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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy

The consultant will carry out detailed landscaping of available technologies and methods that currently support EWS, as well as their suitability for multi-pathogen approaches. Shortcomings will be identified and then a series of virtual consultations will be organized with relevant stakeholders to agree on the key ideal and minimal acceptable characteristics of the various tools needed to support efficient and affordable EWS that can inform public health action for multiple priority pathogens.

Background  

During the COVID-19 pandemic environmental and wastewater surveillance (EWS) was demonstrated in a range of settings to provide an important additional line of data that can support early detection of outbreaks, cost effective targeting of diagnostics and also augment uptake of risk communications among other uses. Such EWS has also been successfully deployed for many years for polio and illicit drugs and has been more recently trialled for other targets such as typhoid, cholera and antimicrobial resistance.  However, common challenges have been; establishing timely and effective links to a well-defined data use for public health decision making, sustaining surveillance activities between the acute phase of outbreaks, developing sampling and laboratory methods that serve more than one disease or risk of interest, and adapting method for use in settings with low levels of sewer coverage. WHO in its capacity as a norms and standards setting organization providing strategic direction on preparedness and response for a wide range of public health challenges is well placed to provide leadership on effective strategies and associated capacity development where EWS is demonstrated to add value alongside clinical surveillance and as part of a wider preparedness and response strategy, that considers a multi-pathogen approach.  WHO has initiated preparation of multi-pathogen WES guidance in coordination with various emergency, integrated surveillance, laboratory and disease focal points across the organization. While considering how to best capitalize upon and integrate recent research findings and experience, we are also examining ways in which future tools and methods can be adapted or developed to best accommodate a EWS multipathogen approach that is economical and efficient.

Deliverables

Essential:

• First university degree in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Bioinformatics, or Civil/Environmental Engineering. 
• Advanced university degree in a specialized area in Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbial Ecology, or Bioinformatics.

Experience:  

Essential:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in public health practices and epidemiology, including in the implications of surveillance data on public health policies and actions.
• Proven experience in project management.

Desirable: 

• Experience in environmental sampling, specifically wastewater sampling, including sample collection and transportation.
• Experience in bioinformatics and data analysis, especially related to pathogen detection and genetic sequencing.

Skills: 

• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, NGS).
• Data management and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Microbiology and Virology: In-depth understanding of the biology of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Environmental Science and Engineering: Knowledge of environmental systems, wastewater treatment processes, and the impact of pollutants.
• Public Health and Epidemiology: Understanding of disease transmission, outbreak investigation, and the role of surveillance in public health.
• Regulations and Guidelines: Familiarity with local, national, and international guidelines and standards for wastewater surveillance and public health reporting.
• Technological Advancements: Staying updated with the latest advancements in detection technologies, bioinformatics, and data analysis methods.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Best practices for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of surveillance data, including the use of controls and standard operating procedures.

Languages required:

Essential:  

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of another WHO official language.

Location 

Off site: Home-based.

Travel 

The consultant is expected to travel.  

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level C - USD 500 - 625 per day.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract: 

 10 months part-time (100 days during this period).

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.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• 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 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. 
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• 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