Consultant - VPD Laboratory, Manila

Purpose of consultancy

To provide support to the overall coordination of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) laboratory networks for polio, measles and rubella, rotavirus, Japanese encephalitis (JE) and invasive bacterial diseases (IBD) with expanding VPD lab capacity, laboratory surveillance and capacity building. The candidate will also support efforts in moving towards an integrated approach for communicable diseases elimination throughout laboratory surveillance for the Integrated Communicable Diseases (ICD) unit addressing needs related to gaps in monitoring laboratory capacity for other communicable diseases, including:

• review cell sensitivity testing results from Polio Network Laboratories and provide technical guidance on how to improve the performances of the polio laboratories;
• support in the arrangement of shipment of samples for confirmatory testing from VPD network laboratories to Global/Regional Reference Laboratories on the agreed timeline;
  
  • Measles and Rubella
  • JE
  • Rotavirus
• provide support and schedule of distribution and shipment of laboratory supplies and proficiency/ EQA panels, and monitor receipt of shipment and results of the EQA panels;
  
  • Poliovirus
  • Measles and Rubella
  • JE
  • Rotavirus
• ensure laboratories share data on the agreed timeframe and expected quality;
• support procurement of laboratory supplies and consumables for priority countries in collaboration with WHO COs;
• support WHO annual accreditation by desk/on-site review in coordination with the WHO Country Offices (WHO CO) and Ministry of Health; and
• under general supervision of the VPD laboratory coordinator support the ICD team to understand the needs for laboratory support of various programmes in ICD.

Background

The World Health Organization in the Western Pacific Region has established laboratory networks for poliomyelitis, measles and rubella and Japanese encephalitis (JE) as well as for rotavirus infection and invasive bacterial vaccine-preventable diseases (IB-VPDs) to support surveillance and monitor implementation of immunization programmes to these vaccine preventable diseases. The Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VDI) team, within the Division of Programmes for Disease Control (DDC) collaborates with 500 public health laboratories in the region covering these vaccine-preventable diseases. The role of these laboratory networks is critical in achieving the region's goal of measles elimination, maintaining polio-free status and Japanese encephalitis control.

The performances of polio and measles/rubella network laboratories have been monitored through well-established WHO accreditation system.

Regional or sub-regional hands-on training courses have been conducted to keep and maintain the performance of laboratories to the accreditation level. WHO/WPRO also supports these laboratories through the provision of laboratory supplies to ensure the quality of various tests they are performing.

Deliverables

1. Provide technical and logistical support in collaboration with Supply Unit and Registry Unit:
   • procurement and delivery of laboratory supplies such as equipment, reagents and testing kits, consumables;
   • shipment of the laboratory supplies to countries/WHO country offices for maintenance of VPD laboratory operation/services;
   • coordinate shipment of confirmatory samples from VPD Network labs to Global/Regional Reference laboratories;
   • receipt of inbound shipment of lab supplies and EQA panels and ensure proper storage of the goods; and
   • arrangement shipment of remaining 2024 and 2025 proficiency testing panels for VPD lab network
2. Support VDI Team to maintain Diphtheria Anti-toxin (DAT) stockpile in the Western Pacific Region and arrange distribution as necessary.
   • Coordinate with WHO CO on the need of DAT by Member States (MS)
3. Support VDI Data Team in improving the quality and timeliness of laboratory data exchange between WHO and Member States.
4. Provide technical support during outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases and emerging diseases in collaboration with the Health Emergency Team in the Regional Office such as training on specimen collection, storage and transport of samples to Reference Laboratories.
5. Provide technical support in:
   • liaising with the polio laboratories to ensure reports are completed in the Global Polio Laboratory Network Management System (GPLNMS);
   • conducting desk review of checklists through GPLMNS for annual accreditation report of 2024 laboratory performance of polio network laboratories;
   • preparing polio accreditation certificates; and
   • reviewing cell sensitivity reports from polio network laboratories and provide feedback for improvement as needed
6. Support the ICD team leads to provide technical support to establish/strengthen laboratory capacity for other communicable diseases in ICD team.

Output 1: Reports on cell sensitivity, confirmatory testing, and shipment of laboratory supplies and other related reports
Deliverable 1.1: Updated accreditation listing for polio, measles and rubella and JE laboratories;
Deliverable 1.2: Updated summary of results of WHO proficiency tests and confirmatory testing of network laboratories;
Deliverable 1.3: Updated monitoring of kits/reagents and shipping

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Recognized university degree in life science, medicine, molecular biology or medical virology rom an accredited / recognized institute.
Desirable: Training or qualification in bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.

Experience:

Essential: At least five years' of practical and operational application of laboratory services, and laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the subnational, national and international levels. Knowledge and experience of QC/QA essential.
Desirable: Expertise in selection of appropriate equipment and reagents/kits for current project. Previous experience working in WHO setting.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Good computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in procurement and shipment of equipment and laboratory kits etc.
• Technical expertise in all operational aspects of laboratory performance.
• Sound knowledge in Quality Assurance Systems for laboratories.
• 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.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to foster consensus and team spirit.

Languages and level required:

Expert knowledge of written and spoken English is required (read-write-speak)

Location

Off-site with travel to VDI/WPRO office in Manila, the Philippines.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel nationally and internationally.

Remuneration and budget

Currency: Pay band level A, USD 4000 per month
Duration: 7.5 months, May to December 2025

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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