Consultant - Infectious Respiratory Diseases at World Health Organization

Deliverables

Output 1: Integration of influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses surveillance

• Activity 1.1: Provide technical guidance to National Influenza Centres and influenza laboratories in the use of multiplex RT PCR assays for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses;
• Activity 1.2: Monitor weekly reporting of integrated influenza and SARS-CoV2 sentinel surveillance results to FluMart data platforms;
• Activity 1.3: Ensure adequate and timely procurement and supply of multiplex RT PCR kits, laboratory reagents, enzymes to participating laboratories;
• Activity 1.4: Provide advice to countries’ and closely monitor the end-to-end integration of surveillance Output 2: Consistent and timely of availability genetic sequence data (GSD) of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 from GISRS sentinel system and potential metadata in GISAID;

Output 2: Consistent and timely of availability genetic sequence data (GSD) of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 from GISRS sentinel system and potential metadata in GISAID.

• Activity 2.1: Maintain an updated profile of sequencing capacities of GISRS;
• Activity 2.2:  Ensure adequate and timely procurement and supply of sequencing reagents to participating laboratories;
• Activity 2.3: Monitor and evaluate the timeliness and consistency of sharing GSD of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 from GISRS and potential metadata in GISAID, develop timely correction measures and implement these measures.

Output 3: Centres of Excellence for integrated surveillance of influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and next novel respiratory virus of pandemic potential along the development of GISRS Plus

• Activity 3.1: Identify Centres of Excellence in support of GISRS Plus development; and assist in building capacities in these Centres strategically;
• Activity 3.2: Contribute to the development of training programs of CoE related to GISRS Plus development including multiplex RT PCR, sequencing, bioinformatics, and other related areas;
• Activity 3.3: Coordinate with the Centres of Excellence in providing training workshops including wet-lab trainings;
• Activity 3.4: Facilitate networking opportunities, exchanges between participating laboratories and scientific dissemination.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in public health preferably in microbiology, virology, public health.

Desirable:

• PhD in virology

Experience

Essential:

• 5 to 10 years of relevant experience with influenza virologic surveillance, including integration of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance

Desirable:

• Experience with WHO or another UN or international public health agency

Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent writing and communications skills
• Knowledge in laboratory practices

Closing Date: Jul 15, 2022