🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ ICAP at Columbia University – 5 Positions

ICAP at Columbia University is recruiting to fill the following positions:
1.) Finance Officer
2.) Central Laboratory Coordinator
3.) Return of Results & Active Linkage to Care Officer
4.) Satellite Laboratory Technologist (x20)
5.) Zonal Laboratory Coordinator (x2)
See job details and how to apply below.
1.) Finance Officer
| Job Title: | Finance Officer |
| Duration of Contract | |
| Location: | Freetown |
| Preferred Start Date: | January, 2026 |
POSITION SUMMARY
ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.
Working under the guidance and direction of the Finance Manager, the Finance Officer will support the Finance Manager in delivering key financial outputs, including expenditure analysis and investigation, monthly field financial reporting, forecast and budgeting
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Assist the Finance Manager in managing the financial transactions by ICAP policies and procedures.
- Posting entries into the accounting system (QuickBooks) daily.
- Monitors and reconciles travel expenses and project expenses to individual advances regularly.
- Ensures that accounting documents are filed on time and proper accounting records are maintained and compatible with standard accounting practice, ICAP and donor guidelines.
- Examines financial documents such as invoices, vouchers, expense reports and other documents such as purchase orders to ensure financial data’s completeness, accuracy, reasonability and validity.
- Post vendor PVs into the accounting system daily.
- Participate in the preparation of financial reports as required.
- Ensure adherence to government, donor, and ICAP requirements.
- Performs other related duties as directed
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in applied accounting or ACCA Part-qualified required.
- Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience with expenditure analysis, financial management, donor reporting and project management.
Desirable
- Demonstrated technical expertise in finance processes.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in financial management, reporting and auditing
- Fluent English oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally.
- Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Computer skills (MS Office)
- Experience working with QuickBooks and ERP accounting systems.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please visit our website at https://icapacity.icap.columbia.edu for application deadlines and submit your application through the online portal prior to the deadline. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply for this position.. Furthermore, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
2.) Central Laboratory Coordinator
| Job Title: | SiLPHIA Central Laboratory Coordinator |
| Duration of Contract | 6 Months |
| Location: | Freetown |
| Preferred Start Date: | January, 2026 |
POSITION SUMMARY
ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.
Reporting to the SiLPHIA Senior Laboratory Advisor, the Central Laboratory Coordinator is responsible for day to day laboratory operations at the SiLPHIA Virology testing laboratory and the Biorepository. The Central Laboratory Coordinator will work closely with the staff stationed at the National Biorepository, Ola During Children Hospital or Makeni Regional Hospital laboratories to ensure that laboratory samples are received from satellite laboratories, processed and stored appropriately and that results for HIV viral load are returned in a timely manner.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Receive samples from the satellite laboratories and log them into the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS)
- Monitor temperatures of ultra-low freezers stationed at the SiLPHIA specimen repository at central laboratory
- Notify ICAP Laboratory Coordinator of sample quality issues, shipment discrepancies or any other issues at the central lab immediately.
- Ensure virtual and actual freezer positions match at all times
- Participate in distribution of weekly QC material to satellite laboratories as well as proficiency testing panels
- Coordinate retrieval and shipment of samples for virology testing or specialized testing.
- Adhere to laboratory health safety practices that strengthen the safety and efficiency of the laboratory equipment
- SiLPHIA Central Laboratory quality management
- Monitor reagent storage conditions and troubleshoot issues with SiLPHIA field test kits
- Perform lot to lot comparisons on all survey rapid test kits
- Participate in retrieval of viral load and HIV DNA PCR results and dissemination to district health facilities
- Coordinate proper disposal of bio-hazard waste
- Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum Degree in Medical Laboratory sciences, Biomedical Sciences or related medical field
- Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences
- Minimum 3 years’ hands-on experience in a busy molecular testing laboratory.
- Experience in HIV-1 RNA and HIV-1 DNA PCR testing. Those with experience working with Roche VL platform will have an added advantage
- Understanding of ISO 15189 and other laboratory guidelines.
Desirable
- Strong analytical skills
- Attention to detail and high accuracy
- Ability to always maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with fluency in English required
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please visit our website at https://icapacity.icap.columbia.edu for application deadlines and submit your application through the online portal prior to the deadline. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply for this position.. Furthermore, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
3.) Return of Results & Active Linkage to Care Officer
| Job Title: | SiLPHIA Return of Results & Active Linkage to Care Officer |
| Duration of Contract | 6 Months |
| Location: | Freetown |
| Preferred Start Date: | January, 2026 |
POSITION SUMMARY
ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.
