The purpose of the consultancy is to support the implementation of the diagnostic and surveillance pillars of
the defeating meningitis roadmap, by supporting the optimization of laboratory procurement mechanism,
development of laboratory tools and training materials and ensuring progress on the development of rapid
diagnostic tests.
WHE is responsible for coordinating activities in epidemic control, diagnosis and treatment and surveillance.
The laboratory surveillance is a key priority activity for these two latter pillars of the roadmap, and it has
been identified as an important component to be reinforced in the African meningitis belt, with support
from different WHO collaborating centres. Thanks to surveys and meetings with countries in the African
meningitis belt, key areas have been identified in which prompt measures are required to strengthen the
laboratory surveillance while other areas are part of the roadmap as priority milestones. Many of these
areas are global actions that are clearly identified in the road map, nevertheless some of these will be
initiated in AFRO considering the ongoing regional engagement and greater needs given the disease burden.
Work to be performed
Output 1: In coordination with WHO HQ, AFRO, IST and country offices, support the optimization of
mechanisms contributing to meningitis laboratory confirmation.
o Activity 1: develop a system for an efficient procurement and distribution of laboratory
materials. This system should consider the needs for emergency stocks in HQ and IST and for
support to laboratory surveillance in countries of the meningitis belt.
o Activity 2: Support IST to strengthen the mechanism of regional distribution of trans-isolate
mediums (TIs), and to improve their use at country-level
o Activity 3: Conduct a rapid landscape analysis of sample transportation mechanisms at
country level, identify successful experiences and key factors and develop a plan based on
this information.
Output 2: In coordination with WHO HQ, WHO Collaborating Centers, and AFRO, support and
facilitate the development of laboratory tools and training materials.
o Activity 1: Assess the need to develop/revise the diagnostic strategy for countries of the
region, encompassing testing requirements and tools needed per health level, and support
revision as needed.
o Activity 2: Support the revision and development of a minimum laboratory package (tools
and guidance) needed to enable the testing strategy.
o Activity 3: Review and compile existing training materials and develop a standard set of
meningitis laboratory training materials.
o Activity 4: Conduct a gap analysis for the External Quality Assurance (EQA) program
Output 3: In coordination with WHO HQ and partners, support and monitor progress of the
development of three meningitis RDTs use cases
o Activity 1: Revise the work plan for the activities related to the development of RDTs for
meningitis (use cases 1, 2, and 3).
o Activity 2: Support the coordination, provide technical guidance and monitor progress of
activities according to the work plan.
Technical Supervision
The consultant will work under the close supervision of meningitis team lead in HQ/WHE/WRE/HEI, and
coordinate closely with AFRO colleagues, partners and other WHO colleagues as relevant.
Duration and Remuneration
Start date: 15/06/2021 End date: 15/09/2021
Total duration: 3 months at 100%
Remuneration will be a monthly rate confirmed and based on band level B range (USD 7,000- 9,980)
according to the experience and qualifications.
Extension of the contract is possible depending on performance and programme needs
How to apply:
Interested applicants should submit their motivation letter and CV to Geraldine Putman-Cramer at putmancramerg@who.int and Katya Fernandez at fernandezk@who.int indicating ‘’Call for expressions of interest to support WHO work - Lab Consultant’’.