Purpose of consultancy

 The primary objective of this consultancy is to improve the quality and sensitivity of polio surveillance (acute flaccid paralysis and environmental) at the national and sub-national levels, and almost 70% of the consultant's capacities will be utilized in this area of work. Additional objectives include support the implementation of routine immunization/other VPD surveillance activities (including Adverse Events Following Immunization [AEFI]), supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), and outbreak investigation and response activities.

Background

 Lao People's Democratic Republic achieved its polio-free status in 2000, but after circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreak in 2015-2016 some gaps detected in surveillance system and sensitivity of polio surveillance has declined over the last five years. Surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) includes rapid reporting and investigation of all cases of AFP, with collection of two stool specimens within 14 days of paralysis onset and follow up 60 days after onset for due cases for evidence of residual paralysis.  Sensitive surveillance for AFP with quality case investigation and adequate stool specimen collection are essential for the detection of wild polio virus (WPV) or VDPV circulation thereby leading up to the goal of polio eradication. AFP surveillance is also critical for documenting the absence of poliovirus circulation after the detection of WPV or cVDPV in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

 As part of enhancing the quality and sensitivity of AFP surveillance, the WHO Lao PDR Country Office will contract Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) Surveillance consultant. This position will be contracted for at least 4.5 months, with the potential for renewal depending on funding availability. This VPDs consultant will work under the supervision of the WHO Country Office in Lao People's Democratic Republic, with general guidance of WHO Regional Office, in coordination with the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), national immunization programme (NIP).

Under the overall supervision of the WCO/Lao PDR EPI team lead and with guidance of WHO Regional Office in collaboration with the WPRO/VDI team coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for completing the following tasks and activities:

Output 1: Improve the quality and sensitivity of polio surveillance, as well as improving surveillance performance in high-priority provinces or among high-risk sub-populations

Deliverable 1.1: Timely and accurate planning, implementation and monitoring of AFP, and environmental surveillance (including AEFI) activities.
Deliverable 1.2: Liaise with Ministry of Health, National Immunization Program (NIP), National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), provincial health offices, district health offices and relevant partners for all logistic management and for field activities related to polio surveillance programs.
Deliverable 1.3: Plan and implement activities for improving the quality of AFP and environmental surveillance through regular detailed data analysis, desk and field reviews as required.
Deliverable 1.4: Conduct capacity building activities of national and sub-national staffs.
Deliverable 1.5: Strengthening facility/community-based and active surveillance.
Deliverable 1.6: Develop/update of polio surveillance guidelines, training materials, standard operating procedures, job aids and other materials.

Output 2: Implementation of routine immunization/other VPD surveillance activities (including Adverse Events Following Immunization [AEFI]), supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), and outbreak investigation and response activities.

Deliverable 2.1: Assist MOH, NCLE/NIP, Provinces, and districts in conducting detailed investigations and response activities of polio outbreaks.
Deliverable 2.2: Assist MOH, NIP/NCLE, provinces, districts and health facilities in recording, reporting and analysing surveillance, AEFI, immunization (including AEFI) and SIAs data to improve the data quality management and use of data for decision-making process.
Deliverable 2.3: Provide regular updates on AFP, and environmental surveillance to VDI Team Lead with presentations and reports. 
Deliverable 2.4: Assist the VDI team lead in other VPD surveillance or routine immunization programs.

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Undergraduate degree in Medicine, public health or related sciences 
Desirable: Postgraduate degree in public health or related discipline.

Experience:

Essential: At least 5 years of experience working in the field of disease prevention and control including immunization, AFP, ES and other VPDs surveillance and outbreak response programs.
Desirable: Working experience in low and middle-income countries, in World Health Organization or nongovernmental and/or international organizations is highly desirable.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of and experience in managing vaccine-preventable disease (VPDs) surveillance, including AFP, ES and measles, and epidemiological data analyses.
• Conducting risk assessments for Polio, measles and other VPDs.
• Conducting outbreak investigations for Polio/measles or other VPDs.
• Developing guidelines, training manuals, standard operating procedures for surveillance of AFP, ES, Measles and other VPDs.
• Implementing training on surveillance, immunization, SIAs and/or outbreak detection and response programs.
• Have ability to work harmoniously in a team, adapt to a diverse education and cultural background and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Languages and level required: 

Proficient in written and spoken English.

Location

On site: Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel within Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Remuneration

Remuneration: Payband level B – USD 7,000 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: 5.5 months, 15 August 2024 to 31 December 2024

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