National Consultant - Laboratory Project Liaison, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Contract

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

Purpose of consultancy

The national consultant will coordinate and support MOH, National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE) and WHE on biosafety, biosecurity, quality, and ASEAN-related activities.

Background

WHO Lao PDR has been working closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) in strengthening capacities for public health emergency preparedness and response in Lao PDR. One key area of support is strengthening quality and biosafety practices of national, provincial, and district laboratories through trainings and supervision visits. Furthermore, biosafety and biosecurity activities are expected to be conducted to support Lao PDR ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.

Deliverables

The consultant will work together with WHE technical staff by providing on-site technical and administrative support as necessary, under the supervision of the team leader of WHE Lao PDR and be guided by the WHO Country Office.

The consultant will provide their support in the following activities and submit reports as requested and as needed:

• Strengthen the capacity of national laboratories and reference laboratories for outbreak of emerging and re-emerging infection diseases through coordination and training support.
• Assist in overall preparation and implementation of planned projects and training on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management.
• Support ASEAN biosafety and biosecurity activities.
• Support in translating materials from English to Lao and Lao to English.

Output/s Output 1: Strengthen the capacity of national laboratories and reference laboratories for outbreak of emerging and re-emerging infection diseases through coordination and training support. Deliverable 1.1: Technical or training reports and other relevant documents related to laboratory activities.

Output 2: Assist in overall preparation and implementation of planned projects and training on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management. Deliverable 2.1: Proposed scheduled workplan of relevant laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management activities. Deliverable 2.2: Timely submission of training or activity proposals on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and quality management.

Output 3: Support ASEAN biosafety and biosecurity activities. Deliverable 3.1: Technical reports and other relevant documents related to implementation of ASEAN biosafety and biosecurity activities.

Output 4: Translation of materials. Deliverable 4.1: Materials translated from English to Lao and Lao to English

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree in medical technology, medicine, or another health-related field. Desirable: Master's degree in public health or another health-related field.

Experience

Essential: At least one-year relevant work experience in supporting government in implementing health-related activities. Desirable: Experience in working in a public health laboratory.

Skills/Knowledge:

Skills in planning, training, program implementation Ability to interact effectively with health professionals at various levels and to work with national counterparts, and international technical staff. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Flexibility for urgent work

Languages and level required:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Lao

Location

On site: Vientiane Capital

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel locally.

Remuneration and budget:

Remuneration: TBD Expected duration of contract : 11 months, March 2024 to February 2025

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. • 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.

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