Consultant @ World Health Organization (WHO)
Job Description
Jobs in Lagos, Nigeria.
Consultancy Purpose
The consultant will oversee the implementation of global respiratory disease surveillance initiatives, focusing on pandemic surveillance and the establishment of standardized protocols for respiratory viruses with epidemic and pandemic potential. This role involves coordinating the development and deployment of the WHO Mosaic Respiratory Surveillance Framework, contributing influenza expertise to pandemic preparedness resources, and aiding the creation of global networks capable of conducting rapid epidemiological investigations during pandemics.
Background
Respiratory virus outbreaks, including influenza, occur annually, requiring effective surveillance systems to inform prevention and control strategies. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States requested a unified approach to sustain respiratory pathogen surveillance, which necessitates a combination of complementary systems for early warning and routine monitoring. The E-GISRS system plays a key role in this, fitting within the WHO Mosaic framework that aligns surveillance strategies with specific objectives.
There is a need to finalize tools and materials from the 2023 Mosaic Framework pilot to help countries design integrated surveillance workplans. Additionally, updated guidance for pandemic surveillance and standardized study protocols must be established to ensure high-quality data collection during future health crises. This consultant will collaborate with the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) and the Pandemic Preparedness Global Platform (PGP) to implement these activities.
Deliverables
Task 1: Lead Assessment and Development of Mosaic Framework Materials
- Conduct a review of findings from the 2023 Mosaic Framework pilot and coordinate the development of tools for national Mosaic Framework workshops.
- Form an expert working group to gather input from partners and regional offices on lessons learned from the pilot.
- Deliverables: Finalized Mosaic Framework materials (presentation slides, scenario exercises, facilitator guides, process guides).
- Establish an operational online Community of Practice for countries to share best practices and integrate findings into existing work plans and proposals.
- Deliverables: Active online community.
- Lead the implementation of 3-5 Mosaic “train-the-trainer” workshops and create a roster of facilitators.
- Deliverables: Workshop reports and facilitator roster.
- Create training materials to incorporate pandemic scenarios into the Mosaic Framework.
- Deliverables: Pilot training materials.
- Prepare publications on best practices and lessons learned from the Mosaic Framework.
- Deliverables: Draft paper(s) by the end of the consultancy.
Task 2: Influenza Expertise for Pandemic Preparedness
- Serve as the influenza focal point for PGP, reporting monthly on relevant activities and outputs.
- Deliverables: Monthly reports to GIP.
- Provide technical input to influenza-specific pandemic preparedness resources, training, and exercises.
- Deliverables: Influenza-focused materials and training content.
- Lead training sessions on pandemic surveillance plans for influenza.
- Deliverables: Training materials, meeting and training reports.
Task 3: Support Global Network for Rapid Investigations
- Coordinate the development of a global network of sites capable of conducting rapid epidemiological studies, known as the Unity Studies network.
- Deliverables: Monitoring strategy for site capacity.
- Facilitate the launch of the Unity Studies network, coordinating the global meeting and agenda.
- Deliverables: Meeting agenda, secured speakers, session facilitation.
- Provide technical expertise to regional partners on Unity Studies implementation, including protocol development and workplan modifications.
- Deliverables: Implementation materials for Unity Studies.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
- Essential: Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Health or Epidemiology.
- Desirable: Field Epidemiological Training Program (FETP) graduate; first degree in Biology or Microbiology.
Experience:
- Essential: At least 10 years in epidemic and pandemic preparedness, surveillance, and response, including 5 years at the international level.
- Desirable: Experience with WHO (country offices or regional offices), working on respiratory pathogen epidemic/pandemic response, particularly for influenza and COVID-19.
Skills/Knowledge:
- Essential: Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills.
Languages:
- Essential: Expert proficiency in English.
Remuneration
- Band Level C: USD 10,000 – 12,500 per month.
Source: From Company Career Portal/Other Job Boards.
