Consultant to work with the malaria and vector control (MVC) unit in DCD and regional WHO Health Emergency [WHE] programme, for preparedness and response to outbreaks of vector-borne diseases -Band level B (lower end of range)

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to work with the malaria and vector control (MVC) unit in DCD and regional WHO Health Emergency [WHE] programme, for preparedness and response to outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.

2. Background

Vector-borne diseases continue to inflict a burden upon society and the economy in the Eastern Mediterranean region. While vector control interventions are effective, their full potential is not being reached because of insufficient entomological capacity in countries, compartmentalized vector control and surveillance services, and rapidly changing conditions of vector-borne diseases.

WHO Member States regularly request the department of UHC, Communicable Disease in the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office of the World Health Organization [EMRO] to provide technical assistance. To meet this demand, DCD/EMRO requires consultants with experience in the relevant field of public health. The Malaria and Vector Control (MVC) unit of DCD provides technical, financial and logistics supports for all EMR countries, particularly those in humanitarian emergency, in line with regional plan of action. However, control of vector-borne diseases in the region and preparedness for increasing risk require more capacity in WHO, member states and communities for vector control and surveillance services.

Within the framework of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the objective of the Department of Communicable Diseases in the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), is to assist Member States in strengthening the health sector response for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3). For this purpose, Member States are supported to develop appropriate national policies, guidelines and strategies for implementation of comprehensive programmes for prevention and control of communicable diseases.

3. Planned timelines

Start date: 1 March 2023

End date: 29 February 2024

4. Work to be performed

The following to be performed under the different areas of work

Output 1: Participate in outbreak response for vector-borne diseases in EMR countries.

• Deliverable 1.1: Review and analysis, available data, documents, assessment reports, and other relevant documents related VBDs in target countries/areas.
• Deliverable 1.2: Collaborate with stakeholders to develop the response plan for vector-borne diseases outbreaks.
• Deliverable 1.3: Review global, regional /country strategies, guidelines and tools to respond to vector-borne diseases outbreaks according to local context.
• Deliverable 1.4: Participate in drafting the plans for response to vector-borne diseases outbreaks.
• Deliverable 1.5: Participate in preparation of report on vector-borne diseases outbreaks (VBDs).

Output 2: Develop and conduct field training on vector surveillance control in response to outbreaks, in coordination with MVC and IHP Units.

• Deliverable 2.1: Adapt existing tools and training materials in line with WHO guidelines for control of VBDs,
• Deliverable 2.2: Co-facilitate trainings field training on vector surveillance and response in outbreak situation,
• Deliverable 2.3: Participate in preparation of the report on field training

Output 3: Support preparation and field testing of practical field Standard Operating Practices [SOPs]/guidelines for vector surveillance and control to be used by the field staff in outbreak response, particularly in humanitarian emergencies.

• Deliverable 3.1: Review field SOPs/guidelines for vector surveillance and control to be used by the field staff in outbreak response.
• Deliverable 3.3: Participate in adapting SOPs/guidelines for vector surveillance and control to be used by the field staff in outbreak response.
• Deliverable 3.4 Conduct field visit at national and subnational levels to monitor and evaluate the status of implementation of different programme activities.
• Deliverable 3.5: Submit report of the assignment, documenting finding results.

Output 4: final assignment report.

• Deliverable 4.1: Draft assignment report.
• Deliverable 4.2: Submit draft report to EMRO for review.
• Deliverable 4.3: Finalize assignment report.

5. Specific requirements

Qualifications required:

• Essential: University degree in medical entomology and vector control.
• Desirable: Training on epidemiology of communicable diseases.

Experience required:

• 5 years’ experience in the field of vector control.
• Epidemiology of vector-borne diseases.
• Experience in training activities on vector surveillance and control.

Desirable experience:

• • • Experience in humanitarian emergency situation.
    • Experience in the EMR.

Skills/technical skills and knowledge:

1. Knowledge of entomology, vector control and epidemiology of VBDs in EMR
2. Communication skills
3. MS office and data analysis packages

Language requirements:

• Advanced knowledge in English.
• Advance knowledge in Arabic is desirable.

6. Place of assignment

On-site consultant. Assignment will be in EMRO with missions to high priority countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) during consultancy period

Medical clearance : The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information section

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates
• Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:
  (a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated;
  (b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided;
  (c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.