The SiLPHIA Return of Results/Active Linkage to Care (ROR/ALTC) Officer will be responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations related to return of results to survey participants. The SiLPHIA ROR/ALTC Officer will also be responsible for coordinating the return of results to Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities through existing systems. She/He will be required to work closely with the Work Zone Coordinators and the field team leads to coordinate ROR and ALTC schedules. This position reports to the SiLPHIA Survey Manager with additional oversight from the Senior Laboratory Advisor.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Ensure all fields Biomarker activities are in accordance with SiLPHIA SOPs.
- Track all biomarker tests results that need to be returned in accordance with the approved SiLPHIA research protocol.
- Facilitate the linkage of HIV positive participants to care and treatment services as per the SiLPHIA protocol
- Support MOH and/or partner organizations with communicating to facilities of participants’ preference and obtaining the collected information from those facilities.
- Support health facilities by verifying enrollment in care status of HIV-positive survey participants and follow-up with non-enrolled participants.
- Understand and adhere to the study protocol, relevant SOPs, and other appropriate regulations, procedures and policies.
- Maintain confidentiality of study participants and adhere to principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ethics of human subjects’ research.
- Track results from lab to health facilities.
- Validate referral forms and SMS notifications against results and communicate with respective health care providers.
- Participate in stakeholder meetings at district level.
- Collect results/specimen tracing forms from involved health facilities.
- Provide regular reports and updates on Return of Results, including feedback from MOH, partner organizations and facilities on a weekly basis.
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Formal training in Social Work or Nursing or other clinical discipline
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- Required Technical Experience: Minimum 2 years’ experience with HIV pre/post-test counselling and explanation of laboratory results.
- Familiarity with HTS and ART national M&E tools
- Strong computer skills (MS Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint at minimum; preferred proficiency with statistical Software such as SAS and SPSS).
Desirable
- Ability to provide high quality technical assistance to regional offices.
- Ability to lead and work with a diverse team
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and strong problem-solving skills.
- Flexible to work after normal working hours and on weekends with significant travel outside of duty station.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with fluency in English and Krio is required with familiarity with Sierra Leone context.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please visit our website at https://icapacity.icap.columbia.edu for application deadlines and submit your application through the online portal prior to the deadline. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply for this position.. Furthermore, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
4.) Satellite Laboratory Technologist (x20)
| Job Title: | SiLPHIA Communications & Community Mobilization Coordinator |
| Duration of Contract | 7 Months |
| Location: | Freetown |
| Preferred Start Date: | November, 2025 |
POSITION SUMMARY
ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.
Reporting to the Project Director, the Communications & Community Mobilization Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing all communication and education efforts of the project. The incumbent will support the training of field staff on the survey protocol, procedures, policies, relevant regulations and also ensure that the survey protocol, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other relevant policies and regulations are being followed. The incumbent will lead efforts related to communication, community mobilization, dissemination, and education.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Lead all communications aspects of the SiLPHIA project, including developing IEC and other communications materials, engaging with the media, and developing a media and branding strategy
- Manage community mobilization and follow-up activities of the survey, including protocol/SOP development and implementation, development of IEC materials, and supervision of staff.
- Ensure community mobilization occurs in alignment with the deployment plan
- Participate in the data collection daily monitoring calls
- Ensure community mobilization incidents are reported as appropriate
- In coordination with the project director, adapt training materials and ensure training is conducted as planned
- Assist with recruiting, training and supervision of SilPHIA staff working on community mobilization and related efforts
- Understand and adhere to the protocol, SOPs, and other appropriate regulations, procedures and policies; assist in drafting and revising SOPs and training manuals, as needed
- Design and implement a detailed community mobilization and communications plans for the field teams in collaboration with the project director and technical staff.
- Conduct frequent field visits to ensure communities and stakeholders are being engaged appropriately
- Participate actively in the field monitoring (regular visits of the SiLPHIA survey activities during the data collection)
- Prepare a weekly report of his/her teams’ performance during the data collection period.
