BACKGROUND

On 31 December 2019, WHO was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. The pathogen was subsequently identified as a SARS CoV-2 and the disease as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with cases detected worldwide. On 31 January 2020, WHO declared the event as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and COVID-19 was subsequently characterized as a pandemic by the WHO Director-General. As cases continue to be reported globally, enhanced preparedness and response efforts are required in the Region. The COVID-19 response operations in the Region are expected to continue for several months.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this emergency deployment is to support effective country response operations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a technical focus on epidemiology, as part of the Incident Management Team (IMT) of the WHO Country Office in Papua New Guinea.  

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT (aligned to draft monthly plans)

The Consultant will be assigned to:

• • Coordinate with the Incident Manager and work with the COVID-19 other relevant pillars in the COVID-19 Incident Management team to ensure the planning, implementation and monitoring of laboratory activities;
• • Provide technical expertise and operational support for the timely response to COVID-19 pandemic, in collaboration with national health officials, including laboratory staffs, and other partner organizations;
• • Adapt and coordinate the development and implementation of technical guidelines and standard operational procedures for laboratory testing practices for COVID-19 response;
• • Coordinate the participation in Quality Assurance Systems for COVID-19 laboratory testing and improve the quality of testing across the country;
• • Lead the enhancement of laboratory infrastructure and the implementation of standard operating procedures to ensure safe collection, handling, shipment, storage and analysis of human and environment specimens for COVID-19;
• • Coordinate with the regional reference laboratories for additional support for the country on COVID-19 testing and genome sequencing as needed;
• • Cooperate with partners in improving analytical and diagnostics services, quality and environmental management, equipment maintenance, safety and biosafety for laboratories;
• • Contribute in strengthening the national capacity at the COVID-19 laboratories; assess training needs and provide training for laboratory personnel in the related technical areas;
• • Mapping of country-wide laboratories, ensure their functionalities and establish national level laboratory networking in the country;
• • Oversee updating and maintaining the related reporting and information systems, documenting the response and laboratory strengthening activities, as and when required.
• • Provide technical support on the improvement of data management such as line-list and analysis of COVID-19 laboratory and the findings to be shared with counterparts and partners in a regular basis for decision making process;
• • Perform any other related incident-specific duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

Deliverables:

1. Progress interim (monthly) report;
2. Submission of multi-source surveillance data.
3. Submission of a report at the end of the consultancy.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will be based at the WHO Country Office Papua New Guinea. (During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the emergency event). The consultant will provide support to the Information and Planning Pillar of COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT).
 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Specific Requirements

• • Proven ability to analyse laboratory activities in diagnostic, biosafety and quality management, in order to develop innovative and appropriate solutions for their improvement.
• • Sound knowledge in biosafety standards, methodology and techniques in COVID-19 laboratories, including those in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology and biosafety.
• • Sound knowledge in Quality Assurance Systems for laboratories.

Education

Essential: First university degree in epidemiology, statistics, database management or public health from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Advanced University degree (Master’s level or above) in life science, medicine or medical virology from an accredited/ recognized institute. Certified training or qualification in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.
 

Experience

Essential:

At least seven years of practical and operational application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the national and international levels. Some related experience in outbreaks and/or health emergency response of international impact.

Desirable:

• • Experience in establishing or improving laboratory infrastructure for virology or microbiology and/or detection of infectious diseases.
• • Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels.
• • Experience in evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response.
• • Experience working in COVID-19 laboratory will be added value.
• • Previous experience in UN organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian, international institutions or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in in developing countries.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge

• • Excellent communication skills
• • Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills
• • Ability to work in a team with limited supervision
• • Ability to work under pressure

Language:
Proficient in written and spoken English.
 

Other skills:
Good computer skills in Microsoft office, EPI Info, SPSS and GIS

Competencies:

• • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• • Moving forward in a changing environment
• • Ensuring the effective use of resources
• • Fostering Integration and teamwork
• • Communication in a credible and effective way

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO. WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO.  While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive living allowance in accordance with the required location and duration of travel.  It is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Duration of contract: 1 August 2021 - 31 December 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 15 July 2021:

1. Expression of Interest {cover letter} that indicates a) how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, b) proposed daily consultancy fee, and
   c) availability to commence the work.   
2. Curriculum vitae.

Please use Tender Notice No. 134051 as subject to all submission. WHO may contact candidates for further information.  Candidates not being considered will not be contacted.  Progress of this work is subject to confirmation of funding.