Consultant for Malaria Elimination

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's work includes coordinating responses to health emergencies, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries to improve their health systems.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be part of the Integrated Communicable Disease (ICD) team at the WHO Country Office in Lao PDR. The primary purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Lao PDR, focusing on strengthening program strategy and coordination for the implementation of the Malaria National Strategic Plan. The consultant will also play a crucial role in preparing for the certification of malaria elimination, which includes subnational verification, prevention of re-establishment of transmission (POR), and the integration of malaria services into the broader health system. The consultant's work is vital as Lao PDR aims to eliminate Plasmodium falciparum malaria by 2025 and all malaria by 2030, building on significant progress made over the past two decades.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables under the guidance of the Team Lead, Integrated Communicable Disease Unit. These include: 1) Strengthening program strategy and coordination to ensure full implementation of the Malaria National Strategic Plan interventions; 2) Supporting the MOH in implementing subnational verification and prevention of re-establishment of transmission (POR); 3) Reviewing outcome and impact data to develop recommendations for strengthening malaria elimination strategies; 4) Conducting epidemiological and programmatic data reviews to identify gaps and challenges; 5) Monitoring real-time data from the '1-3-7' rollout; 6) Updating malaria risk stratification data; 7) Preparing documents and tools for subnational verification for malaria elimination certification; 8) Developing clear action plans for integrating malaria services into the broader health system. The consultant is expected to submit monthly reports detailing progress and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in medicine, epidemiology, public health, health sciences, or a related field from a recognized university. A postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health is desirable. The consultant should have at least 5 years of work experience in public health, with a preference for experience in malaria or the elimination of other communicable diseases. Familiarity with health information systems, particularly DHIS2, is also desirable. The consultant should demonstrate strong technical skills in data analysis, stakeholder consultations, and report writing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as medicine, epidemiology, public health, or health sciences. A postgraduate degree in a related field is considered an asset and will enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in public health. Experience working on malaria or the elimination of other communicable diseases is highly desirable. Additionally, experience in Lao PDR or other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as experience working with WHO or UN agencies, will be advantageous.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract is expected to last for 6 months, with the possibility of renewal based on the progress of the work and the needs of the government. The consultant will be based in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, and will be required to travel within the country to provide on-site support. The remuneration for this position is set at USD 5,000 per month. 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 and professional standards. Additionally, WHO requires proof of vaccination as a condition for undertaking assignments.