WHO
Laboratory Consultant (STC) Request for EOI

Reference: WPRO/2020-08/LAO_AMR/TN112056/lal
Beneficiary countries: Lao People's Democratic Republic
Registration level: Basic
Published on: 05-Aug-2020
Deadline on: 19-Aug-2020 00:00 (GMT 7.00)

Description

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is currently one of the major priorities in the global public health. The Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance urges all Member States as part of national actions to develop systems for monitoring antimicrobial use and promote effective antimicrobial stewardship programs at national, health facility and community level. Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by resistant microorganisms.

Since 2015, AMR has gained significant attention at a high level in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), underpinned by external advocacy by international partners. The AMR Surveillance and Control Committee was set up in 2015 to move the AMR agenda forward, noting that AMR is a complex issue which requires multiple sectors and stakeholders at all levels to work together. Lao PDR has capacity to detect some antimicrobial-resistant pathogens at various institutions and some regulatory frameworks exist to manage antibiotic use in humans.

A national action plan on AMR in the Lao PDR was drafted in November 2016. The draft plan includes a number of priority actions that will address the above-mentioned gaps, especially strengthen bacteriology laboratory capacity to support AMR surveillance.

This ToR has four activities among 8, which are the same with ToR that was advertised in April 2019 who had a planned timeline of 6 months. However, the selected candidate for the ‘April ToR’ is only available for three months. Therefore, WHE needs to recruit a new consultant to continue this work.

 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will report to and be guided by the WHO Country Office. The consultant will provide technical assistance in developing and implementing structured programs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and technical support in the bacteriology laboratory in NCLE.

 

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Provide technical assistance in developing and implementing structured programs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and technical support in the bacteriology laboratory in 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), the consultant will conduct the following activities and submit regular reports for each activity, including proposed next steps: 

  1. Assist the bacteriology laboratory in NCLE on data management and analysis of AMR surveillances data.
  2. Develop national AMR surveillance report including both quarterly and annual reports
  3. Develop training materials related to AMR surveillance
  4. Assist bacteriology laboratory in NCLE in the preparation of External Quality Assessment program for bacteriology and perform the assessments of the EQA programs to identify weaknesses and monitor the impact of corrective measures.
  5. Assist bacteriology laboratory in NCLE on the preparation of laboratory reagents, supplies and equipment required to support bacteriology testing at NCLE and AMR sentinel sites.
  6. Assist bacteriology laboratory in NCLE in updating and troubleshooting WHONET configurations for NCLE and AMR surveillance sites.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Individual applicants only

EDUCATION

Essential: Bachelor’s degree in medical science or microbiology with focus on laboratory diagnostics for infectious diseases including medical microbiology diagnostic, clinical laboratory diagnostic, and antimicrobial resistance analysis.

Desirable: Master’s degree in Microbiology

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least five years’ substantial work experience in medical bacteriology diagnostic and/or clinical diagnostic laboratories, experience in managing surveillance programmes and in antimicrobial resistance analysis.

Desirable: Working experience with national reference laboratories in Lao PDR 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.
  • • Ability to interact effectively with health professionals at various levels and to work with national counterparts, non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
  • • Strong communication skills.
  • • Proficiency with WHONET software is essential.
  • • Proficiency in standard MS Office applications including MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint are essential.

 

LANGUAGES

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

 

COMPETENCIES

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

 

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 19 August 2020

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. 112056 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.


Peter Ellison - wproungm@who.int
First name: Peter
Surname: Ellison