Consultant - Provide technical expertise to public health laboratory strengthening in EMR

Contract

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

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Purpose of the consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise to laboratory activities related to national laboratory quality, laboratory workforce and bioinformatics in line with the Strategic Framework for Strengthening Health Laboratory Services (2016 – 2023).

Background

Laboratories are a fundamental part of health systems and contribute directly to the improvement of health services. Not only are reliable and timely laboratory results critical elements of treatment and disease surveillance, they also inform public health decisions concerning health security, national development and fulfilment of Member State responsibilities under the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). The important role laboratories play in health security by providing test results, surveillance and characterization of pathogens is highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October 2016, the 63rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean endorsed the Strategic Framework for Strengthening Health Laboratory Services (2016 – 2020) which was extended until 2023 during the 67th session of the committee. The strategic framework guides Member States in developing and improving sustainable national health laboratory systems.

Planned timelines

Start date: 01/03/2021 End date: 31/12/2021

Work to be performed

Output 1: Provide training in laboratory quality management to countries using updated training materials.

Deliverable 1.1: Review, update and streamline the current laboratory quality management system training package.

Deliverable 1.2: Organize and facilitate laboratory quality management system trainings for countries in the region.

Output 2: Describe the health laboratory workforce in the region.

Deliverable 2.1: Develop, conduct and analyze a health laboratory workforce survey for all countries in the region.

Deliverable 2.2: Write a summary report of the health laboratory workforce survey findings and conclusions.

Deliverable 2.3: Facilitate the roll-out of the Global Laboratory Leadership Program (GLLP).

Output 3: Provide technical expertise to countries in the region with bioinformatics. Deliverable 3.1: Develop a bioinformatics training package for laboratory personnel. Deliverable 3.2: Organize and facilitate a regional bioinformatics training.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in laboratory-based life sciences or microbiology.

Experience: Minimum 7 years’ experience in practice and management of public health laboratory services. Experienced in providing trainings is desirable.

Skills / Technical knowledge

Technical knowledge and practical experience with microbiological laboratory work.

Language

English proficiency (read, write and speak) Arabic and/or French is considered a plus.

Location

The consultant will be based in EMRO.

Medical clearance

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

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.)

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.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded) Remuneration: international consultant (P4 level)

Additional Information section

• 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.
• Renumeration is in line with WHO applicable consultant payment rates
• 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.