International Consultant for Infectious Disease Surveillance

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to combat diseases, improve health systems, and respond to health emergencies. The organization is committed to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that all people can access quality health services without financial hardship.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Infectious Disease Surveillance is aimed at supporting the government of Mongolia in developing a comprehensive roadmap and guidance for enhancing the integrated infectious disease surveillance capacity. The consultant will work under the guidance of the WHO Country Office in Mongolia, focusing on assessing the current surveillance systems, developing strategies for integration, and strengthening the overall capacity of the health system. The consultant will be responsible for modernizing surveillance frameworks, conducting assessments, providing technical guidance, and facilitating stakeholder consultations. This role is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by Mongolia's current surveillance system, which include limited integration, gaps in laboratory linkages, and insufficient use of digital technologies for real-time data sharing. The consultant will also contribute to the development of a digital surveillance platform that aligns with One Health principles, ensuring interoperability across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the assessment of Mongolia's current infectious disease surveillance capacity, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Assisting the government in developing a strategy for an integrated national surveillance system.
• Providing technical guidance to enhance the governance and integration of existing surveillance systems.
• Developing technical specifications for a digital surveillance platform tailored to Mongolia's context.
• Identifying capacity-building needs and delivering targeted training for surveillance officers and data managers.
• Engaging with stakeholders across government, academia, and international partners to ensure coordinated planning and sustainable implementation of reforms.
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices to support ongoing capacity development.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced educational degree (Masters or above) in epidemiology, public health, or a related field. Candidates must have at least eight years of relevant work experience in infectious disease surveillance, health systems strengthening, or public health strategy development. Experience with WHO or United Nations programs is desirable, particularly at the country, regional, or global level. Essential skills include the ability to develop policy documents, build capacity in laboratory quality systems, and demonstrate excellent planning and time management skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced educational degree (Masters or above) in epidemiology, public health, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of infectious disease surveillance and public health strategy development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience in the fields of infectious disease surveillance, health systems strengthening, or public health strategy development. Experience working with WHO or United Nations programs is desirable, and some of this experience should have been obtained at a country, regional, or global level.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be based onsite at the WHO Country Office in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In-country travel is expected and will be planned accordingly. The remuneration for this consultancy is set at USD 8000 per month, with an expected contract duration of three months, from September to December 202

• This vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as a form of screening. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications prior to the interview. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.