National Consultant - CPHL Project Manager

1.Purpose of the Consultancy

In the context of the WCO Lebanon project to renovate, equip, and operationalize the National Reference Lab for emerging and re-emerging diseases under the umbrella of the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), the incumbent will provide direct supervision and project management support in the implementation of the technical and operational plans as well as on the use of financial resource related to this project in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders (MoPH, WCO teams, selected building companies) to ensure the timely delivery of the objectives set in the The Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) project

2.Background

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Lebanon, with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and financial support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Norwegian Government, is re-establishing the CPHL and committed to implementing a project to renovate, equip, and operationalize the National Reference Lab for Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases.

The EIB and Norwegian Government funds are allocated to specific project components — notably the renovation, equipment procurement, and initial capacity building of the CPHL. Medium- and long-term operational sustainability, including maintenance, procurement of reagents, and continuous technical capacity development, will require close and dedicated supervision and project management to achieve timely implementation.

3.Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date:01/10/2025

End date: 31/08/2026

4.Work to be performed

Output 1: Regular supervision and reporting of the activities related to renovation, equipment, and operationalization the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) project and the Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases Laboratory

Deliverable 1.1: Lead planning and execution of the CPHL renovation project in collaboration with national authorities and stakeholders.

·Activities:

oLead the planning and implementation of the CPHL renovation project.

oCoordinate closely with national health authorities, WHO technical teams, and implementing partners.

oEnsure the technical input on laboratory layout, design, biosafety, and workflow optimization, from the different stakeholders.

oOversee the engineering aspects of renovation to ensure alignment with public health laboratory infrastructure standards, including:

§HVAC and ventilation systems

§Electrical systems

§Plumbing and water supply

§Clean/contamination zones

oCollaborate with civil engineers, architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, and laboratory specialists to ensure designs meet engineering, biosafety, and quality standards.

Deliverable 1.2: Manage procurement and technical implementation of equipment, supplies, and capacity building.

·Activities:

oSupport the development and follow-up of the procurement plan for laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables.

oInitiate procurement requests and monitor supplier timelines and deliveries.

oCoordinate with engineers for installation and commissioning of equipment.

oFollow up on laboratory staff training and capacity-building activities.

oSupport the establishment and implementation of a laboratory data management system.

oEnsure documentation and reporting of all laboratory operationalization activities.

Output 2: Ensure smooth daily operations, regular site visits, stakeholder coordination, and execution of work plans.

Deliverable 2.1: Manage on-site operations and coordination.

• Activities:
• Conduct regular field visits to renovation and implementation sites.
• Attend and contribute to project management and coordination meetings.
• Track follow-up actions and deliverables with stakeholders.

Deliverable 2.2: Monitor project implementation, timelines, and compliance.

• Activities:
• Maintain up-to-date work plans and monitor performance against them.
• Identify risks or delays and propose mitigation strategies.
• Ensure technical and financial compliance with donor and WHO regulations.

Output 3: Ensure responsible and transparent use of project funds and effective documentation.

Deliverable 3.1: Support financial oversight and alignment with expected results.

• Activities:
• Monitor use of designated funds and ensure expenditures align with approved budgets and project indicators.
• Coordinate with WHO finance and procurement departments.

Deliverable 3.2: Lead reporting and documentation.

• Activities:
• Prepare and submit high-quality monthly and quarterly project reports.
• Support in drafting Terms of Reference for consultants, contractors, and external service providers as needed.
• Document success stories, lessons learned, and challenges to inform decision-making and donor reporting.
• Coordinate with communication regarding the visibility for EIB

5.Specific requirements

- Qualifications required:

- First University degree in engineering, biomedical sciences, laboratory technology, or other related fields.

- Certified experience in laboratory systems and/or biomedical engineering is highly desirable

A strong background on project management is an asset

- Experience required:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in projects related to the construction, renovation, rehabilitation and operationalization of public health facilities (hospital, laboratories) at national level and/or similar at sub-national level

-Demonstrated experience in lab infrastructure design, renovation supervision, or engineering project management related to health or laboratory facilities is an advantage.

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

- Technical expertise in engineering principles related to health facility construction (e.g., HVAC systems, water/waste systems, power supply, structural safety).

- Technical expertise in laboratory infrastructure standards, including biosafety, quality management systems, and functional workflow design.

- Familiarity with international guidelines (e.g., WHO, Pasteur Institute, etc) for laboratory design, renovation and biosafety flow.

- Ability to monitor and validate technical drawings, BoQs, and engineering plans.

- Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination.

- Excellent report writing and communication skills.

- Knowledge of donor-funded project requirements and reporting formats are an asset.

Language requirements:

Languages and level required (Read - Write - Speak / Expert or Intermediate) – English and French

6.Place of assignment

Beirut, Lebanon; no regular travel is envisioned for the fulfilment of these duties.

7.Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.