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 be based at the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Vientiane, Lao PDR and provide technical assistance in developing of laboratory documents to support COVID-19 detection and response and strengthen serology testing capacity of NCLE.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Provide technical assistance in developing of laboratory documents to support COVID-19 detection and response and strengthen serology testing capacity of NCLE.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will report to and be guided by the WHO Country Office. In collaboration with the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Ministry of Health (MoH) of Lao PDR, the WHO Representative, and the WHO Health Emergency (WHE) and Health System Development teams, the consultant will conduct the following activities and submit regular reports for each activity, including proposed next steps:   

1. Assist MOH in developing of laboratory documents to support COVID-19 detection and response.
2. Provide technical assistance and support to the virology laboratory staff in NCLE in strengthening of COVID-19 testing capacity nationwide through the monitoring program.
3. Conduct laboratory biosafety and quality assessment for COVID-19 laboratory in NCLE.
4. Assist NCLE in interpretation of COVID-19 laboratory results
5. Assist NCLE in promoting COVID test prioritization
6. Provide technical assistance and support to Lao Association for Medical Laboratory Science (LAMLS) in developing materials to support COVID-19 webinars and LAMLS bulletins.
7. Assist MOH in harmonization of influenza surveillance with COVID-19
8. Provide necessary oversight, training, and technical assistance to the virology laboratory in NCLE on the ELISA testing of dengue, JE, measles and rubella viruses.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Individual applicants only

EDUCATION

Essential: The consultant should have bachelor level degree in medical technology or related degree in clinical microbiology 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 five years’ substantial work experience in medical virology diagnostics particularly in implementing of virology techniques include ELISA, Real-Time-PCR, hemagglutination inhibition, cell cultures and virus isolation, external quality assurance program (EQA) preparation and 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 standard, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.

Desirable: Working experience of COVID-19 in South East Asia 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 and interpersonal 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:

Duration of contract: 4.5 months starting October 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 10 September 2021. 

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. 140602 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.