National Infectious Disease Surveillance Consultant
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Ukraine is operating in a complex humanitarian environment due to the full-scale war. This context significantly increases vulnerability to infectious disease threats. Strengthening national public health surveillance systems is critical for early detection, monitoring, and control of outbreaks to protect population health.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to strengthen Ukraine's national infectious disease surveillance system amidst a challenging humanitarian crisis. The role involves enhancing capacity through training and developing national guidance for surveillance systems, including indicator-based and event-based surveillance. The consultant will contribute to the early detection of outbreaks, monitoring of disease trends, and timely implementation of control measures, thereby minimizing the health impact of infectious diseases and safeguarding public health.
Responsibilities
The consultant will co-facilitate training sessions on event-based surveillance (EBS) and Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) for regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (rCDCs). They will support the preparation and co-facilitation of technical discussions on blood safety regulations and Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (TTI) surveillance. Responsibilities also include supporting national simulation exercises for water-related infectious diseases, co-facilitating training on electronic surveillance system (ESS) data analytics and visualization, and conducting joint training activities with the Ministry of Health. Additionally, the consultant will co-facilitate rapid risk assessment (RRA) training, support national workshops on Early Warning, Alert, and Response (EWAR), and review/update Rapid Response Teams (RRT) framework legislation and SOPs.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 3 years of experience at national and/or international levels in surveillance, epidemiology, public health, or related fields. Desirable: Relevant experience within the WHO or another UN agency.
Skills
Proven skills in delivering training sessions and co-facilitating events, including group sessions. Sound knowledge of global infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigation standards, national reporting regulations, epidemiology, and public health context. Fluency in Ukrainian and English is essential.