Terms of Reference
VPD/Measles Surveillance Officer
1. Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines Country Office is looking for an individual contractual partner to provide Technical Assistant for the Department of Health- Epidemiology Bureau who will assist in overseeing Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance, particularly focusing on Measles-Rubella Surveillance in the country, under national level consultant contract. The submission of application is due by 14 August 2020.
2. Background
The Epidemiology of measles and rubella in the Philippines in the past ten (10) years revealed that the country’s measles endemicity remains high. In 2016, the country observed the lowest measles incidence in the last ten (10) years. However, in the last quarter of 2017, clustering of Measles cases started in the Mindanao Regions and continued to be an outbreak in the first quarter of 2018. Steps were taken to mitigate the transmission of disease, but due to low immunization coverages and vaccine hesitancy following the Dengvaxia controversy, a larger Measles Outbreak was recorded in the first quarter of 2019. An outbreak response immunization was implemented in 2019 to stop the Measles transmission.
To date, cases has decreased dramatically as compared to the peak of the outbreak in February-March 2019. However, pockets and clusters of continuous measles transmission has been noted in some parts of the country, most notably in Mati City, Davao Oriental, some cities in Metro Manila in first quarter 2020.
In response, a strengthened Measles Surveillance as well as a Supplemental Immunization Activity for Measles was planned for the Philippines. The Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau in coordination with WHO CO Philippines is looking for an additional manpower to focus in routine surveillance activities for Measles-Rubella Surveillance as most of their staff has been pulled-out for COVID-19 response.
3. Timeline
The contract period is from 01 September 2020 to 29 February 2021.
4. Place of Assignment
Manila, Philippines
5. Scope of Work
Under the direct supervision of and strategic guidance from the Medical Officer for Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of the WHO Country Office for the Philippines and Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau, Applied Epidemiology and Health Management Division, the STC shall have the following tasks/responsibilities in close collaboration with the relevant program manager:
Supervise and assist national Disease Surveillance Officers for Measles-Rubella in data management activities, such as, but not limited to data collection, database cleaning, case validation, analysis and report generation.
Review Measles-Rubella technical reports and data analysis requests before submission to immediate supervisor. Formulate reports on any cluster of cases.
Assist in Measles – Rubella epidemiologic investigations. Conduct of Monitoring and Evaluation activities, provision of Technical Assistance (i.e visits, over email/phone call), orientations, and trainings focused on Measles-Rubella Surveillance
Draft and/ or review of policies, guidelines and issuances related to disease surveillance, especially Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR), particularly Measles-Rubella Surveillance, subject for approval of the immediate supervisor
Coordinate with regional, and local epidemiology and surveillance units, national reference laboratories, DOH Bureaus, and partner agencies any concern on Measles – Rubella surveillance.
Support the recruitment of regional level Measles and Rubella surveillance officer, to support the preparation and implementation of training for the officers and support their surveillance work from national level.
Facilitate consultation meetings with partners with regards to Measles-Rubella Surveillance
Attend meetings and conferences related to Measles-Rubella Surveillance
Support the EB and RESU in AFP and other related VPD surveillance activities
Performs other duties as assigned by the Bureau director and WHO representative
Prepare a technical report on the conclusion of the contract specially focusing on gaps and issues and recommendations for improvement.
6. Qualification
The contractual partner must fulfill the following qualifications:
Education and Certification:
Essential: Bachelor’s Degree in any allied health courses, public health, Medicine
Desirable: Master’s Degree relevant to the job
Work Experience:
Essential: At least 3-year experience working in Disease Surveillance or 5 years in any public health work
Desirable: Experience with Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance
Technical Skills and Knowledge:
Technical competence in the field of Epidemiology and disease surveillance
Knowledgeable in basic computer programs, Proficient in MS Office, specially in MS Excel
Knowledgeable in data management (data analysis and presentation)
Language Fluency:
Expert fluency in English and Tagalog, both oral and written.
7. Competencies
Communicating in a credible, effective and culturally competent way
Moving forward in a changing environment
Fostering integration and teamwork
Producing results
8. Other requirements
Medical Clearance through WHO HR/Admin
Willing to travel, when required
9. Submission of Requirements
Interested individual contractual partner should submit electronic copies of the following:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Address all applications to:
Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe
Acting WHO Representative in the Philippines Ground Floor, Building 3, Department of Health San Lazaro Compound Rizal Avenue, Sta Cruz, Manila
Please submit the electronic copy of the cover letter and Curriculum Vitae with the title
“Technical Assistant: VPD/Measles Surveillance Officer for the Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau (EB) ” to Mrs Ying Chen (cheny@who.int) and wpphlwr@who.int Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by WHO Philippines.
Deadline of submission of application is on 14 August 2020