official application form will be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Shortlisted applicants will first be invited to participate in a technical test designed to evaluate their professional knowledge and competencies.
Candidates who successfully pass the technical test will then be invited for an interview.
Reference checks and verification of professional history will also be conducted as part of MSF’s safe recruitment procedures.
MSF maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power. All employees are expected to follow the organization’s ethical standards and behavioral commitments.
MSF strongly encourages qualified female applicants and candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and contribute to building an inclusive and respectful workplace.
The application deadline is March 10, 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their applications before the closing date to ensure consideration.