[Hiring] International PAHO Consultant - Viral Diseases, Laboratory and Genomic Surveillance @Pan American Health Organization

Role Description

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support to strengthen regional laboratory and genomic surveillance capacities for emerging viruses by:

• Monitoring External Quality Assessment Programme (EQAP) implementation
• Conducting in-country technical missions
• Assessing genomic surveillance strategies
• Preparing regional analytical reports
• Contributing to the development of standardized laboratory and surveillance guidelines aligned with WHO standards

General Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for the following activities:

• Plan and conduct at least one workshop/training on Hantavirus and other viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) surveillance and diagnosis
• Develop and release the regional laboratory guidelines for VHF
• Follow the regional analysis and report on COVID-19 genomic surveillance and generate a report
• Monitor and support the implementation of EQAP for emerging viruses
• Conduct in-country missions to support implementation of standardized laboratory protocols, focused on (but not limited to) the Caribbean region

Expected Deliverables

• Product 1: Plan and conduct at least one workshop/training on Hantavirus and other VHF surveillance and diagnosis
  • Draft the agenda and provide the logistic insight for the training
  • Propose participants and facilitators
  • Conduct the training/workshop and generate a final report
  Due Date: 30 June 2026, USD 5,966.00
• Product 2: Develop and release the regional laboratory guidelines for viral hemorrhagic fevers
  • Lead the development of regional laboratory and surveillance guidelines addressing viral hemorrhagic fevers
  • Incorporate new diagnostic technologies, quality assurance mechanisms, and surveillance tools while ensuring alignment with WHO standards
  • Provide the final published guidelines
  Due Date: 31 July 2026, USD 7,222.00
• Product 3: Follow the regional analysis and reporting on COVID-19 genomic surveillance and generate a report
  • Compile and analyze regional data related to COVID-19 genomic surveillance, including sequencing coverage, variant detection, and data-sharing practices
  • Evaluate the use and impact of new genomic tools, platforms, and analytical approaches
  • Prepare a regional analytical report with evidence-based conclusions and strategic recommendations applicable to future emerging virus surveillance efforts
  Due Date: 31 August 2026, USD 6,594.00
• Product 4: Monitor and support the implementation of External Quality Assurance Programs (EQAP) for emerging viruses
  • Oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of EQAP activities for emerging viral pathogens across the Region
  • Liaise with national and reference laboratories to ensure participation, performance monitoring, and compliance with quality standards
  • Review EQAP results, identify gaps or performance issues, and provide technical recommendations, with particular attention to newly introduced diagnostic products
  Due Date: 30 September 2026, USD 6,908.00
• Product 5: Conduct in-country missions to support implementation of standardized laboratory protocols, focused (not limited) on the Caribbean
  • Plan and carry out at least one in-country technical mission to support national laboratories in the adoption of new standardized laboratory protocols and tools
  • Perform technical and operational assessments, including laboratory workflows, biosafety practices, and readiness to implement new diagnostic and surveillance products
  • Provide on-site technical assistance, document findings, and develop country-specific recommendations and follow-up actions
  Due Date: 31 October 2026, USD 6,908.00

Qualifications

• Essential: Master's degree in biological sciences or related field
• Desirable: Doctoral degree in molecular biology, virology, or related field

Requirements

• Essential: 9 years of experience in virology and public health
• Desirable: Demonstrated experience supporting public health emergency response activities
• Languages: Excellent written, spoken and working knowledge of English and Spanish

Benefits

• Renumeration: Band B - USD $314.00 daily Rate
• Total contract amount: $33,598.00
• Expected contract duration: From 4 June 2026 to 31 October 2026, with possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability