..

Purpose of the Consultancy

A short-term consultant is being recruited to provide technical guidance and support to the Country Health Emergency Preparedness and IHR (CPI) programme area of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE). The consultant will support the CPI unit and COVID-19 IMST Laboratory Sub-Pillar to provide expertise and guidance on technical aspects of genome sequencing surveillance and laboratory system development as per recommendations from the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies.

Background

The WHE WPRO through CPI aims to strengthen countries capacities and build a regional resilience system to reduce risks, health impacts, societal disruption resulting from disease outbreaks, emergencies and disasters related to various hazards through prevention, preparedness, surveillance, and recovery efforts.

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 1 November 2022 End date: 31 March 2023

Work to be performed

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Under the supervision of the Programme Area Manager (PAM), CPI, the consultant will:

1. Support implementation of genome sequencing surveillance, and Emerging Molecular Pathogen Characterization Technologies (EMPaCT) network
2. Provide technical support to WPRO CO IMT either remotely or on the field
3. Support response to COVID-19 as member of IMST
4. Support APSED TAG 2022 meeting preparation
5. Submit final technical report of the consultancy

Output/s

Output 1: Support implementation of genome sequencing surveillance, and EMPaCT network Deliverable 1.1: Summary report of technical activities Output 2: Provide technical support to WPRO CO IMT either remotely or on the field Deliverable 2.1: : Summary report of technical activities Output 3: Support response to COVID-19 as member of IMST Deliverable 3.1: : Summary report of technical activitie Output 4: Support APSED TAG 2022 meeting preparation Deliverable 4.1: Summary report of technical activities

Other Deliverables:

1. Monthly progress report;
2. End of mission report and the end of consultancy.

Specific requirements

Qualifications required:

Essential: University degree in life science, medicine, molecular biology, medical virology, bacteriology or infectious diseases from an accredited/ recognized institute. Desirable: Master’s level degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases or health emergency management. Certified training or qualification in laboratory techniques, and/or biosafety.

Experience required:

Essential: At least five years of practical and operational application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at public health or clinical laboratories including exposure at the national and international levels. Related experience in infection control, outbreaks and/or health emergency response. Desirable: Experience in establishing or improving laboratory infrastructure for microbiology and/or detection of infectious diseases. Experience in using genome technology and molecular diagnostics during outbreak response. Experience in developing country setting in the area of surveillance and response to emerging and/or re-emerging diseases. Previous experience in WHO or other UN organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, international institutions or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in developing countries.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Good computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Proven ability to analyse laboratory activities in diagnostic, biosafety and quality management, in order to develop innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
• Ability to assess laboratory capacity and to find solutions to fill gaps to make surveillance system
• Managing numerous work streams simultaneously in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational background and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• Flexible, open to different approaches and able to deal with unexpected problems or tasks effectively
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to foster consensus and team spirit.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational background and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Language requirements:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Producing results
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Knowing and managing yourself

Place of assignment

Manila, Philippines

Medical clearance

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

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel according to the itinerary and estimated schedule below:

Travel dates From: November 2022 To: March 2023 Location: Manila, Philippines Purpose: As requested/needed/for outbreak response activities

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil **visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• 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 prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• 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.
• The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) upon conclusion of the selection process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.