The consultant will carry out detailed landscaping of available technologies and methods that currently support EWS, as well as their suitability for multi-pathogen approaches. Shortcomings will be identified and then a series of virtual consultations will be organized with relevant stakeholders to agree on the key ideal and minimal acceptable characteristics of the various tools needed to support efficient and affordable EWS that can inform public health action for multiple priority pathogens.
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic environmental and wastewater surveillance (EWS) was demonstrated in a range of settings to provide an important additional line of data that can support early detection of outbreaks, cost effective targeting of diagnostics and also augment uptake of risk communications among other uses. Such EWS has also been successfully deployed for many years for polio and illicit drugs and has been more recently trialled for other targets such as typhoid, cholera and antimicrobial resistance. However, common challenges have been; establishing timely and effective links to a well-defined data use for public health decision making, sustaining surveillance activities between the acute phase of outbreaks, developing sampling and laboratory methods that serve more than one disease or risk of interest, and adapting method for use in settings with low levels of sewer coverage. WHO in its capacity as a norms and standards setting organization providing strategic direction on preparedness and response for a wide range of public health challenges is well placed to provide leadership on effective strategies and associated capacity development where EWS is demonstrated to add value alongside clinical surveillance and as part of a wider preparedness and response strategy, that considers a multi-pathogen approach. WHO has initiated preparation of multi-pathogen WES guidance in coordination with various emergency, integrated surveillance, laboratory and disease focal points across the organization. While considering how to best capitalize upon and integrate recent research findings and experience, we are also examining ways in which future tools and methods can be adapted or developed to best accommodate a EWS multipathogen approach that is economical and efficient.
Deliverables
- Deliverable 1: Develop detailed workplan.
Expected by: Month 1 - Deliverable 2: Identify and develop characteristic/feature frameworks for tools that support end to end multipathogen EWS.
Expected by: Month 2 - Deliverable 3: Create an expert group and subgroups to allow for in-depth review of individual tools to achieve multipathogen EWS. Include relevant technical and disease experts representative of LMICs and HICs.
Expected by: Month 2 - Deliverable 4: Conduct landscaping of tools existing and needed across the end to end multipathogen EWS system pathway.
Expected by: Month 4 - Deliverable 5: Based on the landscaping, provide the written rationale for a preferred characteristics pathway for end to end multipathogen EWS to fill current gaps.
Expected by: Month 5 - Deliverable: Through coordination of expert group (and relevant subgroups), develop and finalize the Preferred pathway characteristics for end to end multipathogen EWS.
Expected: Month 10
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:
- First university degree in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Public Health, Bioinformatics, or Civil/Environmental Engineering.
- Advanced university degree in a specialized area in Environmental Engineering, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbial Ecology, or Bioinformatics.
Experience:
Essential:
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in public health practices and epidemiology, including in the implications of surveillance data on public health policies and actions.
- Proven experience in project management.
Desirable:
- Experience in environmental sampling, specifically wastewater sampling, including sample collection and transportation.
- Experience in bioinformatics and data analysis, especially related to pathogen detection and genetic sequencing.
Skills:
- Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, NGS).
- Data management and project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
- Microbiology and Virology: In-depth understanding of the biology of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- Environmental Science and Engineering: Knowledge of environmental systems, wastewater treatment processes, and the impact of pollutants.
- Public Health and Epidemiology: Understanding of disease transmission, outbreak investigation, and the role of surveillance in public health.
- Regulations and Guidelines: Familiarity with local, national, and international guidelines and standards for wastewater surveillance and public health reporting.
- Technological Advancements: Staying updated with the latest advancements in detection technologies, bioinformatics, and data analysis methods.
- Quality Control and Assurance: Best practices for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of surveillance data, including the use of controls and standard operating procedures.
Languages required:
Essential:
- Expert knowledge of English.
