National Consultants (SSA) Epidemiologists in support of Preparedness and response to public health emergencies and the fight against diseases in the regions and health districts of Togo At World Health Organization (WHO)

QUALIFICATIONS

I. Area of ​​expertise  
Togo, despite its significant progress in the health field, is still faced with enormous challenges, particularly with regard to health emergencies and the coordination of health interventions. The presence of endemic diseases, the occurrence of epidemics, and logistical challenges in health, make a coordinated intervention imperative to strengthen health systems, particularly at the level of health regions and districts. 
The implementation of public health interventions at the operational level is essential for prevention, the rapid identification of disease outbreaks, and the deployment of rapid interventions to limit their spread: SIMR, case management, CREC, vaccination , PCI, other public health measures, monitoring and evaluation…
In addition, strengthening collaboration between health districts and paramedical training schools is essential to guarantee quality initial and continuing training for health personnel.
This explains the recruitment of epidemiologist consultants who will be distributed across the six health regions of Togo to support the strengthening of existing systems and implement effective strategies to fight diseases.

1. Purpose of consultancy   
The general objective is to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and management of health emergencies in the health regions and districts of Togo. 
Specifically, this will involve: 
– Strengthening the coordination of health activities 
– Supporting the implementation of the IDSR 
– Supporting the management of health emergencies 
– Strengthening the implementation of vaccination (routine, campaigns) 
– Strengthening the communication on risks and community engagement at health district level
– Support case management of diseases with epidemic potential 
 Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of field activities
– Support collaboration between districts and training schools paramedical for initial and continuing training of health personnel

II. Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has caught many countries off guard and challenged case detection and confirmation. But the pandemic has also created an opportunity by creating awareness and mobilizing resources to build a strong communicable disease surveillance system at the health district level. Togo has developed various strategic documents, notably the national health security action plan which places great emphasis on surveillance. The evaluation of this plan shows an inadequacy in its implementation.
Furthermore, the epidemiological situation is marked by the recurrence of epidemic outbreaks such as measles, yellow fever, whooping cough, mumps, meningitis, etc., all in a context of low vaccination coverage. 

III. Deliverables
Under the general coordination of the WHO Resident Representative in Togo and the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, the national consultants are responsible for ensuring the following activities: – Strengthening the coordination of health activities: development
and implementation preparation and response plans for health emergencies, participation in coordination meetings of district and regional management teams, and meetings of prefectural and regional health emergency management committees – Strengthen the implementation of the IDSR in health
districts : investigations and risk assessments, community-based surveillance, training of stakeholders, implementation of activities at points of entry, active search for cases of diseases with epidemic potential, data management, environmental monitoring – Strengthen risk communication 
and community engagement: training and supervision of actors, management of rumors and false information, community activities (community dialogues, advocacy, support for the activities of traditional therapists), organization of radio broadcasts, awareness-raising and mobilization of local and administrative authorities – Support
the case management of diseases with epidemic potential in specialized centers
– Strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of field activities
– Strengthen the implementation of routine vaccination
– Strengthen the implementation of Additional Vaccination Activities
– Support collaboration between districts and paramedical training schools for initial and continuing training of health personnel 
– Strengthen the implementation of activities of the sustainable PCI program at the level of health training 
– Strengthen collaboration with regions and health districts
– Strengthen ties with partners, as leader of health partners in the field. 

IV. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
​​Educational Qualifications: 
Essential: A Doctorate degree in medicine or health sciences delivered by an accredited institution; or have a postgraduate degree in epidemiology or public health. 
Desirable: Training in field epidemiology or other areas of Public Health.

Experience  
Essential: Have at least two (02) years of experience in epidemiological surveillance of communicable diseases and in public health, with particular experience in the management of epidemics including the prevention and control of epidemics, risk management infectious and/or dangerous pathogens. Knowledge of the country’s health policies and strategies in the fight against diseases with epidemic potential.
Desirable: Related experience in WHO and/or a UN system agency, health cluster partners or humanitarian organizations would be an asset.

Skills/Knowledge: 
Essential: 
1) Produce results.
2) Communicate credibly and effectively.
3) Respect and promote individual and cultural differences. 
4) Build and promote partnerships across the Organization and beyond.
5) Promote integration and teamwork.
6) Ensure efficient use of resources.
Desirable:
– Collection and analysis of epidemiological data
– Supervision of field activities
– Proven knowledge of infectious diseases, particularly in areas such as the epidemiology of infectious diseases, prevention or control, clinical management and important practices.
– Proven ability to coordinate and manage projects, and establish partnerships with several partners in the context of health emergencies.
– A good ability to be tactful coupled with the ability to develop clear, applicable and comprehensive strategies and plans.
Proven organizational skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and produce results while working under pressure.

Languages ​​and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):
Essential:
In-depth knowledge of French
Intermediate knowledge of English

Other qualifications (for example, in IT) 
Good knowledge of Microsoft software suite applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Database processing, etc.).

V. Location 
-WHO-Togo Representation Office, 53 QAD, Rue Adamè – BP. 1504 Lomé
Telephones: (228) 22 21 33 60 – 22 22 42 92 Email. : [email protected]      

– Grade: NOB

VI. Travel 
The consultant should travel within the country for the vaccination coverage survey.

VII. Duration:
– Six (6) months from January 2024

Additional Information (For HR use only):
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. 
The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply. 
Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (ie, discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services ( SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that some countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof/certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

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