National Laboratory Consultant, NOB Level 1

Overview

Facilitate review and revision of national laboratory documents in Ghana.

You have:

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science, Health Systems Management, or related fields.
• At least 5 years’ experience in developing or revising national laboratory guidelines and policies.
• Familiarity with global laboratory standards and practices, including biosafety, biosecurity, and One Health approaches.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements and technical workshops.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).
• Familiarity with Ghana’s health system is an advantage.
• Desirable: Experience of working for WHO at international level and recognized expertise in developing and shaping Organization’s policies and programs.

Consultancy for the Review and Revision of National Laboratory Documents

The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with a Technical Working Group (TWG), is undertaking the review and revision of critical national laboratory policy and guidance documents. This activity seeks to align these documents with current global standards, scientific advancements, and international best practices.

Objective of the Consultancy

The Consultant will facilitate the comprehensive review and revision of six national laboratory policy and guidance documents in collaboration with the Technical Working Group. The documents under review are:

· National Specimen Referral and Transport Network Guidelines (2021)

· National Guidelines for One-Health Specimen Collection and Handling (First Edition, 2021)

· National Biosafety and Biosecurity Guide for Laboratories (2023)

· Ghana Laboratory Biorisk Management Training Curriculum (2023)

· Reference Laboratories for Human Communicable Diseases in Ghana: Technical Guidance (2021)

· Guidelines for the Development of a Tiered Laboratory System in Ghana (2021)

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Consultant shall:

· Conduct a comprehensive desk review of each of the six national laboratory documents, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and areas needing alignment with current global practices and standards.

· Collaborate closely with the Technical Working Group to facilitate discussions, collect inputs, and integrate feedback during the revision process.

· Organize and lead consultative meetings/workshops with stakeholders and subject matter experts for input and validation.

· Ensure alignment of revised documents with international standards, best practices, and global health initiatives (e.g., One Health approach, laboratory system integration, biosafety, and biosecurity protocols).

· Draft the revised versions of the six documents incorporating stakeholder feedback and TWG recommendations.

· Prepare and present final versions of the revised documents to the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service for approval.

Expected Deliverables

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables:

· An inception report detailing methodology, timelines, and a work plan.

· Draft revised documents (six), reflecting comprehensive feedback from stakeholders and the TWG.

· Final revised documents (six), validated and approved by MoH.

· A final consultancy report outlining the review process, stakeholder consultations, key revisions, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future updates.

Duration of Consultancy

The consultancy is expected to be completed within a period of 3 months,

Reporting and Coordination

The Consultant will report directly to the WHO through the Chairperson of the Pandemic Fund Laboratory Technical Working Group.

Qualification and Experience

Education:

Essential: Advanced degree in Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science, Health Systems Management, or related fields.

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years’ experience in developing or revising national laboratory guidelines and policies.

· Familiarity with global laboratory standards and practices, including biosafety, biosecurity, and One Health approaches.

· Demonstrated experience facilitating multi-stakeholder engagements and technical workshops.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable: Experience of working for WHO at international level and recognized expertise in developing and shaping Organization’s policies and programs.

Skills:

· Strong facilitation, coordination, and analytical skills

· Excellent writing and communication abilities

· Familiarity with Ghana’s health system is an advantage

Language:

· Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).

Location

· On site: Accra, Republic of Ghana

Terms of Payment

Payment terms will be structured based on deliverables and agreed-upon milestones between the Consultant and WHO.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 11 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: who.int