BACKGROUND

Recognising the importance and untapped potential of vector control to reduce disease burden, in May 2017 the World Health Assembly welcomed the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030 (GVCR) and adopted Resolution 70.16 to propel its implementation. This urged WHO Member States “to develop or adapt, as appropriate, existing national vector control strategies and operational plans to align them to the strategic approach for integrated global vector control and response, consistent with the International Health Regulations (2005)”. It also urged Member States “to build and sustain adequate human-resource (especially public health entomology), infrastructural and institutional capacity and capability at all levels of government and across all relevant sectors, based on a vector control needs assessment”.

WHO have developed numerous guidance documents to assist in planning and implementation of the GVCR, including the Framework for a Vector Control Needs Assessment and the Framework for a National Insecticide Resistance Monitoring and Management Plan. However, an overarching document that guides the formulation of comprehensive vector surveillance and control strategic plans and that is appropriate to the specific context of the Pacific is not yet available. This is needed to ensure that practical and actionable strategic plans are devised to enable sustainable control, containment and outbreak responses, especially for arboviral diseases such as dengue. Key considerations will include the limited human resources available in many Pacific Island Countries and areas (PICs), as well as other unique features such as remoteness and restricted supply chains. A new Manual for Surveillance and Control of Aedes Vectors in the Pacific provides further details of important considerations (http://purl.org/spc/digilib/doc/w97br).

A vector control specialist is required to support the drafting, revision and finalisation of a Framework for a National Vector Surveillance and Control Plan for Pacific Island Countries. The Framework will complement the Manual for Surveillance and Control of Aedes Vectors in the Pacific by providing strategic guidance to aid development of national vector surveillance and control plans (VSCPs), outlining the required content and key considerations when developing a VSCP. The Consultant will work remotely and will liaise with the WHO technical team and collaborators to seek their input and feedback to develop the Framework. This will include inputs solicited from consortium partners of the PacMOSSI project, which focusses on building capacity for evidence-based sustainable vector surveillance and control in the Pacific. The finalised version of the Framework document will be disseminated via the Pacific Network for Vector Control Response. 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The objective of the consultant will be to liaise with relevant WHO staff in the Pacific, consortium partners on the PacMOSSI project, and Ministries of Health of PICs to draft, revise and complete the Framework for a National Vector Surveillance and Control Plan for Pacific Island Countries. The Framework aims to guide PICs in the development or update of country VSCPs in line with the GVCR, with a focus on Aedes-borne diseases.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Liaise with WHO technical staff and PacMOSSI project consortium partners to identify the relevant structure, content and format for the Framework
• • Draft the content of the Framework, in alignment with the GVCR and with respect to the needs of PICs
• • Seek feedback on and revise the content of the Framework as needed, in liaison with WHO and project partners
• • Finalise and deliver a final draft of the Framework

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The Consultant will be home-based and will conduct the work remotely in liaison with the WHO Vanuatu Country Liaison Office, WHO vector control specialists, consortium partners on the PacMOSSI project, and Ministry of Health staff of PICs. This will include consultations, meetings, document drafting and revision, and regular communication using online methods.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: A post-graduate qualification from a recognised university in a relevant technical area, such as public health, infectious diseases, epidemiology or medical entomology.  

Desirable: Post-graduate training from a recognised university in entomology, vector control or vector surveillance.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Minimum of five years of international experience in public health in the field of vector surveillance and control.

Minimum of five years of experience in preparing and coordinating public health strategic guidance documents.

Experience working in Pacific Island countries and areas or other small island nations.

Desirable: Experience working with WHO and/or other United Nations Agencies or international stakeholders.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Sound strategic thinking with ability to formulate clear and comprehensive plans.

Familiarity with existing WHO guidance documents for vector-borne diseases, and with established best practices for vector surveillance and control.

Excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to build relationships in multi-cultural settings.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to produce results according to agreed timelines.

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.

COMPETENCIES

Teamwork; respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences; communication; knowing and managing yourself; and, producing results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Starting date: 01/04/2021
• Duration of contract: 15 working days, full time

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit to the Supply Officer through WPRO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 12 March 2021:

1. Expression of Interest {cover letter} that indicates: a) how your experience and qualifications make you a suitable candidate for this position, b) proposed daily consultancy fee, and c) availability to commence the work.   
2. Proposed Table of Contents for the Framework for a National Vector Surveillance and Control Plan for Pacific Island Countries (maximum one page).
3. Curriculum vitae.

Please use Tender Notice No. 122642 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.