Roster of International Consultant – Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 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 has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. It operates in 194 member states and has a workforce of over 7,000 employees across various countries. WHO's work encompasses a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response, among others. The organization aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The position involves joining a roster of qualified consultants to provide technical assistance in strengthening national and regional AMR surveillance and laboratory systems. The consultant will engage in various assignments that may include designing and assessing surveillance systems, implementing the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), and enhancing laboratory capacities. The role requires a deep understanding of public health surveillance, laboratory systems, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for policy and program development. The consultant will work closely with WHO technical units and may be involved in developing technical guidance, protocols, and training materials to support AMR initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments of AMR surveillance systems, including governance arrangements and data quality, and provide prioritized recommendations.
• Design and develop assignment-specific technical products such as protocols, standard operating procedures, and surveillance tools.
• Analyze data and produce analytical outputs, including statistical analyses and visualization specifications.
• Adapt and create laboratory and diagnostic products, including training packages and quality management tools.
• Develop capacity-building packages, including training curricula and evaluation methods.
• Prepare reports and knowledge products related to AMR surveillance and laboratory capacity, including policy briefs and technical reports.
• Collaborate with national health ministries and public health institutes to implement AMR strategies effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first university degree or medical degree in relevant fields such as epidemiology, public health, clinical microbiology, or laboratory sciences. An advanced degree or specialization in these areas is desirable. Additional postgraduate training or certifications in clinical microbiology, laboratory quality management, or data analytics are also beneficial. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of public health principles and the ability to apply WHO standards in various contexts. Excellent technical writing and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work in multicultural settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a first university degree or medical degree in fields relevant to the assignment, such as epidemiology, public health, or laboratory sciences. An advanced degree or specialization in these areas is preferred. Additional training or certifications in relevant technical profiles will enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
Essential experience includes at least 5 years of relevant professional experience for Band level B and at least 10 years for Band level C in technical profiles related to AMR surveillance and laboratory strengthening. Candidates should have a proven track record of producing high-quality outputs such as surveillance assessments, technical reports, and training packages. Experience in implementing antimicrobial susceptibility testing standards and conducting laboratory assessments is crucial. Desirable experience includes working with ministries of health and public health institutes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate or expert knowledge of another official United Nations language or a language used in a WHO South-East Asia Region Member State is desirable, depending on the assignment.

Additional Notes:
Consultancies may be home-based, country-based, or regional office-based, with specific arrangements detailed in individual Terms of Reference. The expected duration of contracts can range from short inputs to several months, with a maximum of 11 months per calendar year. Remuneration will be determined based on WHO consultant remuneration guidance, and travel costs will be excluded from the budget. Candidates must provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking assignments. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups.