International Consultant - Pacific Rapid Response

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) Pacific Health Security and Communicable Diseases (PSC) aims to strengthen public health surveillance and response capacity in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). This role supports the implementation of rapid response training for first responders, addressing identified gaps in capacity, standardized training, and operational readiness within the PPHSN EpiNet framework.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to manage public health events through effective surveillance and rapid response. The role will focus on implementing targeted training for first responders, strengthening existing Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) known as EpiNet teams, and establishing standardized protocols and minimum standards. By addressing critical gaps in training, operational readiness, and after-action review processes, this position will contribute to improved outbreak investigation and containment, aligning with International Health Regulations and regional health security frameworks. The ultimate goal is to bolster the resilience of PICs against infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for adapting and delivering standardized Rapid Response Team (RRT)/EpiNet training in three Pacific Island Countries, documenting lessons learned for future scale-up. This includes developing country-specific training curricula, facilitating training sessions, and producing comprehensive training reports. Additionally, the role involves leading a review of EpiNet team structures and capacities to inform the development of a minimum standards framework, providing technical secretariat support to the PPHSN EpiNet Technical Working Group (TWG), and drafting a minimum standards document. The consultant will also provide technical support during outbreak responses, assist in developing outbreak response plans, build capacity in risk assessment tools, and conduct after-action reviews for public health events.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of five years of practical experience in disease surveillance and outbreak response, with at least one year in an international setting, preferably in the Pacific or with Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data collection, management, surveillance systems, and visualization tools is required. Experience in outbreak response, including developing epidemiological updates, is also necessary. Desirable: Experience in training development and delivery.

Skills

Disease surveillance, outbreak response, rapid response team (RRT) training, public health capacity building, risk assessment, after-action reviews (AARs), data management, epidemiological analysis, training curriculum development, technical writing, Microsoft Office Suite, surveillance system software, data visualization tools.

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