Vector surveillance and control specialist

BACKGROUND

Recognising the importance and untapped potential of vector control to reduce disease burden, in May 2017, the World Health Assembly welcomed the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030 (GVCR) and adopted Resolution 70.16 to propel its implementation. This urged WHO Member States “to develop or adapt, as appropriate, existing national vector control strategies and operational plans to align them to the strategic approach for integrated global vector control and response, consistent with the International Health Regulations (2005)”. It also urged Member States “to build and sustain adequate human-resource (especially public health entomology), infrastructural and institutional capacity and capability at all levels of government and across all relevant sectors, based on a vector control needs assessment”.

In line with GVCR, WHO and James Cook University have established a three-year project to support Pacific Island Countries and areas (PICs) titled “Building capacity for evidence-based sustainable vector surveillance and control in the Pacific”. Funded by the Australian Government Pacific Infectious Disease Prevention Program, the project is designed to have broad regional-level impacts to improve health security. WHO and members of the project consortium will support improved implementation of best-practice approaches, improved data management, communication and community engagement. Needs assessments will be conducted to determine critical requirements, and training programs will be devised accordingly. A major outcome will be practical and actionable strategic plans to enable sustainable control, containment and outbreak responses especially for arboviral disease such as dengue.

A technical specialist is required in the Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) in Suva, Fiji to support PICs collaborating in the project to implement activities for strengthening vector surveillance and control capacity. The Consultant will be based in Suva and will interact with PICs and with implementing partners, including the project leads at James Cook University. Through dissemination of project outcomes via the Network for Vector Control Response, it is expected that there will be significant positive effects on other PICs not directly supported under the project. 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The objective of this position is to liaise with PIC Ministries of Health to conduct needs assessments, co-ordinate trainings of vector surveillance/control officers, establish a network of trained officers in the region, and support the development of data management systems, operational research projects and updated country vector surveillance and control plans.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Provide technical support for vector surveillance and vector control in PICs, with a focus on those participating in the VBDCP project
• • Facilitate and coordinate participation of representatives from national vector-borne diseases control programs in the VBDCP consortium
• • Assist with implementation of the vector surveillance needs assessments for PICs
• • Support PICs for formulation of workplans for vector surveillance capacity and capability building
• • Assist with organising and facilitating training workshops
• • Attend meetings including training workshops, steering committee and project management meetings and contribute to meeting reports
• • Participate and coordinate collation of health information system requirements for vector surveillance and vector control, and assist with compiling user testing and acceptance results during pilot testing of new or updated platforms
• • Coordinate stocking and maintenance of vector surveillance and control equipment and supplies at the WHO facility in Suva and coordinate provision of stock to PICs upon request
• • Assist with the coordination of the Pacific Network for Vector Control Response, including facilitating experience sharing and disseminate best practices for strengthening capacity and capability
• • Assist with annual project progress and outcomes reporting to the donor

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The Consultant will be based at the Division of Pacific Technical Support in Suva, Fiji. Work will be conducted remotely and through in-country missions as required. This will include consultations, workshops, trainings, meetings and technical support delivered through other methods.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  A post-graduate qualification from a recognised university in a relevant technical area, such as public health, infectious diseases, epidemiology or medical entomology.  

Desirable: Post-graduate training from a recognised university in entomology, vector control or vector surveillance.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Minimum of five years of international experience in public health in the field of vector surveillance and control.

Minimum of five years of experience in coordinating and implementing public health capacity-building projects in developing countries, including in in conducting training and workshops.

Desirable: Experience working in Pacific Island countries and areas or other small island nations. Experience working with WHO and/or other United Nations Agencies or international stakeholders.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Sound strategic and tactical thinking with ability to formulate clear and comprehensive plans.
• • Proven ability to successfully coordinate and implement projects, including monitoring and evaluation.
• • Demonstrated coaching and capacity building skills
• • Ability to build relationships in multi-cultural settings.
• • Excellent interpersonal skills.
• • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• • Ability to work in a team and with minimal supervision.
• • Familiarity with relevant WHO policies and guidance.

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.

COMPETENCIES

Teamwork; respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences; communication; knowing and managing yourself; and, producing results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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 per diem in accordance with the required location and duration of travel. It is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 15 May 2020:

1. Expression of Interest {cover letter} that indicates: a) how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, b) proposed daily consultancy fee, and c) availability to commence the work.   
2. Curriculum vitae.

Please use Tender Notice No. 107416 as subject to all submission. WHO may contact candidates for further information. Candidates not being considered will not be contacted. Progress of this work is subject to confirmation of funding.