Purpose of consultancy
To contribute to the collation and review of required evidence for the prioritized activities of the Quadripartite Technical Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Use Integrated Surveillance (QTG-AIS).
Background
AMR is a global public health threat. It is mostly driven by the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in human health, animal health, plant health, food systems, and environmental contamination. As such, it requires a One Health approach to address it.
The QTG-AIS is set up by the joint action of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) (collectively referred to as the “Quadripartite”). The Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR (QJS), which consolidates cooperation between FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH to coordinate the global One Health response to AMR, has oversight of the QTG-AIS through its Senior Management Group (QJS SMG). The QJS provides overall secretariat support for the QTG-AIS.
The QTG-AIS will provide advice and guidance on the development of global and context-appropriate regional and country-level systems for integrated surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and use. The QTG-AIS has agreed on its Action Plan for the first two years which contains a list of prioritized activities. This consultancy will contribute to the delivery of specific activities and outputs.
Deliverables
Contribute to reviewing related activities and participate in the meetings of the Quadripartite Technical Group on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Integrated Surveillance (QTG-AIS) through the following:
- Compile existing definitions, goals, and objectives for surveillance of AMR and AMU across the One Health spectrum at national, regional, and global levels.
Expected by Months 1-2 - Assess and compile practices in AMR and AMU surveillance and monitoring approaches, data collation, data analysis and interpretation, and epidemiological information systems across sectors, at all levels and in different income settings.
Expected by Months 2-3 - Compile existing technologies including international antimicrobial susceptibility standards (or lack thereof), laboratory and epidemiology capacities for AMU, AMR, and related chemicals residues surveillance, within sectors and across the One Health Spectrum and in different income settings.
Expected by Months 3-4 - Compile microbial, chemical and AMU indicators within sectors and across the One Health Spectrum, and in different income settings.
Expected by Month 4-5. - Draft documentation of processes and lessons ensuring alignment with international standards on surveillance of AMR and AMU for the different sectors.
Expected by Month 6
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:
- University degree in epidemiology, microbiology, molecular biology, or microbial genomics with a focus in at least one of the following sectors: human health, animal health (aquatic and terrestrial), plant health, food systems, and environmental health.
Desirable:
- Advanced degree in epidemiology, microbiology, molecular biology, or microbial genomics with a focus in at least one of the following sectors: human health, animal health (aquatic and terrestrial), plant health, food systems, and environmental health.
Experience
Essential:
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience of surveillance in public health or veterinary public health, preferably dealing with AMU and AMR using integrated approaches.
- Experience in reviewing policy and evidence from research related to AMR and AMU in one or more of the following sectors: human health, animal health (aquatic and terrestrial), plant health, agri-food systems, and environmental health.
Desirable:
- Experience working in resource-limited settings.
- Experience working in an international context.
Skills/Knowledge:
Essential:
- Expertise in scientific and grey literature review and evidence synthesis methodologies.
- Expertise in using literature review software and reference managers.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Ability to work under pressure with conflicting priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Computer and data analytical literacy (Microsoft Office, use of analytic software e.g., R, SAS; expertise in design, use or application of epidemiological information systems (preferably for AMR or AMU)).
Languages required:
Essential:
- Expert knowledge of English.
Location
Off-site - Home based.
Travel
The consultant is expected to travel.
Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):
Remuneration:
Band level B - USD 7,000 – 9,980 per month.
Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):
N/A
Expected duration of contract:
6 months.
Additional Information
- 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.
- 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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- Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
- WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
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- 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 each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
- Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html