Laboratory Manager Job at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), August 2026

Laboratory Manager Job at MSF Tanzania – Liwale, August 2026

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is inviting applications from qualified and experienced laboratory professionals for the position of Laboratory Manager based in Liwale District, Lindi Region.

The successful candidate will oversee laboratory activities within the MSF project area, ensuring high standards of testing, quality control, infection prevention, equipment management, documentation and staff development.

The position requires a relevant Bachelor's degree, professional registration where applicable and at least two years of laboratory experience.

Applications must be submitted by 26 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Job Overview

Employer: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Position: Laboratory Manager
Location: Liwale District, Lindi Region, Tanzania
Reporting Line: Project Medical Referent
Job Category: Medical / Laboratory Services
Date Advertised: 13 August 2026
Application Deadline: 26 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Application Method: Email or Physical Submission

About Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation providing healthcare to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural disasters and limited access to healthcare.

MSF provides medical assistance based on need and operates according to humanitarian principles including neutrality and impartiality.

The Laboratory Manager will work within MSF's health activities in Liwale District.

Job Purpose

The Laboratory Manager will define, implement and monitor laboratory activities across the project area according to MSF protocols and quality standards.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining high-quality laboratory services while managing staff, equipment, materials, documentation and coordination with Ministry of Health teams.

The role combines:

• Laboratory management.

• Quality assurance.

• Clinical laboratory services.

• Equipment management.

• Infection prevention and control.

• Staff supervision.

• Ministry of Health coordination.

• Laboratory reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Planning and Management

The Laboratory Manager will participate in defining and updating laboratory activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting laboratory planning.

• Contributing to development of the laboratory budget.

• Supervising laboratory activities within supported health facilities.

• Monitoring service quality.

• Supporting diagnosis and treatment through reliable laboratory services.

Laboratory Testing and Quality Control

The successful candidate will ensure laboratory tests are conducted accurately and according to appropriate prescriptions and protocols.

Testing areas may include:

• Serology.

• Haematology.

• Biochemistry.

• Bacteriology.

• Parasitology.

• Compatibility testing.

The Laboratory Manager will also conduct and supervise quality-control processes to ensure laboratory results remain reliable.

Laboratory Safety and Hygiene

The role requires strict implementation of laboratory hygiene and safety standards.

Responsibilities include ensuring proper:

• Protective clothing.

• Personal protective equipment.

• Hygiene procedures.

• Universal precautions.

• Biohazard management.

• Laboratory safety practices.

Cleaning personnel must also be appropriately informed about biological hazards and applicable safety precautions.

Laboratory Records and Documentation

The successful candidate will ensure proper registration and documentation of laboratory activities.

This includes:

• Maintaining laboratory records.

• Monitoring appropriate use of laboratory-management tools.

• Ensuring data completeness.

• Maintaining accurate test records.

• Supporting reporting activities.

The role may involve use of systems such as EpyTryp or other applicable laboratory management tools.

External Quality Control

The Laboratory Manager will prepare and send:

• Laboratory slides.

• Samples.

for appropriate external quality-control processes.

The objective is to ensure laboratory services continue meeting required quality standards.

Patient Confidentiality

The successful candidate must ensure complete confidentiality of laboratory results and patient information.

All patient-related information should be handled according to established medical and MSF protocols.

Medical Equipment Management

In coordination with the project's biomedical service, the Laboratory Manager will supervise the use of medical devices under the laboratory's responsibility.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring equipment is available.

• Monitoring proper equipment use.

• Supporting maintenance.

• Reporting equipment problems.

• Monitoring equipment performance.

Instrument Calibration

The Laboratory Manager will ensure automatic laboratory instruments are correctly calibrated.

Accurate calibration is essential for maintaining reliable laboratory results.

Inventory Management

The successful candidate will maintain accurate and updated inventories covering laboratory:

• Equipment.

• Materials.

• Supplies.

• Reagents.

