Antimicrobial Resistance Consultant Roster (laboratory sciences and surveillance)

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified as a global public health problem with levels of resistance to microorganisms reaching alarming levels in all six WHO regions both for community and hospital acquired infections. In the Western Pacific Region, AMR is becoming an increasing problem with multiple pathogens exhibiting resistance to one or more antimicrobials. 
The Action Agenda for Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Pacific Region, which was endorsed by the Sixty-fifth session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific aims to contain AMR through raising awareness and developing multi-sectoral national action plans, building capacity for surveillance of AMR and antimicrobial use as well as strengthening the health system. In 2015, the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance was also endorsed at the Sixty-eighth session of the World Health Assembly, where Member States were urged to develop National Plans on AMR within the next two years. The Essential Medicines and Health Technologies Unit (EMT), together with the WPRO AMR-working group, provide support and technical assistance for the implementation of the regional action agenda and the global action plan at the country, regional and global level.

Purpose/Specific Objective of the Activity

 The main objective is to provide technical support relating to containment of AMR in countries in the Region.

Description of activities to be carried out

 Under the supervision of the coordinator of EMT/WPRO and the AMR-working group, the contractual partner will perform the following functions:
• Assess the capacities available in the country for addressing AMR in the field of AMR surveillance using WHO tools and standards
• Support the development of National Action Plans on AMR aligned with the regional action agenda and global action plan
• Strengthen laboratory capacity for AMR surveillance in countries in the Region including technical assistance to countries
• Develop reports on the analysis of the assessment results in the region and at the country level including gaps, challenges and strategic recommendations
• Provide technical backup to the AMR activities at the country level in related field

Method(s) to carry out the activity
Assessments, report writing, training

Description of the tasks/process involved in carrying out the activity
 Using standard WPRO facilities, the consultant will liaise closely with Coordinator/EMT, regional and country office colleagues through emails, Skype (if necessary) in performing the terms of reference.

Education
• Essential:  University degree in medical laboratory sciences or medical/health sciences   or public health and/or epidemiology.
• Desired:  Postgraduate degree in relevant field

Experience
• Following evaluation of WHO personal history form or CV,  the successful candidates would be placed in one of the following bands:
o Band 1, Technical Support: Master's degree in relevant field with minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, or University  Degree in relevant field with minimum 5 years of relevant work experience;
o Band 2, Specialist Technical Support: Master's degree in relevant field with minimum 7 years of relevant work experience; and
o Band 3, Senior Advisory: Master's degree in relevant field with minimum 12 years of relevant work experience.

Skills
• Knowledge of laboratory services and AMR surveillance in resource-limited settings
• Strong knowledge of AMR and risk factors
• Ability to assess and articulate complex technical issues related to AMR
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Ability to work under pressure with conflicting priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, power point etc.)

Languages
• Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Additional information:
• Remuneration subject to negotiation in accordance with WHO guidelines for procurement of services. Contract may be extended if required depending on availability of funds.

Competencies
1.  Communicating in a credible and effective way
2.  Producing results
3.  Moving forward in a changing environment
4.  Fostering integration and teamwork
5.  Knowing and managing yourself

Interested should submit following documents to the Supply Officer (WPRO) at <SAO@wpro.who.int>by 19 February 2016
• Expression of interest (cover letter) that includes proposed consultancy fee (per day) and availability
• WHO personal history form or CV

Please note that the application may be closed before the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Only the successful candidates will be contacted

Contracting 
• When a request for services arises, the WHO WPRO manager shall contact the individuals included in the specific area of expertise with ToR, location and dates of the assignment seeking confirmation of availability, as well as other costs such as living allowance, travel cost, etc.
• Travel: For each assignment WHO shall reimburse cost of travel from the place of domicile of the individual to the place of assignment (most direct economy fare)