National Consultant – Pandemic Preparedness, Ulan Bator, Mongolia

Purpose of consultancy

WHO has been providing technical support to the Government of Mongolia to strengthen the implementation of strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response through One Health in Mongolia under the Pandemic fund.

Background

Mongolia continues to face the risks of emerging and re-emerging diseases, as well as other events. In recent years, demographic shifts have brought with them new dynamics related to both infectious and natural hazards, with more people moving to Ulaanbaatar, and the dense urban population here altering the country’s risk profile. Approximately half of Mongolia’s population now lives in the capital city, where a risk of earthquakes coupled with sub-optimal construction, long and harsh winters, and crowded conditions represent significant risks to the population.

Meanwhile, our rural and nomadic populations also face hazards. The project and activities supported by the grant align with national, regional, and global priorities for pandemic preparedness and response. By implementing the outlined strategies and plans, Mongolia aims to strengthen its public health systems, surveillance capabilities, laboratory infrastructure, and risk communication mechanisms. These efforts will contribute to the global collective response to infectious diseases and improve health security for the population of Mongolia and beyond.

The PF will catalyze a broad and long-term strengthening of the country’s systems for pandemic PPR by a) strengthening collaboration across sectors under the One Health approach; b) strengthening the capacity and sustainability of public health systems; c) preparing human resources for future pandemics and d) increasing responsiveness and resilience of systems for a response, while sustaining the delivery of essential public health and health care services.

Deliverables

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Representative of Mongolia and with the support of the WHE focal point, the consultant will:

• Support the coordination and setup of pandemic preparedness projects, including facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement and operational alignment with project timelines and objectives
• Assist in the coordination and operational setup of project activities, ensuring alignment with project timelines and objectives.
• Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including government ministries, local health authorities, and other international partners.
• Support to ensure the implementation of the approved activities and its monitoring of activities and outputs
• Perform any other project-specific related duties, as required by the supervisor, including preparing for and participating in relevant meetings and workshops, and ensuring coherent project execution with local and international partners.

Output/s

1. Approved detailed implementation plan and Communication plan
2. Steering committee and technical working group meetings reports
3. Report on implementation, and budget plans on a quarterly and monthly basis
4. Report on communication products in line with protocol for communications related to the Pandemic Fund Projects

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: First university degree (Bachelor) in public health or related field.

Experience

Essential: Minimum five (5) years’ experience in health emergency prevention, preparedness, and response at the national level
Desirable: Experience in COVID-19 pandemic or Dzud response. Prior working experience with the WHO.

Skills/Knowledge

• Strong understanding of health emergencies and potential disasters especially Dzud in Mongolian
• Excellent skills in planning and monitoring
• Demonstrated ability to identify and manage difficult situations and coordinate the multisectoral organization.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and Mongolian.

Location

On site: Ulan Bator, Mongolia

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel within the country and outside the country to attend meetings and trainings.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: TBD
Expected duration of contract: 11 months, expected start date is 1 July 2024.

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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