🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) – 2 Positions

The Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure used by CHAMPS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to those from the other eight (8) sites and will help reduce child deaths in LMICs by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of donors and stakeholders.

Beginning from the 2025/26 financial year, The Africa Research Collaborative (The ARC), a local NGO in Sierra Leone, has been tasked to support the direct implementation of the CHAMPS programme in Sierra Leone, with initial support from Deloitte, Ghana. As a dedicated group of African researchers, the ARC aims to generate robust local evidence that informs national policies, health guidelines, and service delivery practices. We work collaboratively with governments and health partners to ensure that our research findings lead to culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. With a long-term, infinite mindset, we manage resources wisely to create an enduring platform that empowers individuals and communities to thrive.

The ARC is seeking dedicated employees who are humble, hungry and (people-)smart, and who are deadly committed to our collective mission.

More information about the CHAMPS project can be found at https://CHAMPShealth.org/ and more about the ARC at www.theARChealth.org

Our position could be placed in any of our offices in Freetown, Makeni and Bo.

• Maintain cleanliness of all offices, meeting rooms, corridors, restrooms, kitchens, and common areas.
• Perform daily sweeping, mopping, dusting, window cleaning, and wiping of surfaces.
• Empty and clean waste bins and ensure proper waste segregation.
• Clean and sanitize restrooms; restock supplies.
• Report facility repairs and maintenance issues.
• Ensure the office remains orderly, safe, and presentable.

Office Support & Logistics:

• Assist with photocopying, printing, filing, and basic clerical tasks.
• Provide refreshments during meetings.
• Support with receiving, storing, and tracking office supplies.
• Set up meeting rooms and assist with internal and external events.
• Run simple office errands.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Follow organizational policies on hygiene, confidentiality, and safety.
• Use cleaning chemicals safely and store materials properly.
• Report hazards, accidents, or security concerns.

• Aware of and adhere to organization quality standards and procedures in accordance with The ARC commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement

• Be aware of and compliant with all the standards following Safeguarding procedures and policies.
• Promote The ARC’s speak up culture in order to protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

• As stipulated in the Policy and Authorities SOP

• Minimum secondary school education (WAEC/SSCE or equivalent).
• Experience in cleaning, hospitality, or administrative support preferred.
• Prior experience in an NGO or corporate environment is an added advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong attention to cleanliness and detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic reading and writing ability.
• Punctual, reliable, and capable of maintaining confidentiality.
• Physically fit for cleaning and lifting tasks.

• Willingness to work extended hours, as required
• Decision making
• Focus on delivery service
• Good communication and teamwork
• High levels of flexibility required
• Ability to work under pressure
• Respect for project deadlines

The Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure used by CHAMPS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to those from the other eight (8) sites and will help reduce child deaths in LMICs by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of donors and stakeholders.

Beginning from the 2025/26 financial year, The Africa Research Collaborative (The ARC), a local NGO in Sierra Leone, has been tasked to support the direct implementation of the CHAMPS programme in Sierra Leone, with initial support from Deloitte, Ghana. As a dedicated group of African researchers, the ARC aims to generate robust local evidence that informs national policies, health guidelines, and service delivery practices. We work collaboratively with governments and health partners to ensure that our research findings lead to culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. With a long-term, infinite mindset, we manage resources wisely to create an enduring platform that empowers individuals and communities to thrive.

The ARC is seeking dedicated employees who are humble, hungry and (people-)smart, and who are deadly committed to our collective mission.

More information about the CHAMPS project can be found at https://CHAMPShealth.org/ and more about the ARC at www.theARChealth.org

Our position could be placed in any of our offices in Makeni, Freetown and Bo

The department ensures adherence to rigorous biosafety standards, conducts pathogen detection using molecular, microbiological, and histopathological techniques, and contributes to data quality by collaborating closely with epidemiologists and data teams.

Laboratory findings are integrated with clinical and verbal autopsy data to establish causes of death, ultimately informing public health interventions and policies aimed at reducing child mortality.

• Receive, log, and prepare DBS samples for analysis.

• Perform standard procedures for accessing and extracting analytes from DBS cards.
• Operate relevant lab equipment and follow established protocols for sample processing.
• Record and report test results in a timely and organized manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure data integrity.
• Adherent to lab safety and quality control standards throughout the project.
• Ensure proper drying, packaging, and storage of DBS samples to maintain sample integrity.
• Safely transport and/or prepare samples for shipment to reference or central laboratories in compliance with biosafety and cold-chain protocols
• Maintain detailed records of all laboratory activities and test results in the laboratory information system or manual logbooks.
• Follow all biosafety and quality assurance standards during sample handling and testing.
• Adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles.
• Maintain confidentiality of test results and patient information in line with institutional and ethical guidelines.
• Report and document any malfunction, stock shortages, or supply needs in a timely manner.

• Aware of and adhere to organization quality standards and procedures in accordance with The ARC commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement

• Be aware of and compliant with all the standards following Safeguarding procedures and policies.
• Promote The ARC’s speak up culture in order to protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

• As stipulated in the Policy and Authorities SOP

• • A minimum of National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science is required. Degree in Medical laboratory Science or related field.
  • At least 2–3 years of laboratory experience, preferably in public health, clinical diagnostics, or research.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in DBS sample collection, handling, and processing.

• Experience working with PCR, or other molecular diagnostic techniques is an added advantage.
• Previous experience with HIV, malaria, or infectious disease surveillance programs is desirable.
• Prior experience working with DBS samples is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with basic lab procedures and equipment.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must have experience with data entry and computers.

Desirable

• GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)
• Knowledge of QMS ( Quality management system)
• Willingness to work extended hours, as required
• Decision making
• Focus on service delivery
• Drive for continuous improvement
• Good communication and teamwork
• High levels of flexibility required
• Ability to work under pressure
• Respect for project deadlines