Consultance : Recrutement d’un(e) Consultant(e) pour le Programme d’urgence sanitaire de l’OMS au Caire, Egypte.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Purpose of consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to provide a technical input in the development of  an operational guide for the Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDS) based on the regional IDS strategy including COVID-19 and support the implementation of IDS at the member states level. This will also technically support enhancing the Even-based component of the surveillance system as well as training of surveillance workforce (e.g. FET(L)Ps) on basic surveillance concepts and contact tracing. The consultant is expected to work with the IDS technical working group “WHE/HIM team and the  Communicable Disease Control Division (DCD), the Science, Information, and Dissemination Department (SID), and the Polio Eradication Department”

  1. Background  

The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes that Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean Region commit to implementing integrated disease surveillance systems by the end of 2025. Integrated Disease Surveillance will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health information systems in using data to guide decisions, such as rapid response to epidemics, priority-setting, intervention planning, resource mobilisation and allocation, and monitoring and evaluation. Most countries already have systems for disease-specific surveillance in place; however, these are usually not coordinated, and their implementation often leads to redundancies and gaps that make them less effective, particularly in early threat detection.

The COVID-19 pandemic signified major challenges to the health and well-being of communities, the resilience of health systems, the stability of national economies, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pandemic has also highlighted the central role of integrated and globally networked public health surveillance in preventing, detecting, and responding to epidemics and pandemics.

To fill the specific gaps in surveillance systems and have a systematic solution, a scoping review on published experiences for in-country integration of public health surveillance systems; and a mapping of existing country data collection and data management activities were performed at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO). In light of these exercises, a regional IDS strategy has been developed and a resolution by WHO Regional Committee adopted. Furthermore, a Technical Working Group has been established to assess, plan, implement and evaluate progress toward the IDS in the region. Progress in implementing the strategy will be reported in 2023 to the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean.

To support the implementation of the IDS strategy, WHO-EMRO will develop operational guidance and implementation tools to assist Member States in adopting the IDS. Considering the regional and national COVID-19 surveillance experience the consultant will provide a technical input in the development of  a regional IDS operational guide and implementation of IDS at the member states level. Additionally, the consultant will work with EMR member states on updating the national EBS guidelines and participate in the training activities of  the surveillance workforce (e.g. FET(L)P) on basic surveillance concepts and contact tracing.

  1. Work to be performed

Output:  Support the implementation of the regional strategy of Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDS) in EMR Member states

  • Collect data on COVID-19 surveillance experiences at national and regional levels
  • Support data collection for mapping and reviewing the existing guidelines, references, and governing documents at the national, regional, and international levels on  all hazards surveillance and integrated disease surveillance including EBS
  • Conduct desk review and data collection for maping  national, regional, and international stakeholders involved in surveillance activities including COVID-19
  • Support drafting the regional operational guidance for IDS implementation including EBS and incorporating COVID-19 surveillance and present it to the partners, experts, and EMR Member States
  • Finalize the guidance based on the inputs from the expert’s consultation and meetings with Member States
  • Technically Support the implementation of IDS at the national level
  • Draft and prepare technical and background documents to Support development of IDS training package including FETP
  • Contribute to updating/deployment of the electronic Public Health Emergency Management (ePHEM) toolkit in EMR member states.
  1. Qualifications, experience, skills and language

Educational Qualifications:

  • Essential: University degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field from a recognized institution ;
  • Desirable: Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health, or a related field from a recognized institution ;
  • Specialized training in public health surveillance systems,   surveillance, EBS, contact tracing, EIOS and FE(L)TP.

Experience:

  • Essential: up to  5 years of experience of relevant working experience in surveillance, EBS, contact tracing, EIOS and FE(L)TP;
  • Desirable: Previous work experience with WHO, CDC, or other international organization.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

  1. Good knowledge of WHO mandate and goals and UN programs;
  2. Proven ability to communicate effectively.  Excellent communication and writing skills;
  3. ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects, including work planning and reporting.
  4. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure. 
  5. Excellent organizational and analytical skills
  6. Ability to summarize information from a diversity of sources in a clear and concise manner

Languages and level required:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English;

Desirable: Expert knowledge Arabic.

Apply here

 Close on 6 May 2023