Laboratory Technical Officer
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 outbreak has been characterized as pandemic by the WHO Director-General.
Since the first notification of a cluster of pneumonia of unknown aetiology in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, all levels of WHO have been working closely with the Government of China through the National Health Commission. We note and commend the rapid identification and response to the unusual cluster and subsequent detection and isolation of COVID-19 by Chinese authorities. WHO teams have been working non-stop to develop the interim guidance and facilitate meeting obligations under the International Health Regulations (2005). Since early on, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has been immersed in preparedness and response activities in China and neighbouring countries and areas and will continue to do so until the threat posed by COVID-19 is under control.
As increasing number of cases continue to be reported all across the world, enhanced preparedness and response efforts are required in the Region. Countries in the Region are experiencing challenges when dealing with outbreak response: low capacity of health care systems; limited laboratory capacity for testing for COVID-19; shortage of skilled laboratory workforce; shipment of reagents and shortage of supplies, etc.
To cope with the situation, the laboratory team within HSD is being strengthened, to provide technical assistance to Member States for preparedness and response efforts. 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 consultancy is to support effective response operations related to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with a focus on laboratory, as part of the HSD pillar, Incident Management System, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the regional level, the incumbent will provide technical expertise and operational support to the Incident Management Team (IMT) of the Division of Health Security and Emergencies in responding to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through managing the laboratory related activities under Health Service Delivery (HSD) pillar in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific related to COVID-19.
METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
- Contribute in providing technical expertise and operational support for the timely response to the COVID-19 outbreak as part of the IMST COVID-19 laboratory team, in collaboration with WHO country offices, national health officials, including laboratory staff, and other partner organizations
- Contribute in assessments for strengthening the national capacity for laboratory testing including general laboratory performance such as quality management system, equipment maintenance, biosafety and biosecurity for laboratories, shipments of samples and supplies, etc.
- Review and update the existing regional laboratory documents
- Maintain and update the VOC/VOI database using all available information (CO, GISAID, Pango websites etc)
- Present current laboratory issues at the IMST
- Organize fortnightly regional coordination teleconferences with laboratory focal points at WHO country offices and prepare meeting notes
- Provide support to the WHE team for assessment and procurement of supplies and reagents for laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 and gene sequencing of SARS-CoV-2
- Perform any other related duties, as required by the functional supervisor
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
University degree in life science from an accredited/ recognized institute.
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
At least three years of practical and operational application of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the national and international levels.
Desirable:
- • Knowledge of requirements of international standards that specify the quality management system requirements for medical laboratories (ISO 15189)
- • Infectious Substance Shipment training
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Proficiency in computer programming languages (C#, Java, JavaScript), cloud web services, HTML&CSS, Visual Studio, Android Studio, database management system(MySQL) and standard MS Office software applications (Word, Excel).
LANGUAGES
Written and spoken fluency in English (Read – Write – Speak / "Advanced" level)
COMPETENCIES
- • Producing results
- • Communication in a credible and effective way
- • Moving forward in a changing environment
- • Knowing and managing yourself
- • Fostering Integration and team work
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
DURATION OF CONTRACT: 6 months starting 1 July 2021
APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 18 June 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. 131271 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.