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1. Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant is being recruited to conduct a situation analysis and diagnosis of the status of the national public health laboratory capacity aiming at strengthening and optimizing the role of vulnerable, quality and resource-limited laboratory network in PNG and establish its current capabilities for the detection and confirmation of potential public health events of international concern (PHEIC), as required during health emergencies, and as defined by the national laboratory policy and strategic plan within the framework of International Health Regulations or (IHR 2005). Provide technical assistance in identifying issues related to laboratory technologies supply chain and logistical requirements for effectively address outbreaks, emergencies, and major public health threats.
The consultant will also assist the WHO-PNG to assist the country to develop laboratory capacity to detect, assess and respond to emerging and re-emerging threats through the implementation of the regional health security framework (APSED-III), monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and provide effective assistance to PNG to response to outbreaks and epidemics.
2. Objectives of the Consultancy
The mission of the WHO Health Emergency Program (WHE) is to support Member States (MS) to build their capacity to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and to coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and provide effective relief and recovery to the affected populations. WHE brings together and enhances WHO’s operational, technical, and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies, and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable, and accountable manner.
WHE is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.
The main objective of the consultancy includes the following:
To assess and evaluate the current country public health laboratory capacity to support preparedness for public health and humanitarian emergencies and assist the development of the country capacity to plan and implement critical capacities to detect and respond to major public health threats as stated by the IHR (2005). This objective takes into consideration the intersectoral nature of emergency preparedness and entails for a large partnership with other organizations and take into consideration several global frameworks such as the sustainable development goals related to health, emergencies and disasters, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025-2030, the pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, the performance of Veterinarian Services Pathway, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, regional strategies such as APSED-III, and other regional strategies for disaster risk management within a broader agenda of regional and global Health Security Agenda and the Universal Health Coverage 2030.
The consultant shall support the WHO country office in its effort to strengthen intersectoral national capacity for early detection, timely and effective response, to public health emergencies as required under the IHR 2005 by working with all major public health programs to ensure that laboratory needs listed in national plans are translated into targeted capacity-building in the priority and vulnerable parts of the country.
3. Summary of assigned duties:
Within the framework of delegated authority, the consultant is assigned the following responsibilities:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review of the current status of the national public health systems capacity and diagnosis its weaknesses and propose affordable solutions to strengthen the national and sub-national capacities for detection and characterization of emerging and other infectious diseases of major public health interest in line with the requirements of APSEDIII and IHR (2005).
2. Work with the existing network of national public health laboratory and regional partners to improve laboratory quality management systems, perform/participate in laboratory evaluations, training and capacity building, and external quality assessment programs.
3. Assist PNG to develop and establish protocols for collection, storage, and shipping of laboratory specimens within the country and to international reference laboratories.
4. Provide technical assistance and capacity building support to national reference laboratories for diagnosis of infectious diseases and AMR.
5. Provide oversight, technical assistance, and capacity building support to establish, strengthen and expand national genome sequencing surveillance network in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Liaise with national laboratories and international/regional reference laboratories including WHO collaborating centers.
7. Support response to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases and public health emergencies in collaboration with other relevant UN agencies and partners, supporting PNG to strengthen its laboratory-based component of outbreak investigations.
8. Strengthen capacity of national laboratories and improve access of subnational laboratories for the identification of AMR in human pathogens, including the whole genome sequencing where appropriate
9. Provide technical support for laboratory systems strengthening in line with APSED III, taking an all-hazards approach and, where appropriate, applying One Health approach.
10. Provide advice on priority investments to make regarding new technologies related to laboratory investigation of outbreaks of emerging and other infectious diseases and public health emergencies.
11. Upon request, provide technical support, backstopping and gap-filling for emergency related activities at country level and or perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.
Outputs:
Deliverable 1: To conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the current country public health laboratory capacity to support preparedness for public health emergencies; and
Deliverable 2: Assist the development of the country capacity, to plan and implement critical capacities to detect and respond to major public health threats as stated by the IHR.
Other Deliverables:
4. Competencies:
· Teamwork
· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
· Communication
· Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
· Ensure effective use of resources
5. Functional Skills and Knowledge:
· Excellent knowledge of microbiology and its application for laboratory diagnosis and outbreak investigation
· Knowledge of international public health laboratory systems including quality systems and external quality assessment schemes, especially in developing countries
· Knowledge of One Health approach to infectious disease and its concepts
· Ability to assess laboratory capacity and find solutions to fill the gaps
· Ability to establish collaborations and mobilize partnerships to strengthen and expand networks, including the regional genomic surveillance network
· Planning, management, and analytical skills, with the ability to foster consensus and team spirit
· Ability to work flexibly, autonomous, and efficiently, in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to adapt to shifting priorities
· Demonstrated ability to use and make sense of complex data and/or information to effectively solve problems and contribute to public health decision-making
· Strong writing skills including for presentations, proposals, concept notes, reports, and other documents
· Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomatic skills
· Experience synthesizing information and communicating effectively in a timely manner to broad and diverse audiences
· Strong commitment to international health
· Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational background and maintain a high standard of personal conduct
6. Education Qualifications:
This vacancy is archived.