National Consultant (part-Time): Pandemic Fund Laboratory Coordinator, WHO Country Office, Malaysia

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) strengthens health systems globally to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats. The Pandemic Fund provides dedicated financing to enhance preparedness capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO, as an implementing entity, supports country-level projects to improve disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and emergency response, contributing to a safer global health landscape.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to coordinate laboratory technical support for the implementation of the Pandemic Fund project in Malaysia. The role involves overseeing and monitoring laboratory activities, ensuring effective collaboration between the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries. The coordinator will contribute to strengthening Malaysia's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies, including pandemics, by ensuring that investments translate into tangible improvements in laboratory infrastructure, diagnostics, and response mechanisms. This position is crucial for enhancing global health security and resilience.

Responsibilities

Strengthen laboratory biosafety, infectious material policy, and inter-sectoral cooperation. This includes establishing biosafety training facilities, developing national policies for biobanks, and conducting training on biosafety and biosecurity protocols. Enhance the handling and transport of diagnostic samples by mapping referral systems, developing SOPs, and implementing comprehensive cold chain solutions, potentially involving private sector collaboration. Expand pathogen testing capabilities by facilitating the installation of metagenomic diagnostic equipment and establishing SOPs for case submission and staff training. Coordinate multisectoral communication, operational planning, and the development of project visibility products. Prepare monthly consultancy reports, meeting notes, and final technical reports.

Work Experience

Requires at least five years of practical experience in managing laboratory services and diagnosing communicable diseases at local, national, and international levels. Experience in biotechnology, biomedical research, planning and implementing laboratory training, and working with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database management. Strong problem-solving abilities for data analysis and strategic recommendations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting. Proven ability to work collaboratively in teams, fostering cooperation and continuous improvement. Fluency in English and Malay is essential.

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