National Consultant – Influenza Project Officer

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. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to combat diseases, improve health systems, and respond to health emergencies. The organization is committed to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that all people can access essential health services without financial hardship.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant – Influenza Project Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the National Influenza Program in the Maldives, specifically under the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The consultant will be responsible for various administrative and logistical tasks related to influenza surveillance, including managing samples from atolls, procuring laboratory items, and contributing to the overall activities of the Public Health Preparedness, Surveillance, and Epidemiology division. This position is vital for enhancing the capacity of influenza surveillance in the Maldives, aligning with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy. The consultant will also assist in the digitalization of the national disease surveillance system and support routine influenza surveillance work, which is critical given the Maldives' unique position as a hub for international travel and potential influenza virus mixing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement influenza active surveillance in designated hospitals and medical facilities.
• Liaise with laboratory staff and healthcare workers for effective data collection.
• Manage data entry, analysis, and reporting, including data from NIC PCR runs and respiratory panels.
• Regularly update data on FluMart platforms.
• Gather and verify demographic, laboratory, clinical, and exposure information on influenza cases.
• Assist in transporting samples between sentinel sites and NIC.
• Facilitate timely sharing of influenza samples with Collaborating Centers.
• Participate in additional activities of the PHPSE division.
• Organize training workshops and other relevant activities. 1
• Distribute influenza medicine to health facilities as needed. 1
• Maintain updated stock of influenza medicine. 1
• Meet reporting requirements for PIP, CDC, and WHO. 1
• Travel for training and inspections as required. 1
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Health Care, Public Health, Data Management, or a related field, or a Diploma in the same areas. Candidates should possess strong computer skills, particularly in MS Excel, MS Access, and MS PowerPoint. Skills in graphic design and familiarity with training facilitation and monitoring and evaluation are desirable. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver work on time with high quality, alongside excellent communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a Bachelor’s degree or a Diploma in Primary Health Care, Public Health, Data Management, or a related health field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public health and data management in the context of influenza surveillance.

Experience:
A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a related field is essential. Desirable experience includes working with government institutions and civil society organizations, data management and reporting, monitoring and evaluation, and coordination at the atoll and island level with HPA and WHO. Experience with WHO or other international organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluent knowledge of spoken and written Dhivehi and English is required. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and reporting within the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 7 months, with a remuneration of MVR 16,962 per month. The consultant will be required to travel for training and supervision related to the National Influenza Programme. This position is subject to local recruitment, and candidates from the local commuting area will be prioritized. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before commencing the assignment.