Environmental Surveillance Consultant at World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Environmental Surveillance Consultant

Job ID: 2404342
Location: Abuja
Job type: Full-time
Grade: NO-B
Organization: AF_NGA Nigeria
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 6 Months
Contractual Arrangement: Special Services Agreement (SSA)

Job Description

• The In-country Environmental Surveillance Consultant will support the WHO surveillance team on Environmental Surveillance. 
• He / She may also be deployed to facilitate other Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance (VPDS) and outbreak response.

Summary of Assigned Duties

• Support the country surveillance team to develop a comprehensive ES plan that is integrated into the country surveillance plan and monitor the progress of its implementation.
• Monitor ES performance in the country and identify challenges and opportunities to achieving optimal performance for appropriated actions.
• Conduct quarterly ES desk review and share the result with the country team and the region.
• Conduct regular supervisory visits to areas with ES sites with particular focus to poor performing sites for appropriate intervention.
• Build capacity of personnel on ES in the overall context of VPD surveillance.
• Conduct investigation of poor performing ES sites and take appropriate action in conjunction with the country team and the region.
• Ensure timely ES sample collection in all sites and shipment of samples to reach the laboratory within 3 days of sample collection.
• Collaborate with the country surveillance team and the region to expand and optimize ES, especially in high-risk areas
• Collaborate with the country surveillance team to ensure the use of electronic data collection tools by supervisors
• Collaborate with the country surveillance team to regularly share ES feedback to all stakeholders in the country.
• Share up to date tools and Field Guidance for the Implementation of Environmental Surveillance for Poliovirus to all stakeholders including sample collectors.
• Collaborate with the country surveillance team to participate in other VPD surveillance and outbreak response activities.
• Collaborate with other relevant government institutions (e.g. Ministry of Environment) to improve and maintain the quality of ES sites.
• Write monthly and quarterly reports of activities and share with the country team and the region
• Undertake other assignments and responsibilities as requested by the country surveillance team, head of country office and the regional office.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Languages

• Educational Qualifications: Advanced University Degree in Epidemiology, Health Sciences, Medicine / Veterinary Sciences or a related discipline that includes environmental health.
• Experience: At least Five years relevant experience at national and international levels in implementation of public health surveillance including Envoronmental Surveillance, outbreak investigation and response, and epidemiology.

Skills / Languages:

• Good computer skills in Microsoft office, and statistical packages.
• Demonstrated excellent writing ability to produce engaging and scientifically accurate communication materials. 
• Ability to synthesize information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to understand technical issues in the field of public health surveillance including Environmental Surveillance. 
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting environment. 
• Excellent organizational skills combined with the ability to multi-task and produce accurate results under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, tact and discretion, sound judgement and initiative
• Expert knowledge of English/French and basic knowledge of the country of assignment.

Application Closing Date
28th May, 2024; 10:59:00 PM