Laboratory Technical Consultant

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared as public health emergency of international concern by the WHO Director-General on 30 Jan 2020. Since then, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore were also affected with spread of SARS-CoV-2. The impact of COVID-19 is not only on health of people, but also on economy and society.

Laboratory diagnostics have one of the main roles in responses to COVID-19 cases by identifying target of public health intervention and clinical care. It is a core component of surveillance. New diagnostics are rapidly developed and validated, including molecular, antigen-based and serology testing. Although some of products in market have not obtained international standards or validations, they were actually used with balancing risk and benefit.

Emergence of variant of concern (VOC), SARS-CoV-2 is particularly important to monitor for public health implication. VOC may pose different performance in diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines as well as increased transmissibility and virulence, which also influence public health decision. Determination of VOC requires genome sequencing with sophisticated molecular laboratory capacity. As area of laboratory for COVID-19 are increasingly evolving, expertise in laboratory diagnostics is critical for supporting and planning of COVID-19 responses.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the country level, the incumbent will provide technical expertise and operational support to the Incident Management System Team (IMST) of the WRO Malaysia in responding to COVID-19 through managing the laboratory related activities.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the immediate supervision of WHE Team Leader and overall supervision of the WHO Representative, the incumbent will provide technical expertise and operational support in responding to COVID-19 through managing the laboratory related activities.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

1. Provide technical expertise and operational support on laboratory aspects to ministries of health of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore for the timely response to the COVID-19 outbreak, in collaboration with WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, national health officials, including laboratory staff, and other partner organizations. This includes, but is not limited to the strategic advice and guidance on the following:
   1. Ministries of health’s testing strategies adjusted to country context, resources and capabilities;
   2. Testing of vulnerable population, such as migrant workers, refugees, stateless people, people in nursing homes.
   3. New and emerging testing technologies, such as rapid PCR, one-step PCR, quantitative antigen test and PCR based VOC screening etc.
2. Adapt and coordinate the development and implementation of technical guidelines, protocols and standard operating procedures for laboratory testing practices for COVID-19 outbreak detection.
3. Coordinate procurement of laboratory reagents, consumables and personal protective equipment through the Diagnostic Consortium and other procurement mechanisms, as appropriate.
4. Facilitate referral of COVID-19 samples for confirmation and advanced investigation of infection to the global reference laboratories, as may be appropriate.
5. Support capacity building in genome sequencing to detect variants of SARS-CoV-2
6. To support and facilitate establishment and maintenance of national external quality assessment programs for COVID-19.
7. To coordinate participation of national laboratories in COVID-19 research, such as WHO Unity Studies.
8. Manage the implementation, reporting, performance assessment and evaluation of the approved activities and ensure proper communication with WPRO and partners as appropriate.
9. Contribute to strengthening the national capacity at the health laboratories; assess training needs and provide training for laboratory personnel in the related technical areas.
10. Perform any other related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

University degree (BSc level or above) in life science, biology, medical virology or microbiology from an accredited/ recognized institute.

Certified training or qualification in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.

Desirable:

Master’s level degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases or health emergency management.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

At least five years of practical and operational application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the local, national and international levels.

Desirable:

Academic background and/or experience in biotechnology and biomedical research.

Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at local, national and regional levels.

Previous experience in UN organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations, international institutions or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in developing countries.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Good computer skills in Microsoft Office, EPI Info, SPSS etc.

LANGUAGES

       English

COMPETENCIES

• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Producing results
• Fostering Integration and team work
• Communication in a credible and effective way

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Duration of contract: (6 Months) 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021

Medical clearance: The selected Incumbent will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

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 15 April 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. 124502 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.