The role will also involve anticipating future laboratory requirements and communicating needs before shortages occur.

Staff Management and Development

The Laboratory Manager will work closely with the Human Resources Department on processes involving laboratory staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruitment.

• Training.

• Performance evaluation.

• Staff development.

• Internal communication.

• External communication.

• Workforce planning.

The objective is to ensure the laboratory has enough appropriately trained personnel to provide required services.

Staff Training

The successful candidate will help strengthen the professional capacity of laboratory staff.

This may involve:

• Identifying skills gaps.

• Coaching laboratory personnel.

• Supporting training.

• Monitoring performance.

• Promoting adherence to laboratory protocols.

Laboratory Reporting

The Laboratory Manager will compile, analyse and report laboratory activities and results.

Reports may cover:

• Number of laboratory tests.

• Types of tests performed.

• Complications.

• Laboratory performance.

• Equipment issues.

  Read also4 Job Openings at SOS Children’s Villages Tanzania - September 2026

• Material shortages.

• Staffing challenges.

Reports will be shared with medical teams and the appropriate supervisor.

Epidemiological Reporting

The Laboratory Manager will contribute laboratory information to epidemiological reports related to MSF health activities.

Accurate laboratory data will support understanding of disease patterns and health-service performance.

MSF and Liwale-Specific Responsibilities

Collaboration With Ministry of Health

The Laboratory Manager will co-manage laboratory activities in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health laboratory management team.

The successful candidate will act as an important coordination point between:

• MSF.

• Ministry of Health.

• Supported laboratory facilities.

MSF–Ministry of Health Coordination

The position will serve as the focal point for communication and coordination on laboratory-related matters between MSF and Ministry of Health counterparts.

Strong stakeholder-management and communication skills are therefore essential.

Cold Chain Management

The Laboratory Manager will oversee and monitor cold-chain management within laboratory services.

This includes ensuring appropriate conditions are maintained for laboratory materials and supplies requiring controlled temperatures.

Minimum Laboratory Package

The successful candidate will ensure availability and implementation of the MSF minimum laboratory package at:

• Liwale District Hospital.

• Barikiwa Health Facility.

• Kibutuka Health Facility.

Services should remain aligned with the medical activities provided at each facility.

Point-of-Care Testing

The Laboratory Manager will monitor:

• Point-of-care instruments.

• Rapid diagnostic tests.

at:

• Lilombe Dispensary.

• Kimambi Dispensary.

The role includes monitoring performance, maintenance and quality control.

Laboratory Documentation

All laboratory documentation should be:

• Complete.

• Accurate.

• Updated.

• Compliant with MSF standards.

• Compliant with Ministry of Health requirements.

ISO 15189 Support

The successful candidate will provide technical support to the Liwale District Hospital laboratory in alignment with ISO 15189 quality-management standards.

Candidates with previous exposure to laboratory quality-management systems should highlight this in their applications.

Reagent Monitoring

The Laboratory Manager will monitor consumption of MSF laboratory reagents according to agreed MSF–Ministry of Health procedures.

The objective is to promote accountability and reduce stock problems.

Laboratory Data Reporting

The successful candidate must ensure that all laboratory data is reported:

• Accurately.

• Completely.

• On time.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in one of the following areas:

• Medical Laboratory Sciences.

• Biomedical Laboratory Sciences.

• Medical Microbiology.

• Another closely related Laboratory or Biomedical Science field.

The qualification should be obtained from a recognised institution.

Professional Registration

Applicants should have:

Current professional registration and a valid practising licence from the relevant regulatory body, where applicable.

Candidates should ensure their licence remains valid at the time of application.

Additional Training

Specialisation or additional training in:

• Tropical diseases.

• Laboratory medicine.

• Related laboratory disciplines.

will be considered desirable.

Required Work Experience

Applicants should have at least:

Two years of experience as a Laboratory Technician.

Candidates should clearly indicate relevant practical laboratory experience in their CV.

