Technical Officer

Organizational Context

The WHO Nepal Country Office supports the Ministry of Health and Population in implementing the Country Cooperation Strategy. This involves assisting in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of national health policies, strategies, and plans, as well as developing and managing WHO's technical cooperation programs within the country.

Job Purpose

The Technical Officer (Public Health Laboratories) plays a crucial role in strengthening Nepal's public health laboratory capacity and response mechanisms. This position supports the development and implementation of laboratory preparedness and response strategies for infectious hazards, including COVID-19 and influenza surveillance. The role involves providing technical guidance, managing projects, ensuring quality assurance, and fostering collaboration with national and international partners to enhance laboratory networks and response capabilities. The ultimate goal is to improve the country's ability to detect, respond to, and manage public health emergencies through robust laboratory systems.

Responsibilities

The Technical Officer will support the development of Public Health Laboratory Preparedness and Response Readiness components for efficient pandemic response. This includes providing technical guidance to national and provincial laboratories for COVID-19 and influenza surveillance, managing project implementation, reporting, and performance assessment. The role involves offering technical advice on public health laboratory matters, coordinating with various response pillars, and supporting the development of national laboratory networks. Responsibilities also extend to establishing and maintaining a National Quality Assurance System, implementing laboratory information management systems, and overseeing training and capacity-building initiatives for laboratory staff. Additionally, the officer will contribute to biosafety and biosecurity assessments, support antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and manage team activities, leveraging partnerships and resource mobilization opportunities.

Work Experience

Essential: At least two years of practical experience in developing, advocating, planning, and implementing laboratory-based infectious disease surveillance programs, and in designing and managing public health microbiology/virology laboratories. Demonstrated international exposure is required. Desirable: Experience with WHO or other UN agencies, securing funding, managing large infectious disease surveillance projects, outbreak investigation, and university-level teaching/research.

Skills

Proven knowledge and skills in public health laboratory preparedness for infectious hazards, response readiness, and microbiological risk assessment. Ability to provide technical advice considering multiple stakeholders in resource-limited contexts. Strong managerial, monitoring, evaluation, and organizational skills, with the ability to negotiate effectively. Expertise in teamwork, communication, resource management, and results-oriented work. Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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