National Consultant – Revision of the Good Practices in Medical Biology Guide

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 has a mission 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 crucial role in coordinating responses to health emergencies, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries. The organization is committed to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that all people can access the health services they need without facing financial hardship.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for the Revision of the Good Practices in Medical Biology Guide will play a pivotal role in updating the existing guidelines that govern medical diagnostic laboratories in Tunisia. This position is essential for ensuring that the national standards align with the latest scientific, technological, and regulatory advancements, particularly in light of the ISO 15189:2022 standards. The consultant will be tasked with revising the guide to enhance the quality assurance and biosafety protocols within medical biology testing. The overarching goal is to harmonize practices across both public and private laboratories, ensuring that they meet international standards for quality and safety. The consultant will engage in a comprehensive review of the existing guide, identify gaps, and propose necessary revisions to ensure that the guide remains a relevant and authoritative resource for medical laboratories in Tunisia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables throughout the consultancy period. These include: 1) Drafting and finalizing the Revised Good Practices in Medical Biology Guide based on the 2011 decree. 2) Developing a methodological note that outlines the approach for the assignment. 3) Conducting a thorough review and analysis of the 2011 decree to identify any gaps in comparison to current national and international standards. 4) Preparing a draft version of the revised guide that incorporates the latest best practices. 5) Presenting the draft guide during a validation workshop and facilitating discussions to gather feedback. 6) Finalizing the revised guide by incorporating comments and suggestions received during the workshop. The consultant will also be expected to travel within Tunisia to conduct necessary consultations and workshops.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a first university degree (bachelor’s level) in medicine or pharmacy, with a specialization in medical biology. An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in the same field is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a strong background in quality management or conformity assessment within laboratories, particularly as a TUNAC Evaluator. A solid understanding of applicable ISO standards, including ISO 15189, ISO 35001, and ISO 17025, is essential. Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate experience in developing or revising professional guides, standards, or protocols relevant to medical biology.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a bachelor’s degree in medicine or pharmacy, with a specialization in medical biology. An advanced degree, such as a Master’s or higher, is preferred and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role. It is crucial that the educational qualifications are obtained from institutions recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 6 years of relevant professional experience in the field of medical biology. This experience should include a strong focus on quality management and conformity assessment within laboratory settings. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working with ISO standards and will have been involved in the development or revision of professional guidelines or protocols.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, with strong skills in both spoken and written communication. This bilingual capability is essential for effectively engaging with stakeholders and facilitating discussions during the validation workshop. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy contract is 60 days, starting from May 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 202

• The consultant will be required to travel within Tunisia to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. A medical certificate of fitness for work will be required from the selected consultant. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. 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, WHO requires that all consultants confirm their vaccination status as part of the hiring process.