Consultancy - Human Molecular Genetics

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to strengthen capacity of lab staff in the context of COVID-19 pandemic by providing on the job training of trainers (TOT) on the use of Genetic Analyzer performing the followings for the staff of Central Public Health Lab (CPHL) in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Human Molecular Genetics

1. COVID-19, CCHF, MTB, Influenza, HIV, Rotavirus, HBV, Rubella HCV and bacterial/fungal and other emerging and re-emerging diseases gene sequencing (5 samples from each)
2. Aneuploidy detection and result/data analysis
3. Karyotyping and result/data analysis
4. whole exome analysis human
5. whole genome analysis human
6. Targeted RNA sequencing and small RNA sequencing analysis
7. Detecting, sequencing and data analysis of human BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
8. BigDye direct cycle sequencing kit to simplify workflow for characterizing melanoma mutations in human.
9. Uniparental disomy (UPD) analysis of human chromosomes
10. Epilepsy, mental retardation (MR) and deafness DNA sequencing.

2. Background

Afghanistan has been at a heightened risk of large-scale community transmission in the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January 2020, an approximately 300,000 Afghans have returned from Iran - the epicentre of COVID-19 in the region. Protracted conflict, high poverty rates, a challenged health system and public services contribute significantly to the COVID-19 epidemic in country. The first case of COVID-19 in Afghanistan was reported on February 24. As of 1st September 2020, there are 38,196 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Afghanistan across all 34 provinces and 1,406 total death. Initially there was no testing capacity in country. However, laboratory testing sites have now been established in 11 locations by WHO through World Bank (WB) fund with the capacity of doing 2500 tests per day. Recently, under the Pandemic Emergency Fund for world bank, it is aimed to procure two Genetic Analyser machines for the CPHL lab at Kabul, Afghanistan. The capacity of the lab staff to use these machines is limited, therefore, the consultant will be hired to provide on the job trainings to enhance the capacity of the lab staff for the efficient use of these machine.

Work to be performed

• Practically performing research fields mentioned in the purpose of the consultancy.
• Develop SOPs for research fields mentioned in the purpose of the consultancy.
• Perform sequencing.
• Provide lectures and hands-on training covering all aspects on sequencing from principles of primer design to assembling and curating sequence data that can be used in further analysis
• Provide training on sequence assembly and alignments, phylogenetic reconstructions and data interpretation”
• Provide training on uploading the generated sequencing data to the Global database like GISAID, GENBANK etc.
• Provide continues the job trainings for two months on Genetic Analyzer machine to the lab staff of Central Public Health Lab (CPHL)
• Provide on the-job trainings for two months on Real Time PCR machine at CPHL for the lab staff of Kabul and provinces (cover all processes).
• Conduct continues on-job trainings for two months on Conventional PCR at the CPHL for the lab staff of Kabul and provinces (if required).
• Evaluate the skills that trainees acquired during the training regarding the use of Genetic Analyzer machine, Real Time PCR, Conventional PCR and strengthen the skills based on the results of evaluation

• Provide on the job guidance on the related biosafety measures and how to decontaminate a lab when required.

  Deliverables:

• 1. Report of the trainings and key recommendations
• 2. SOPs for research fields mentioned in the purpose of the consultancy
• 3. Report of genome sequencing of COVID-19

Specific requirements

- Qualifications required:

• University degree in Molecular biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, human molecular genetics.

  Experience required:

• At least 5 years of experience using molecular biology techniques including sequencing analysis, gene expressions, cancer research, SNPs, InDels and copy number variations analysis, experience in inherited diseases research including forensic DNA paternity testing analysis both manual and through dedicated software using global filer, Y-filer, quantification trio and duo kits.

• Field research publications are required.
• Expert in gene sequencing, SNPs, InDels, mitochondrial DNA and SNaPshot data analysis.

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Gene sequencing, cancer research, reproductive health inherited diseases and forensic genetics DNA research and data analysis and result interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, effective report writing and program development
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a team with multi-cultural backgrounds in a multi-disciplinary management service environment.

- Language requirements:

Fluency in English language (Reading, writing, and speaking) is required.

7. Place of assignment

Kabul, Afghanistan (Visa is required)

8. Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

• his vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.