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Title: National Consultant (Emergency Response to Artemisinin Resistance Programme)
 
Duration of contract: One year  

Date: 22 November 2013
 
Application Deadline: 6 December 2013
 
Duty Station: Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

BACKGROUND:

WHO ESR is recruiting an Emergency Response to Artemisinin Resistance Programme Consultant to provide technical support to the Government of Viet Nam and its partners in implementing the Viet Nam component of the Emergency Response to Artemisinin Resistance-Greater Mekong Sub region (ERAR-GMS) programme, including international cross border activities. The consultant will be based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Under the supervision and direction of the Team Leader Emerging Disease Surveillance and Response (ESR), and in liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative for Viet Nam and relevant WHO Country Office staff, the consultant is expected to assist WHO's efforts to support the National Institute for Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE), Institute for Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology in Quy Nhon (IMPE QN), Institute for Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology in Ho Chi Minh City (IMPE HCMC) and other national partners including the provincial and operational district level staff as well as other key stakeholders in the community, private sector and non-governmental organizations, in all aspects of the artemisinin resistant Pf parasite containment activities. The consultant will also assist the implementation and monitoring of cross-border related activities.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The main objectives of the programme are: (1) to support NIMPE, IMPE QN and IMPE HCMC and at various levels in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of priority interventions; (2) to prevent the appearance and possible spread of artemisinin resistant parasites by detecting all malaria cases in target areas and ensuring effective treatment; (3) to decrease drug pressure for selection of artemisinin resistant malaria parasites; (4) to prevent the appearance and potential spread of artemisinin resistant malaria parasites by mosquito control and personal protection; (5) to limit the potential spread of artemisinin resistant malaria parasites by mobile/migrant populations; (6) to support containment/elimination of malaria and potential artemisinin resistant parasites through comprehensive behaviour change communication (BCC), community mobilization and advocacy; (7) to undertake basic and operational research to fill knowledge gaps and ensure that strategies applied are evidence-based; and (8) to provide effective management, surveillance and coordination to enable rapid and high quality implementation of the strategy.

Description of duties:
Under the guidance of the WHO Representative and direct supervision of the Medical Epidemiologist, and in close collaboration with national counterparts and the Coordinator (ERAR-GMS), as well as the relevant programmes in the Regional Office and WHO Headquarters, the consultant will perform the following functions:

1. Provide support to NIMPE, IMPE QN and IMPE HCMC and other partners in their efforts to effectively contain the artemisinin resistant Pf malaria parasites in Viet Nam by:
- assisting in implementation and monitoring of the Viet Nam component of the Emergency Response to Artemisinin Resistance (ERAR) project, including cross-border activities;
- supporting project implementation in the Viet Nam project area;
- being a focal point for operational research;
- participating in project meetings;
- assisting in translation and interpretation of project documents (Vietnamese to English, English to Vietnamese)
- liaising with Viet Nam national agencies involved;
- promoting collaboration with partners and stakeholders at all levels of the system.

2. Within the context of broader efforts to prevent and control malaria, provide support to the implementation of existing national malaria programme activities linked to the containment project;

3. Perform other related duties as may be required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
University degree in Medicine and/or other health related field or its equivalent professional training is essential. Relevant postgraduate degree and/or training in malaria and other communicable diseases control, surveillance and evaluation techniques is desirable.

Experience:
At least five years' experience in project management, including implementation, monitoring and supervision skills and capacity building, and including at least two years' experience in implementation of vectorborne disease control programme are essential. Experience in operational field research activities is desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and Vietnamese is essential.

Other Skills:

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

· Ability to plan and prioritize challenging workloads;

· Capacity to work and produce results in a complex environment;

· Good computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point; and

· Flexibility in work including a willingness to adapt to new situations.

A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening

Candidate should send CV with the application letter by postal mail at:

Administrative Officer

World Health Organization

63 Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi, Viet Nam

Or by email at:

WHO-Applicants.VTN@wpro.who.int