Consultant for Public Health Preparedness and Response

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant for Public Health Preparedness and Response
Location: Vientiane
Country: Lao PDR
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, and articulating evidence-based policy options. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and respect for human rights, aiming to ensure that everyone can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to enhance public health preparedness and response capacities in Lao PDR by implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR) monitoring and evaluation framework. The consultant will collaborate closely with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) team and the WHO Country Office to improve surveillance, risk assessment, and response systems. Key responsibilities include facilitating joint external evaluations, conducting after-action reviews, and organizing simulation exercises. The consultant will also be tasked with updating the national health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security workplan and developing technical documents and training materials. The ultimate goal is to contribute to improved national health security in alignment with the Asia-Pacific Health Security Action Framework, ensuring that Lao PDR is better prepared to handle public health emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at strengthening public health systems in Lao PDR. These include:

• Supporting the preparation, conduct, and reporting of IHR monitoring and evaluation framework activities, including joint external evaluations (JEE), after-action reviews (AAR), and simulation exercises.
• Assisting in updating the national health security workplan and standard operating procedures related to surveillance, risk assessment, and response.
• Developing technical reports and other relevant documents that reflect the outcomes of the evaluations and reviews.
• Strengthening surveillance and risk assessment capacities in accordance with the Asia-Pacific Health Security Action Framework.
• Preparing updated training materials and conducting training sessions to enhance the skills of local health personnel.
• Submitting monthly technical reports detailing the progress and outcomes of WHO-supported activities.
• Collaborating with WHE technical staff and providing on-site support as needed, ensuring that all activities are aligned with WHO guidelines and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in health sciences or a related field from a recognized institution. A postgraduate qualification in epidemiology or an advanced degree related to epidemiology is desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in epidemiology, with international experience being essential. Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies, particularly in outbreak and emergency surveillance and response programs in low and middle-income countries, is also preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong skills in the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) and possess knowledge of field epidemiology practices in diverse settings.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this consultancy include a university degree in health sciences or a related field from an accredited institution. A postgraduate qualification, such as a master's degree in epidemiology or participation in a Field Epidemiology Training Programme, is highly desirable. Candidates must have their degrees from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the field of epidemiology. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in international settings, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Experience with WHO or other UN agencies is advantageous, as is field experience in outbreak and emergency surveillance and response programs.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English, including speaking, reading, and writing, is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for five months, from January to June 2025, with a remuneration of USD 4,000.00 per month. The consultant will be required to travel as part of their duties. This vacancy may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications prior to the interview. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.