National Consultant (Part-time): Pandemic Fund Laboratory Coordinator, WHO Country Office, Malaysia

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Purpose of the consultancy The purpose of this consultancy is to coordinate laboratory technical support to the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries in Malaysia, for the implementation laboratory activities under the Pandemic Fund project. The coordinator will coordinate implementation and monitoring laboratory activities under the Pandemic Fund portfolio for Malaysia.

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in advancing global health, protecting populations, and responding to public health emergencies. At the heart of its mission is the commitment to strengthening health systems, ensuring they are equipped to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to emerging health threats. By providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and critical resources, WHO enhances global health security and fosters resilience against future pandemics.
Recognizing the need for sustained critical investment in pandemic preparedness, the Pandemic Fund was established to provide dedicated long-term financing to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The fund addresses systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning closely with WHO’s mandate to reinforce global health infrastructure and enhance emergency response coordination.
On 12 February 2026, the Pandemic Fund Governing Board awarded Malaysia funding to support the implementation of the project Data to Action: Stronger Pandemic Preparedness and Response Systems in the Western Pacific Region.
As one of the 13 approved Implementing Entities, WHO leverages its extensive expertise, operational capacity, and global network to support the effective implementation of Pandemic Fund projects at the country level. Through targeted interventions, WHO ensures that investments translate into tangible improvements in disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response mechanisms, and workforce development. By working in close collaboration with governments, partners, and stakeholders, WHO continues to drive progress toward a safer, more resilient global health landscape.
This is a significant initiative aimed at reinforcing the country's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies, including pandemics.

Deliverables

Under the general supervision of the WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, the incumbent will work to:

Output 1: Strengthen laboratory biosafety, infectious material policy & recording, and mechanisms for laboratory cooperation & collaboration across One Health sectors

Deliverable 1.1 Establish a training facility for biosafety cabinet certifiers with certification/calibration) equipment for training of trainers for laboratory officers as biosafety cabinet (BSC) certifiers.
Deliverable 1.2 Development of National Policy of Infectious Materials Biobank/ database with standardised recording and reporting nationwide supported by a new Biosafety Act that includes data security[ND2.1].
Deliverable 1.3 Training on the laboratory biosafety and biosecurity with developed/existing national and international protocols (e.g., WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual, Biosafety Level guidelines)
Deliverable 1.4 Develop cooperation and collaboration among laboratories and streamlining of surveillance data[ND3.1] to support the testing under One Health through development of collaborative network and data using coordinated testing frameworks, shared use of facilities, exchange of technical expertise, harmonization of diagnostic protocols, and joint risk assessments.

Output 2: Strengthen handling and transport of diagnostic samples throughout the regional laboratory network in Malaysia

Deliverable 2.1 Develop cooperation and collaboration among laboratories to support the testing under ONE Health through development of collaborative network using coordinated testing frameworks, shared use of facilities, exchange of technical expertise, harmonization of diagnostic protocols, and joint risk assessments.
Deliverable 2.2 Improve regional laboratory networking for specimen referral and timely response by mapping and conducting gap analysis of lab referral system and develop standard operating procedures for specimen referral and tracking including piloting and scale-out.
Deliverable 2.3 Implement a comprehensive specimen cold chain across all localities by building on laboratory resource mapping and procure equipment to fill cold chain gaps in conjunction with the private sector
Deliverable 2.4 Invite collaboration with private companies in improving the coverage of the specimen referral and access to testing, and specimen tracking.

Output 3: Expand pathogen testing at Institute of medical research (IMR) and National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) by installing metagenomic diagnostic equipment

Deliverable 3.1 Installation of metagenomic sequencing and diagnostic equipment in National Public Health Laboratory.
Deliverable 3.2 Establish standard operating procedures for case submission criteria.
Deliverable 3.3 Train core National Public Health Laboratory staff in metagenomic methods.
Output 4: Facilitate multisectoral coordination, communication, and operational planning related to project activities.

Deliverable 3.1 Develop communication/ visibility products related to the projects in line with the reporting guidelines.
Deliverable 3.2 Coordinate the organization of events, including launches and publications.

Output 5: Report

Deliverable 4.1 Monthly consultancy reports
Deliverable 4.2 Notes from any calls and meetings attended.
Deliverable 4.3 Final technical reports with all deliverables.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Education

Minimum: University degree (BSc level or above) in life science, biology, medical virology or microbiology from an accredited/ recognized institute. Certified training or qualification in molecular biology, virology, bacteriology, infectious diseases and/or epidemiology and laboratory techniques.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases or health emergency management.

Experience
Required: At least five years of practical and operational application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases at the local, national and international levels.
Desirable: Academic background and/or experience in biotechnology and biomedical research. Experience in planning and implementing laboratory training at local, national and regional levels. Previous experience in United Nations organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations, international institutions or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in developing countries.

Technical skills and Knowledge
• Advanced skills in the use of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) and database management.
• Strong problem-solving skills, demonstrated through the ability to identify challenges, gather and analyze complex data, build strategic models, and provide well-founded recommendations to enhance project outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present in meetings, draft comprehensive reports, and create strategic presentations. The officer should engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and health partners at national, regional, and international levels.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in teams, fostering cooperation, developing team members, and promoting a constructive team environment that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Language
Fluent in written and spoken English and Malay.

Location

The consultant will work remotely with regular physical visits to the WHO Country Office in Malaysia when necessary.

Travel

Consultant may be required to travel locally to meet with MOH and other stakeholders.

Remuneration and budget

• Daily rate of MYR 1,052.00 per day for 11 months
• Part-time basis; flexible 16 hours (1 day = 8 hours) of work per week, may include weekends

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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