Consultant - Epidemiologist, COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The Division of Data, Strategy and Innovation (DSI) of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is looking for consultant who will act as the epidemiology subject matter expert, to support COVID-19 modelling and the WHO “UNITY” (sero-epidemiological) studies initiative, covering research & development and enhanced surveillance areas of work: *please see link tab for reference*

The consultant will establish and maintain collaborative networks involving national and international organizations, governmental and non-governmental institutions, professional and scientific societies, and liaise with the Incident Management Support Team of the World Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) and the Vaccine Incident Management Support Team other units/teams in WPRO and at HQ. The consultant will provide technical support to Ministries of Health (MOH) and partners across countries within the region, with focus on Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Pacific Island Countries.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To provide epidemiological guidance and support COVID-19 modelling and the WHO “UNITY” (sero-epidemiological) studies initiative, covering research and development and enhanced surveillance areas of work

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant will provide support to DSI by performing the following functions:

• • Provide evidence-based technical expert advice in the development of strategies, research and development agenda and partnerships for COVID-19 modelling and sero-epidemiological investigations
• • Provide coordination and project management support to WHE and country offices for modelling and “UNITY” sero-epi investigations: implementation of technical, financial and operational plans
• • Provide epidemiological technical support to WHO country offices, Ministries of Health and partner institutions in implementing sero-epidemiological investigations (advise on study design, data entry, data validation, analysis and interpretation of studies data and results)
• • Ensure development and dissemination of up-to-date, evidence-based guidance and tools, including sero-epi protocols, literature reviews, epidemiologic summaries, guidance materials
• • Provide technical support to ongoing contact with partner organizations, other UN agencies, and with official representatives from Member States to encourage effective collaboration and information-sharing of modelling and sero-epidemiological investigations results
• • Support WPRO VIMST in developing strategies for vaccine effectiveness (VE) monitoring and provide epidemiological technical support in implementing VE studies (advise on study design, data entry, data validation, analysis and interpretation of studies data and results)
• • Perform any other related incident-specific duties, as required by the functional supervisor

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

• • Organize and facilitate meetings across implementing partners and stakeholders (WHO country offices, Ministries of Health, other UN agencies, funders, academic institutions, etc.) to align regional and country needs with sero-epidemiological and modelling support and conduct studies
• • Respond to countries’ ad hoc requests for study implementation support, including statistical analyses support
• • Participate in global and regional science and research webinars and workshops
• • Attend daily Incident Management Support Team meetings (and Vaccine Incident Management Support Team meetings when appropriate) and present latest modelling and sero-epidemiological data upon request
• • Continually monitor scientific literature and share updated SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological data and estimates and projections with implementing partners and stakeholders
• • Prepare contracts and agreements and monitor implementation progress
• • Routinely report activity progress to HQ Unity focal points and Regional Emergency Director or his/her delegated WHE point of contact

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in epidemiology, public health or a related health discipline from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: PhD in epidemiology, specialized training in field epidemiology and/or communicable diseases.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:  5-7 years related experience at national and/or international levels, in quantitative epidemiology including statistical analysis, and the implementation of public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and response in humanitarian settings.

Desirable:  Experience in facilitating infectious diseases modelling. Previous experience at the field level in WHO, UN organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations, international institutions or non-governmental organizations, particularly in developing countries. Experience in project management.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Infectious diseases epidemiological studies implementation and advanced statistical analysis skills
• • Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and statistical software’s (STATA, R etc.)

LANGUAGES

Advance written and spoken fluency in English is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• • Communicating in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results
• • Moving forward in a changing environment
• • Fostering integration and teamwork
• • Knowing and managing yourself

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Place of assignment: Remotely/ Home-based

Duration of contract: 6 months starting 28 March 2022

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 9 March 2022. 

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. 167107 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.