STC - Laboratory Consultant for Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS)

BACKGROUND

Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases in the past decade, including human infections with avian influenza subtypes, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Ebola Virus Disease globally have highlighted the importance of a countries ability to prepare and respond to acute public health events in a timely manner.  The International Health Regulation (IHR 2005) is an international legal instrument to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease. In the Western Pacific Region, the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies and Health Security (APSED) has served as a framework for action in strengthening IHR (2005) core capacities.

In Lao PDR, APSED has guided the development of the multi-year National Work Plan for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Emergencies and Health Security by the Ministry of Health (MoH).  Laboratory capacity is one of the key focus areas under the Work Plan. In the past two years, WHO together with DTRA, US CDC, US AID and other partners have been working closely with the MoH in strengthening laboratory capacity. This includes the development of national biosafety regulations, national quality standards and establishment of a national external quality assurance (EQA) program. Although substantial progress has been made, there continue to be gaps in capacities for Lao PDR to anticipate, prevent and respond to public health threats.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) caused by several subtypes of Influenza virus has been circulated worldwide as well as the Western Pacific region. Since the beginning of 2013, the neighbouring countries of Lao PDR have been reported avian influenza (H5N1) and (H7N9). Poultry outbreaks of influenza A/H5N1 in Lao PDR was also reported in Luangprabang in October 2016, Vientiane capital in February 2017, Champasack and Xaysomboun provinces in August 2017. It is very important to strengthen influenza surveillance and to carefully review any unusual patterns, ensure reporting of human infections under the IHR (2005), and continue national health preparedness actions.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will be based at the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Vientiane, Lao PDR and provide technical assistance in implementing structured laboratory quality management system (LQMS) and biosafety program in provincial and district level of Lao PDR and implementing virology surveillance of influenza.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Provide technical assistance in implementing a structured laboratory quality management system (LQMS) and biosafety program in provincial and district level of Lao PDR and implementing virology surveillance of influenza.

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) and Health System Development teams, the consultant will conduct the following activities and submit regular reports for each activity, including proposed next steps: 

1. Develop a work plan for implementation of national biosafety regulation and national laboratory quality standards.
2. Conduct an advocacy meeting with relevant officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry Agriculture and Forestry (MOAF), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) to advocate the importance of biosafety and laboratory quality management system.
3. Develop training materials and all supporting documents for national biosafety regulation and deliver sub-national training to biosafety officers.
4. Finalize guideline of domestic specimen transportation by ground and air, and develop training materials and all supporting documents, and deliver training to participants from four ministries (MOH, MOAF, MOST and MOD).
5. Develop a national dangerous pathogen inventory
6. Conduct a workshop for quality officers from five selected laboratories to develop laboratory quality manual.
7. Develop training materials and all supporting documents for national laboratory quality standards.
8. Develop training materials and all related documents such as poster, bench aids and Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for a quality management system, biosafety and virology surveillance of influenza for laboratory staff in NCLE and the other selected laboratories and deliver training.
9. Provide necessary training to laboratory staff in NCLE on data management and basic analysis of bacteriology and virology surveillance.
10. Provide necessary training and support to laboratory staff in Mahosoth hospital in the preparation of External Quality Assessment (EQA) program for haematology and perform the assessments of the EQA programs to identify weaknesses and monitor the impact of corrective measures.
11. Provide necessary oversight, training, and technical assistance to the virology laboratory in NCLE on the development of influenza surveillance capacities including Conventional and Real-Time-PCR, hemagglutination inhibition, cell cultures and virus isolation so that the virology laboratory can function according to WHO’s terms of references for a National Influenza Center.
12. Provide technical guidance and training to the influenza sentinel sites on specimen collection, transportation and storage.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Individual applicants only

EDUCATION

Essential: The consultant should have bachelor level degree in medical technology and a master level degree in clinical microbiology or related degree in medical technology with the focus on laboratory diagnostics for infectious diseases including virology diagnostic, clinical laboratory diagnostics, serology and molecular biology.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: The consultant should have at least five years’ substantial work experience in public health and clinical diagnostic laboratories, particularly in external quality assurance (EQA) program management, implementing and managing laboratory biosafety and quality management systems and in providing laboratory training. The consultants must be familiar with the ISO: 15189 laboratory quality standards, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.

Desirable: Working experience in Lao PDR or ASEAN countries 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.
• Familiar with the ISO: 15189 laboratory quality standards, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.
• Ability to interact effectively with health professionals at various levels and to work with national counterparts, non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in standard MS Office applications including MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint are essential.

LANGUAGES

Advanced English (speaking, reading and writing) is essential. Knowledge of local language (speaking) is an advantage.

COMPETENCIES

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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 13 November 2019. 

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. WPRO/2019-10/LAO-WHE/TN99307/bab as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.