Consultant: Managing Seasonal, Zoonotic and Pandemic Influenza by Strengthening 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 plays a critical role in coordinating global health responses, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries. The organization focuses on various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, aiming to achieve universal health coverage and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide specialized technical expertise to countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) for managing seasonal, zoonotic, and pandemic influenza through enhanced surveillance, monitoring, and data utilization. This role is crucial in building robust epidemiological and virological surveillance systems that are essential for detecting and responding to influenza and other high-impact respiratory viruses. The consultant will work closely with national teams to strengthen integrated sentinel surveillance systems, laboratory networks, and data sharing mechanisms, ensuring that these systems are capable of informing public health actions and emergency preparedness. The position requires a proactive approach to integrating surveillance for various respiratory pathogens, aligning with WHO global standards and operational guidance, and enhancing early warning and risk assessment capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance to EMR countries in managing seasonal, zoonotic, and pandemic influenza by strengthening surveillance, monitoring, and data utilization.
• Advise national teams on calculating baseline and threshold values using the updated Pandemic Influenza Severity Assessment (PISA) methodology.
• Build and enhance countries’ capacities for estimating influenza disease burden and publishing findings.
• Guide countries in estimating the burden averted through vaccination using population-based rates.
• Strengthen, monitor, and evaluate surveillance systems for influenza and other respiratory pathogens.
• Develop and revise data collection protocols for respiratory disease surveillance.
• Lead regional consolidation of epidemiologic and virologic surveillance data.
• Facilitate pandemic preparedness evaluations and workshops.
• Promote the creation of new National Influenza Centers and analyze regional data. 1
• Prepare regional EMR Respiratory Virus Activity Bulletins and newsletters. 1
• Develop strategic partnerships related to influenza and emerging respiratory infections.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or data science.
• At least 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in public health, epidemiology, or infectious disease surveillance, with a focus on influenza or respiratory disease.
• Demonstrated expertise in analyzing surveillance data and applying severity assessment frameworks in national or regional contexts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical skills for drafting documents and reports.
• Proficiency in data management and basic computer skills.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering training workshops.
• Ability to adapt technical materials to local contexts and communicate complex concepts clearly.
• Strong project management skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Essential: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or data science is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage and analyze public health data, particularly in the context of infectious diseases and surveillance systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in public health, epidemiology, or infectious disease surveillance. This experience should include a strong focus on influenza or respiratory disease surveillance, demonstrating the candidate's ability to handle complex public health challenges and contribute to effective disease management strategies. Candidates should have a proven track record of analyzing surveillance data and applying epidemiological frameworks in various contexts, showcasing their expertise in the field.

Languages:
English at an expert level is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for conveying technical concepts to diverse audiences. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a maximum of 11 months per calendar year, with an initial contract duration of 3 months. The consultant will be required to travel to the Regional Office for one month to work closely with the Responsible Officer. Remuneration is set at a daily range of USD 350 – 499, translating to a monthly range of USD 7,000 - 9,98

• Living expenses will be provided for on-site consultants who are internationally recruited. All travel arrangements will be managed by WHO, and the consultant will receive a subsistence allowance while on mission. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking any assignments.