- Ensure that SiLPHIA staff under his/her supervision maintain confidentiality of survey participants and adhere to the established branding policy
- Liaise with and respond to media inquiries, including writing and distributing press releases, feature articles, and organizing press conferences in collaboration with ICAP and CDC
- Lead development of kick-off meetings and events
- Participate in the preparation of scientific analyses, abstracts and publications
- Assist with capacity building workshops
- Participate in meetings with the Ministries of Health (MoH), National Public Health Agency (NPHA), CDC and other partners to discuss progress of the project and to address any challenges or issues that arise during conduct of the project
- Perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Candidate must have at least Masters’ degree or higher in public health or mass communication or community development or social sciences or other related field
- Minimum 5 years’ work experience in community mobilization for population-based surveys or research or public health programs, preferably on HIV/AIDS or sexual and reproductive health
- Minimum 3 years’ supervising a multidisciplinary team of at least 10 staff in similar survey settings
- Strong computer skills (MS Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint at minimum; preferred proficiency with statistical Software such as SAS and SPSS)
Desirable
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with fluency in English required
- Ability to provide high quality technical assistance and lead and work with a diverse team
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to interact well with all communities by facilitating a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory, and non-stigmatizing environment, to welcome all participants and stakeholders regardless of their background
- Ability to work under pressure, demonstrate creativity and adaptability in developing new ideas to solve problems
- Flexibility to work after normal working hours and on weekends with significant travel outside of duty station
5.) Zonal Laboratory Coordinator (x2)
| Job Title: | SiLPHIA Zonal Laboratory Coordinator X 2 Positions |
| Duration of Contract | 6 Months |
| Location: | Freetown |
| Preferred Start Date: | January, 2026 |
POSITION SUMMARY
ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-governmental organisation that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.
The SiLPHIA Zonal Laboratory Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of field biomarker activities. Through supervision and spot checks, the SiLPHIA Zonal Laboratory Coordinator will assure the quality of data collection, data entry and data validity; as well as be responsible for addressing and resolving all Non-Conforming Events relating to the Biomarker component of SiLPHIA survey within their work zones. This position reports to the SiLPHIA Laboratory Coordinator.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Ensure all fields Biomarker activities are in accordance with SiLPHIA SOPs.
- Oversee ground level supply chain including submitting timely requests, recording receipt and ensuring correct storage of all necessary survey implementation materials.
- Coordinate with Regional Coordinators to manage work schedules for Field Teams and coordinate with the supplies team to ensure all necessary materials are available when needed for ground level survey implementation activities.
- Organise and lead weekly team briefings to discuss project successes/progress, review challenges, prepare for upcoming weekly activities, review data and ensure protocol/SOP adherence.
- Manage documentation of weekly field implementation activities.
- Ensure timely submission of field reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly & project) as requested.
- Coordinate the Administration of Bi-weekly QC and periodic PT Panels.
- Monitor the performance of HIV Rapid tests for all field testers in their work zone
- Ensure proper filling of sample tracking forms and labelling of blood samples for field teams
- Mentor field teams on proper waste disposal
- Responsible for all NCEs arising from SiLPHIA Biomarker activities
- Responsible for retraining SiLPHIA testers on all biomarker activities
- Ensure adherence of proper pre and post-test procedures and safety of the participant
- Ensure quality transportation of samples from the field to the satellite laboratory.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in Medical Laboratory sciences or Biomedical sciences or related medical field
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree Medical Laboratory Sciences.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in leading biomarker-based surveys or laboratory teams.
- Understanding of HIV testing guidelines as per the Sierra Leone National Algorithm
- Has previous experience in large scale survey or hospital setup
- Experience in the use of mobile based data collection tools
- Background in HIV/AIDS and or infectious diseases
- Logistics experience including coordination and tracking of sample shipments
- Proactive in handling challenging situations
- Strong organizational, problem solving and good analytical laboratory skills.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
- Ability to work non-standard working hours in order to ensure field and satellite laboratory activities are not interrupted with significant travel outside of duty station..
Desirable
- Proficiency in relevant computer applications: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet etc.
- Ability to function independently or with minimal supervision.
- Ability to adhere to medical research health ethics, as provided.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with fluency in English Krio required
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please visit our website at https://icapacity.icap.columbia.edu for application deadlines and submit your application through the online portal prior to the deadline. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply for this position.. Furthermore, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.




