BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly across the globe, causing localised clusters and outbreaks of disease –mostly at the regional level – in many countries. COVID-19 is rapidly spreading and the number of cases is rising at an increasing pace, which calls for immediate targeted action. The situation continues to evolve rapidly, and further spread of the virus should be anticipated. Lao PDR has established COVID-19 testing capacity in late January 2020, thereafter, diagnostic capacity has been expanded at central and provincial levels using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), portable PCR and GeneXpert, a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. To ensure the biosafety and quality of testing, there is a need to support MOH in strengthening this capacity.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will provide technical assistance in establishing of molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR and monitor the quality of testing.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Provide technical assistance in establishing of molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR and monitor the quality of testing.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will report to and be guided by the WHO Country Office. The consultant will conduct the following activities and submit regular reports for each activity, including proposed next steps: 

1. Develop training program, training materials and all related documents such as poster, bench aid and standard operation procedures (SOPs) for establishing of molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR and support the establishment of new laboratories.
2. Support NCLE in conducting virtual meetings with all provincial laboratories to improve and strengthen COVID-19 testing capacity, biosafety and data management in the provinces and provide recommendations as needed.
3. Support NCLE in conducting virtual trainings of rapid diagnostic testing of SARS-COV-2 antigen to districts hospital laboratories and provide refresher training to provincial level as needed.
4. Develop COVID monitoring program and checklist for COVID-19 testing laboratories
5. Support NCLE on the identifying of specifications for the procurement of laboratory reagents, supplies and equipment for COVID testing and management of the system.
6. Develop training program and training materials for refresher sub-national trainings of biosafety regulation which include domestic specimen transportation by ground and air and provide distance support for the trainings
7. Develop training program, training materials and all related documents for certify laboratory biosafety officers and provide distance support for the trainings
8. Develop training program and training materials for sub-national trainings of national laboratory quality standards and provide distance support for the trainings
9. Develop training program, training materials and all related documents for laboratory quality management system (LQMS) training for central/provincial and district laboratories and provide distance support for the trainings
10. Provide technical support to Mahosoth hospital laboratory in the preparation of EQA samples and program management of the panel 10 of haematology EQA program.
11. Provide technical support to virology laboratory in NCLE in the preparation of EQA samples and program management of the panel 2 of COVID-19 EQA program.
12. Develop training program, training materials and all related documents for External Quality Assurance (EQA) program data analysis and provide distance support for the training.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION                               

Essential: Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related degree and Master’s degree in clinical microbiology or related degree with the focus on laboratory diagnostics for infectious diseases including virology diagnostic, clinical laboratory diagnostic, serology and molecular biology.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: The consultant should have at least seven years’ substantial work experience in public health and clinical diagnostic laboratories, particularly in molecular testing, external quality assurance (EQA) program management, implementing and managing laboratory biosafety and quality management systems and in providing laboratory trainings. The consultants must be familiar with the ISO: 15189 laboratory quality standards, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.

Desirable: Working experience in COVID-19 testing in Lao PDR or ASEAN countries is an advantage.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Capable of developing programs and materials that are adapted to the local laboratory environment in order to promote sustainability.
• • Skills in planning, training, program implementation and monitoring and evaluation of interventions are essential.
• • Familiar with the ISO: 15189 laboratory quality standards, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.
• • Ability to interact effectively with health professionals at various levels and to work with national counterparts, non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
• • Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• • Strong communication skills.
• • Proficiency in standard MS Office applications including MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint are essential.

LANGUAGES

Advanced English (speaking, reading and writing) is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• • Technical expertise
• • Communication in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• • Remote work
• • Duration of contract is for 11 months starting 01 Mar 2022

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 7 February 2022. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 165358 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.