NGO Experience

Previous experience with:

• Médecins Sans Frontières.

• Another international NGO.

• Another humanitarian organisation.

will be considered an asset.

Developing-Country Experience

Relevant professional experience working within developing-country health systems will also be considered an added advantage.

Language Requirements

Candidates should have good spoken and written communication skills in:

• English

• Kiswahili

Computer Skills

Applicants should have essential computer literacy, including practical knowledge of:

• Microsoft Word.

• Microsoft Excel.

• Internet use.

Required Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate the following competencies:

• People Management and Development.

• Commitment to MSF Principles.

• Behavioural Flexibility.

• Results and Quality Orientation.

• Teamwork and Cooperation.

Priority for Liwale Residents

Residents of Liwale will be given priority for consideration.

Candidates living in Liwale who meet the qualifications should clearly indicate their current residential location in their application.

Accommodation and Transportation

Applicants should note that:

MSF will not provide accommodation or transportation support for this position.

Candidates should therefore consider their ability to work and live in Liwale before applying.

Diversity and Inclusion

Women and people who identify as members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

MSF promotes an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit:

• Motivation letter.

• Updated Curriculum Vitae.

• Copy of National ID.

• Relevant professional certificates.

• Academic certificates.

• Practising licence, where applicable.

Important

Applications missing required documents may be automatically disqualified.

Candidates should therefore check all attachments carefully before submitting their application.

How to Apply by Email

Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications to:

MSFCH-Tanzania-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org

Email Subject

Use:

LABORATORY MANAGER

as the email subject.

Make sure all required documents are attached before sending the application.

Physical Application Option

Applications may also be submitted physically at either of the following MSF offices:

Dar es Salaam

MSF Office
Uporoto Street
Plot No. 74
House No. 22
Ursino Estate, Victoria
Dar es Salaam

Liwale

Applications may also be delivered to the:

MSF Office in Liwale, Lindi Region

For physical applications, clearly mark the envelope:

LABORATORY MANAGER

Application Deadline

Applications must be received no later than:

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Candidates should submit complete applications before the closing time.

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The recruitment notice states that applicants who receive no communication within approximately six weeks may consider that they were not pre-selected.

Data Protection

MSF states that personal information submitted through the recruitment process will be used only for recruitment-related purposes.

Recruitment information and documents will be treated confidentially and accessed only by individuals involved in the selection process.

For questions or requests related to personal data, candidates may contact:

MSFCH-Tanzania-PAM@geneva.msf.org

Recruitment Integrity

Applying for employment with MSF is free of charge.

MSF does not charge applicants to:

• Submit an application.

• Be considered for a position.

• Attend an interview.

• Participate in recruitment.

Candidates should avoid anyone requesting payment in exchange for recruitment assistance.

Tips for Preparing Your Application

Candidates should tailor their CV and motivation letter to the laboratory-management responsibilities of this vacancy.

Important areas to highlight include:

• Laboratory supervision.

• Quality control.

• ISO 15189.

• Clinical laboratory experience.

• Staff management.

• Medical laboratory equipment.

• Laboratory inventory management.

• Infection Prevention and Control.

• Cold-chain management.

• Ministry of Health collaboration.

• NGO experience.

• Laboratory reporting.

Candidates with experience working in district or regional hospitals should make this clearly visible.

Conclusion

The Laboratory Manager position with Médecins Sans Frontières in Liwale District is a strong opportunity for experienced laboratory professionals interested in humanitarian and public-health work.

The successful candidate will oversee laboratory operations, maintain quality and safety standards, supervise staff, coordinate with Ministry of Health teams and provide technical support to laboratory services across several facilities in Liwale.

Applicants should possess a relevant Bachelor's degree, valid professional registration where applicable and at least two years of laboratory experience.

Qualified candidates should submit their complete applications to MSFCH-Tanzania-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org using LABORATORY MANAGER as the email subject, or deliver them physically to the specified MSF offices.

The application deadline is 26 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m.