VDI Short-term Consultant for (i) responding to emergence and circulation of VDPV type 2 in the Region and (ii) preventing measles resurgence in endemic countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

In light of the recent outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) and resurgence of measles due to negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization, it is an emerging challenge for the Western Pacific region to prevent emergence and further spread of vaccine-preventable diseases (polio and measles) by scaling up routine immunization, ensuring high sensitivity of surveillance, preparing and implementing supplementary immunization activities.

The specific challenges include:

1. After several rounds of monovalent oral poliovirus type 2 (mOPV2) in the Philippines new/young type 2 VDPVs, unrelated to the ongoing outbreak started emerging. This requires continuous enhanced support to the Philippines in preparedness for possible circulation of these new VDPV2s in NCR and/or other regions of the country causing a new outbreak. To support the country a field deployment in the Philippines (from Q4 2020 to Q2 2021) will be required.
2. With availability of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (OPV2) response to type 2 polio outbreaks is expected to be more effective and to minimize the risk of seeding the new outbreaks, as is the case in the African continent. In preparation for possible use of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) in the Western Pacific Region, support to the outbreak countries (Philippines, Malaysia) and the countries under the potential risk (Lao People's Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Viet Nam) in considering, planning and preparation for introduction of nOPV2 (Q4 2020 to Q2 2021) will be required.
3. To prevent possible measles outbreak and further spread of poliovirus in the Philippines is planning to implement bOPV/measles and rubella (MR) supplementary immunization activities (SIA) from November 2020 to the first quarter of 2021. To support the country with preparation and implementation of this critical activity a field deployment in the Philippines (from Q3 2020 to Q1 2021) will be required.
4. To support the Philippines plan to implement bOPV/MR SIA mobilization of necessary funds in continuous consultation with Headquarters and other donor and partner organizations during Q3 2020 to Q1 2021 will be required.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will provide technical support for activities related to polio eradication and measles elimination programmes in the Western Pacific Region.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the supervision and guidance of the WPRO/VDI team coordinator Dr Yoshihiro Takashima, and working closely with the WPRO/VDI polio focal point Dr Tigran Avagyan, the consultant will perform the following activities:

POLIO

1. Support WPRO/VDI, WHO Philippines and Department of Health in periodic review of performance of polio surveillance, monitoring of emergence of young VDPV2 and implementing necessary response actions.
2. Support WPRO/VDI, WHO country offices and national health authorities in the
   Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and
   Viet Nam in preparation and possible use of nOPV2, if epidemiologically required.
3. Support other polio eradication activities as guided by the VDI Coordinator and polio focal point.

MEASLES

1. Support WPRO/VDI, WHO Philippines and Department of Health in preparation and implementation of bOPV/MR SIAs including raising necessary funds in close coordination with HQ and other donor and partner organizations.
2. Support other measles elimination activities as guided by the VDI Coordinator.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The Consultant will prepare and submit the following:

1. Periodic review of performance of polio surveillance, monitoring of emergence of young VDPV2 in the Philippines and developing recommendations on necessary response actions to be considered.
2. Country-specific recommendations on preparation and possible use of nOPV2 in outbreak countries and the countries with potential risk of type polio outbreak.
3. Report on implementation of bOPV/MR SIAs in the Philippines with recommendations for follow up actions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

Relevant master's level university degree in medicine, public health or related life-science programmes

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• • Minimum of 7 years in Public Health
• • Minimum of 3 years in polio eradication

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Good knowledge of polio outbreak preparedness and response.
• • Knowledge of recent developments in global polio eradication including use of novel OPV2 in outbreak response.
• • Good knowledge and experience of polio/measles SIAs planning, preparation, implementation and evaluation.
• • Good knowledge of and experience in evaluating performance of polio and measles surveillance.
• • Good knowledge of the polio endgame and measles elimination situation in the WPR and country specific needs and challenges.

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in English language is required (Read - Write - Speak).

COMPETENCIES

As per above requirements.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 23 October 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. 115280 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.