National Infectious Disease Surveillance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 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 a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing infectious diseases, health emergencies, and promoting health equity.

Job Overview:
The National Infectious Disease Surveillance Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the infectious disease surveillance system in Ukraine. This position is vital in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis following the war that began in February 2022, which has led to significant public health challenges. The consultant will be responsible for capacity-building interventions and the development of national guidance to strengthen both indicator- and event-based surveillance systems. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (rCDCs) and the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The consultant will also be involved in training sessions, technical discussions, and the preparation of reports that will inform future public health strategies and interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Co-facilitating training sessions on event-based surveillance (EBS) and Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) for rCDCs, including delivering presentations and providing key observations and recommendations.
• Supporting the preparation for technical discussions on blood safety regulations related to Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (TTI) surveillance, including document preparation and group facilitation.
• Assisting in the implementation of national simulation exercises focused on water-related infectious diseases, which involves preparing materials and delivering sessions.
• Organizing and co-facilitating training on electronic surveillance system (ESS) data analytics for epidemiologists, ensuring at least six training sessions are conducted.
• Collaborating with the Public Health Center to conduct joint training activities on priority disease surveillance, including report preparation.
• Co-facilitating rapid risk assessment (RRA) training for emergency response departments, analyzing gaps, and developing training materials.
• Supporting the delivery of a national workshop on Early Warning, Alert, and Response (EWAR), including material review and workshop facilitation.
• Reviewing and updating the Rapid Response Teams (RRT) framework legislation and standard operational procedures (SOPs) in consultation with UPHC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Medicine, Epidemiology, public health, or a related field from an accredited institution. Essential qualifications include a minimum of three years of experience in surveillance, epidemiology, or public health at national or international levels. Desirable qualifications include experience with WHO or other UN agencies. Proven skills in delivering training sessions and co-facilitating events are essential, along with sound knowledge of global infectious disease surveillance standards and national reporting regulations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Medicine, Epidemiology, or public health from an accredited institution. Graduation from a Field Epidemiology Training Program is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's expertise in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience working at national and/or international levels in areas related to surveillance, epidemiology, or public health. Experience with WHO or other UN agencies is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with international public health standards and practices.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Ukrainian and English, both at an expert level. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy is expected to start on 02 October 2026 and will last until 31 August 2027, totaling 11 months. The consultant will be compensated with a total contract value of 39,600 USD, with a monthly rate of 3,600 USD and a daily rate of 180 USD for 20 days of work per month, amounting to 220 days in total. The consultant is expected to travel as required for the role. This vacancy may also be used to identify candidates for similar consultancies at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.