International Consultant - Laboratory Strengthening

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Fiji (WP_FJI) operates within a region prone to outbreaks and natural disasters. The Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) aims to build Member State capacity for emergency risk management and coordinate international responses. Public health laboratories are crucial for detecting and responding to health threats, aligning with International Health Regulations (IHR).

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to bolster laboratory detection and diagnosis of communicable diseases across Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The role provides essential technical guidance to public health and health facility laboratories, enhancing their capacity to identify and respond to outbreaks and health emergencies. By strengthening laboratory systems, this position directly contributes to improved national and regional health security, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic data for public health decision-making and fulfilling IHR obligations. The consultant will support the WHO Health Emergencies Programme's mission to build resilient health systems capable of managing and responding to diverse health threats.

Responsibilities

The International Consultant will provide strategic and technical advice on laboratory strengthening for communicable disease detection and diagnosis in Pacific Island Countries. Key responsibilities include conducting laboratory capability assessments, developing country-specific strengthening plans aligned with IHR and WHO standards, and providing ongoing technical guidance on diagnostic protocols and quality practices. The role involves advising on the procurement and installation of essential laboratory equipment, supplies, and infrastructure, and supporting the development of laboratory workforce capacity through training and mentoring. Additionally, the consultant will strengthen laboratory information management systems and specimen referral networks to improve data flow and timeliness for public health decision-making, ensuring integration with national surveillance systems for enhanced outbreak detection and reporting.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum five years of experience in practical laboratory service management and communicable disease diagnosis, including international exposure. Experience in outbreak/health emergency response and planning/conducting training activities. Desirable: Experience establishing/improving laboratory infrastructure, evaluating diagnostics, working in developing countries on disease surveillance/response, and collaborating with Ministries of Health.

Skills

Laboratory systems assessment, technical guidance, diagnostic protocols, quality management, equipment procurement, workforce capacity building, training delivery, laboratory information management systems (LIS), specimen referral systems, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, infection prevention and control (IPC), International Health Regulations (IHR), One Health approach, molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, epidemiology.

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