National Consultant - Laboratory, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Purpose of the Consultancy

This consultancy will support the Ministries of Health in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore by assisting the Ministry of Health (MOH) in formulating and executing strategies to enhance the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). This includes strengthening laboratory systems, biosafety and biosecurity measures, aligned with the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) and guided by performance indicators from IHR monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Additionally, in collaboration with WHO Headquarters, Regional Offices, and WHO Collaborating Centres, this role will facilitate and coordinate capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing national and subnational laboratory capabilities to detect, confirm, and characterize pathogens responsible for emerging, re-emerging, vaccine-preventable, and other infectious diseases.

Deliverables

Under the supervision of the WHO Representative and WHE focal point, the selected consultant will provide technical expertise and operational support in health emergency preparedness, response and resilience, focusing on laboratory-related activities.

Output 1: Support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in designing and implementing strategies to enhance the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) with a focus on laboratory systems, biosafety, and biosecurity.

1. Support the enhancement of laboratory infrastructure and development of standard operating procedures.
2. Monitor and evaluate the development of genome sequencing surveillance system.
3. Support member states for the High Containment Laboratory Training.
4. Support the enhancement of laboratory detection of environmental Organic Pollutants.
5. Support the enhancement of laboratory detection for chemical and biological agents.
6. Support the development of National Biorepository Policy for Malaysia.

Output 2: Coordinate and facilitate capacity-building initiatives to enhance national and subnational laboratory capabilities.

1. Coordinate with technical leads to provide support for laboratory components.
2. Technical support and coordination with BRN MOH on NIC recognition.
3. Technical coordination with WHE WPRO laboratory focal point and WHO CCs.

Output 3: Submission of reports

1. Monthly consultancy reports
2. Final technical reports with all deliverables

Educational Qualifications
Essential: First university degree (bachelor's level) in life science, biology, medical virology or microbiology. Certified training or qualification in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases and/or epidemiology.

Desirable: Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases or health emergency management.

Experience
Essential: At least five years of practical and operational application and management of laboratory services.

Desirable: Experience in biotechnology, biomedical research, and planning and implementing laboratory training.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge
Excellent knowledge of English. Good computer skills in Microsoft Office, EPI Info, SPSS etc.

Location
The consultant can work remotely with regular physical visits to the WHO Country Office in Malaysia when necessary.

Remuneration and budget
Remuneration: MYR 8,500 (monthly)

Expected duration of contract: 11 months, February to December 2025 (part-time)

Contractual Arrangement
External consultant

Contract Duration
11 months

Job Posting
Jan 9, 2025

Closing Date
Jan 24, 2025

Primary Location
Malaysia-Kuala Lumpur

Organization
WP_MYS Malaysia

Schedule
Part-time