Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical expertise and training to expand laboratory capacity for measles/rubella (MR) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) serology and molecular detection of virus by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) in the Solomon Islands as part of the expansion of the Western Pacific Regional Laboratory Network in the Pacific Island Countries and Areas (PICs).

The Consultant will provide training in quality assurance of serology and molecular tests for the Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) National Laboratories of Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Background

The PICs are in the elimination phase of measles with a target of verification of elimination by 2025.   There are four countries/areas that have laboratory testing capacity for MR in the PICs: Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, and New Caledonia. Other countries must rely on the referral of samples to their nearest regional reference laboratory, usually Australia.  This can result in longer times for samples to reach the laboratory and the provision of results thus delaying confirmation of measles cases and the appropriate public health response. The development of in-country, high quality laboratory testing would improve the turnaround time of tests and public health decision-making.

Deliverables

Provide training in EIA and RTPCR methods for the detection of suspected cases of measles and rubella virus;
Provide training to laboratory staff / healthcare workers of national laboratories in Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu in quality assurance in preparation for EQA performance and WHO accreditation; and
Implement a delivery protocol of MR serology and molecular EQA panels for national VPD laboratories of Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Output/s

Output 1: Training in MR serological and molecular methods in the national laboratory of the Solomon Islands.
Deliverable 1.1: Install and train staff in the installation of all equipment including software for MR EIAs and RTPCR.
Deliverable 1.2: Face to face training on-site in serological and molecular methods for MR EIAs and RTPCR.

Output 2: Training of laboratory staff/healthcare workers in delivery of high performance in EQA schemes for MR in four established national laboratories in PICs (Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu).
Deliverable 2.1: Face to face training in the preparation, performance, and analysis of external quality assurance schemes for vaccine preventable diseases with specific reference to measles and rubella.
Deliverable 2.2: Training in the procurement of EQA panels and the reporting of results.

Output 3: Design and establish a delivery system for MR serology and molecular EQA panels to the newly established national laboratory network in the PICS.
Deliverable 3.1: Organize meeting for the appropriate and responsible partners to discuss and agree shipping system for EQA panels for the laboratory network in the PICs.
Deliverable 3.2: Write up shipping system protocol for use as standard operating procedure in the national laboratories of Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: First university degree in life science, medicine, molecular biology, or medical virology from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Training or qualification in bacteriology, infectious diseases, and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.

Experience:

Essential: Minimum 3 years relevant experience on laboratory quality assurance including face-to-face training in serological (EIA) and molecular (RTPCR) methods.
Desirable: Experience in setting up EIA and PCR equipment and software to deliver serological and molecular diagnostic service.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential: Expert knowledge of EIA and RTPCR techniques, quality assurance practices and their application within laboratories.
Desirable: Writing standard operating procedures and protocols for laboratory quality management system.

Languages and level required:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to provide training to laboratory staff in the national laboratory of the Solomon Islands during March/April 2025. The consultant may have to travel to other Pacific Island countries to troubleshoot laboratory procedures at the request of hiring manager.

Remuneration and budget:

Remuneration: Pay band level A, USD 5 000.00 –  6 000.00 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: Four months, January – April 2025

Additional Information:

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