Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy

To develop guidance and training materials on the use of RDT and execute assessments of existing cholera surveillance systems with a focus on laboratory capacity and competency to perform the vital functions of cholera detection and confirmation and their capacity to deploy and use cholera RDT.

Background

Currently available cholera surveillance data are insufficient to effectively progress towards cholera control and elimination as described in the objectives of the Global Roadmap to end cholera by 2030. The WHO cholera team and the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) have actively engaged in strengthening cholera surveillance by revising recommendations and guidelines. Enhancing cholera surveillance and in particular laboratory surveillance is a critical priority to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks as well as to guide and adequately target cholera prevention and control strategies and monitor their impact. In 2021, a Gavi-alliance led initiative was funded to improve laboratory diagnostics capacity across six diseases, including cholera and to support the availability and use of diagnostic tests for cholera to inform immunization programme decision-making on where and when to vaccinate against cholera in a sustainable and effective manner.

In alignment with the GTFCC Laboratory Working Group’s (LWG) target to strengthen laboratory capacity for cholera diagnostics, the mapping of laboratory capacities for cholera diagnostics and laboratory surveillance has been identified as critical in order to identify necessary resources to complement existing gaps and needs. The data provided from the assessments informs critical activities of the LWG.

Deliverables

• Deliverable 1 – Review and refine GTFCC laboratory training materials in development for training of field staff on use of cholera RDT.
  Expected by end of Month 1.
• Deliverable 2 – Review and refine GTFCC reporting tools to include reporting of RDT results.
  Expected by end of Month 2.
• Deliverable 3 – Revise GTFCC guidance on use of RDT.
  Expected by Month 3.
• Deliverable 4 – Organize laboratory capacity assessments in and with GTFCC partner countries.
  Expected by Month 4
  • Set list of priority countries.
  • Co-produce agendas with GTFCC country partners (Ministry of Health, UN agency offices, Institutes of Public Health, etc).
  • Develop mission budgets and coordinate site visits organisation.
• Deliverable 5 – Conduct cholera laboratory capacity assessments at both central and peripheral level laboratories in at least two pilot countries, as per existing GTFCC methodology.
  Expected by Month 5
  • Conduct and guide assessments of the network of national laboratories with representatives of MoH laboratory experts, WHO country officers, GTFCC representatives, and local partner organizations.
• Deliverable 6 – Project reporting.
  Expected by Month 6
  • Produce compiled final assessment reports including executive summary of conclusion and recommendations, introduction and description of the assessment methodology, detailed presentation of key findings, lessons learned/good practices and actionable recommendations, conclusions and next steps.
  • Prepare final reporting to funders.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in clinical laboratory sciences.

Desirable:

• Degree in microbiological clinical laboratory sciences.
• Documented training or diploma in quality assurance, quality control, auditing, laboratory management or relevant fields.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in clinical laboratory diagnostics for communicable diseases.
• Field experience in laboratory services in resource limited countries with focus on capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, technical advisory services or other relevant fields.
• Documented experience in working with multiple partners.

Desirable:

• Experience in cholera surveillance or diagnostics or other relevant communicable disease control programme.
• Experience in quality management systems for example as laboratory quality manager or internal auditor or previous experience in performing capacity assessments.

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of field needs for laboratory capacity and diagnosis in underserved settings with demonstrated ability to promote pragmatic, field-oriented, operational approaches.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to clearly organize and synthesize findings for different target audiences.
• Proven ability to interact well in multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting environments, involving technical, cultural and political elements.

Languages required:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.
• Intermediate knowledge of French.

Location

Off site: Home-based.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level B – USD 7,000 – 9,980 per month.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

6 months.

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. 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 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 each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html