Purpose of the Consultancy ย
To establish a generic quality management system for the recently introduced measles and rubella EIA and RT-PCR in national laboratories of Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.ย Provide expertise and training to maintain high quality laboratory performance in these national laboratories.ย Troubleshoot any difficulties the laboratories may have with these assays particularly in Vanuatu.ย To expand the scope of these tests by reviewing the four countries above and introducing rotavirus testing protocol in the most appropriate country. ย
Background ย
The PICs are in the elimination phase of measles with a target of verification of elimination by 2025.ย Four countries (Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu) have recently had measles and rubella serology, and molecular detection methods introduced to their national laboratories.ย This means these diagnostic tests are now available in-country to 85% of the population of the countries of the Pacific Islands.ย This has resulted in a reduction in time to results for these diseases for these countries' public health departments but also provided a basis for expanding the scope of detection to other diseases.ย Quality management systems need to be established for these tests and operational systems set in place.ย Training is needed in the national laboratories to ensure that the performance of the laboratories is sustainable and remains at a high level.ย The introduction of these methods to the four countries allows for expanding the scope of testing for other diseases.ย Rotavirus is an important pathogen in children and a leading cause of diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality.ย An assessment is needed to identify the most suitable country for the introduction of rotavirus testing and establish testing in that country. ย
Deliverables ย ย
Output 1:ย Deliver standard operating procedure for sourcing, delivery and use of internal quality controls (IQCs) for measles and rubella in recently established national VPD laboratories of Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Deliverable 1.1: Meet with experts at measles/rubella Regional Reference Laboratory, VIDRL, Melbourne to discuss and establish an SOP for internal quality controls for measles and rubella serology and molecular tests.
Deliverable 1.2: Organize delivery to and training of the use of the IQCs for measles and rubella in the four national laboratories.ย Troubleshoot outstanding issues with current tests to ensure quality results with IQC.
Deliverable 1.3: Assess the need for IQCs for existing national measles/rubella laboratories in the PICs. ย
Output 2:ย Assess the need for rotavirus testing by EIA in the four national laboratories of Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.ย Identify the priority country and establish rotavirus testing in this laboratory.
Deliverable 2.1: Meet with experts at rotavirus Regional Reference Laboratory, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne to receive specific training to establish rotavirus testing in a national laboratory in PICs.
Deliverable 2.2: Make an assessment and report on each countries need and capability for rotavirus testing. Identify a priority candidate country and establish testing at that site. ย
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages ย
Educational Qualifications: ย
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. ย
Experience: ย
Essential: Minimum 5 years relevant experience on laboratory quality assurance including face-to-face training in serological (EIA) and molecular (RTPCR) methods at international level.ย
Desirable: Experience in setting up EIA and PCR equipment and software to deliver serological and molecular diagnostic service. ย
Skills/Knowledge: ย
Essential: Expert knowledge of EIA and RT PCR techniques, quality assurance practices and their application within laboratories specifically within countries of the Pacific Islands.
Desirable: Writing standard operating procedures and protocols for laboratory quality management system. ย
Languages and level required: ย
Expert knowledge of written and spoken English is required (read-write-speak) ย
Location: ย
Off site: Home based. ย
Travel: ย
The consultant is expected to travel in various countries in the Pacific Region when needed.ย The purpose of the mission is to establish high quality VPD laboratories in the Pacific Island Countries.ย The travel dates are from 18 August to 15 December 2025. ย
Remuneration ย
Currency: Pay band level B, USD5,500 per monthย
Duration: 4 months, August to December 2025 ย
Additional Information: ย
This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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