GIS mapping and multisource surveillance

Item Description:

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. The objective of WHO (www.who.int) is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. “Health”, as defined in the WHO Constitution, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. WHO’s main function is to act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work.

The Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) is one of the six regions of the World Health Organization. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, we work with health authorities and other partners in 37 countries and areas with more than one quarter of the world’s population.

BACKGROUND

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than a year ago, the respective Ministries of Health in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have been actively and strategically responding to the pandemic. As the pandemic and the subsequent response measures continue to evolve, there are a wealth of data and information being made available. These include daily official press releases, media reports, secondary data and social media information sharing.

The Information Management pillar within the Incident Management Team in the WHO Country Office is tasked with routine monitoring and consolidation of COVID-19 data and information for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, using a multi-source surveillance strategy. Data and information are compiled, consolidated and analyzed to generate strategic information such as for routine situational and risk assessments of the epidemic at the national and sub-national levels as well as for more in-depth analysis of any arising key issues. These are in turn used to inform the Country Office’s preparedness and response. One particular important component of the assessment involves the geographical mapping of cases with regards to district level notification rate of cases, locations of known clusters of cases, as well as areas for the implementation of variations of public health and social measures such as enhanced movement control orders. Situational assessments are also conducted to facilitate reporting to and communication with the WHO Regional Office and other local and regional partners. Continued monitoring of the epidemiological situation is important with considerations of the changing risks and vulnerabilities, resurgence in cases, implementation of public health and social measures, as well as the national COVID-19 immunization programmes that are under way.

Additionally, as countries continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt new norms, other health priorities, particularly on other communicable diseases will continue to require strategic planning and action.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the WHO Country Office COVID-19 Incident Management Team through multisource surveillance and information management for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Under the supervision of the WHO Country Representative, and the guidance by the WHO Incident Manager and the Information Management Pillar lead, the consultant is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

1. Monitor, compile and disseminate media articles, press statements and other sources of relevant information.
2. Extract, validate and enter daily epidemiologic data relevant for GIS mapping, including but not limited to number of active cases at the district level, clusters of COVID-19 cases and movement control order implementation areas.
3. Conduct mapping of surveillance and program data using geographical information system (GIS) software, compile information on transmission clusters and track information on special interest areas including spot maps for COVID-19, as well as for polio and other diseases upon need.
4. Assist in the production of Situational Reports and Situational Update presentation materials.
5. Participate in and brief epidemic situations at regular Incident Management Team meetings of COVID-19 in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.
6. Assist in generating electronic and hard copy WHO office filing system, library and draft standard operating procedures on filing and library documentation.
7. Using GIS as a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data to produce maps and other graphic displays of geographic information for analysis and presentation for the WCO IMST
8. Other duties as needed.

Deliverables

1. At least twice weekly COVID-19 case distribution maps for weekly situation reports of the COVID-19 situation
2. Presentation of media monitoring reports at least twice weekly
3. Draft supporting content for weekly situation reports for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore
4. Notes on additional duties

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  University degree in health or social sciences or related field. An advanced degree (Master level or above) in public health or epidemiology is an asset.

GIS qualification is required.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: A minimum of one year of relevant experience in public health or related field, particularly data management, maintenance of databases and use of geographical information systems software in the context of prior training. Experiences in disease surveillance and programme monitoring is an asset.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Data management and management of data bases for project monitoring
• Use of GIS software applications
• Good communication skills, including written and verbal skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work in a team with limited supervision
• Writing skills for technical documentation

LANGUAGES

Proficient in written and spoken English and Malay (Read ‐ Write ‐ Speak / Expert or Intermediate).

COMPETENCIES

• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Fostering Integration and team work
• Communication in a credible and effective way

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Place of assignment

WHO Representative Office to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore

Medical clearance

The selected consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work. A medical certification of fitness is valid for one year unless new event has occurred.

Travel

No travel is expected

Remuneration

National consultant (NOA level)

Duration of contract 

6 months starting 01 July 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 31 May 2021.

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 128478 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Contacts

Thi Minh Ly Nguyen – wproungm@who.int
Email: wproungm@who.int
First name: Thi Minh Ly
Surname: Nguyen