SSA – Project Assistant - Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance _ WCO-SRL - (2600998)

Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES) has proven to be a valuable tool for detecting silent transmission of polio virus and an important complementary measure towards eradication of Poliomyelitis. In addition, WES is instrumental in other public health surveillance activities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling timely detection of pathogens in communities. Environmental surveillance can also support antimicrobial resistance monitoring, detect chemical hazards, and contribute to broader One Health goals.

The Pandemic Fund has extended its support to Sri Lanka for initiation and establishment of WES in the country.

Under this the Project Officer will provide operational, coordination, and logistical support for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and quality improvement Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance activities under the pandemic fund.

Job Description

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the WHO Representative to Sri Lanka and the Chief Epidemiologist, Epidemiology Unit, the Project Assistant will be responsible for the following functions under the Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance component of the Pandemic Fund:

Planning:

• Support in the development of a comprehensive implementation plan for WES
• Support in implementation of WES activities under pandemic fund
• Support the development of tools, guides, standard operating procedures (SOPs), data flow mechanisms, and reporting templates.
• Support in arranging and conducting stakeholder meetings relevant to WES component implementation.

Logistics:

• Support in procurement, installation and maintenance of required infrastructure and equipment (e.g., sampling devices, cold chain, transport containers, laboratory equipment) identified before or during the project implementation.

Capacity Building and Technical Guidance:

• Facilitate the organizing of WES related training programmes for field teams, and laboratory personnel on sampling, biosafety, and data management.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the progress:

• Assist in development of performance indicators and a monitoring framework for WES related activities in the implementation plan
• Assist in regular review of the progress of the WES implementation plan including key time-bound milestones activities.

Coordination, Reporting, and Financial Oversight:

• Coordinate activities across multiple sectors to ensure smooth progress of the WES implementation
• Proactively identify bottle-necks and challenges and flag them to project focal points for early resolution
• Track implementation progress, expenditure, and timelines against the approved budget and work plan for WES related activities
• Contribute to WES components of the periodic progress and financial reports of the Pandemic Fund, Ministry of Health, funding partners, and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Essential

• Completion of secondary school education - GCE (A/L) in the biological sciences stream
• Certificate in Project Management/ Business Administration

Desirable

• A bachelor’s degree in health sciences, public health, veterinary sciences, environmental sciences or a related discipline.
• Previous experience working as a Project Officer or in a similar role will be considered an added qualification

Experience:

Essential

• At least 3 years of work experience as a Project Officer or in a similar role

Desirable

• Experience in working with the Government Sector and or another UN/ International Organizations.
• Familiarity with the UN system, grant funding, policies and monitoring and evaluation

Language Skills: 

• Expert knowledge of English and expert knowledge of a local language (Sinhala or Tamil)

Skills:

• Strong communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multisectoral stakeholders under a One Health framework.
• Fluency in English and Sinhala; knowledge of Tamil will be an added advantage.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data management tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Competencies:

• Technical expertise
• Overall attitude at work
• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication

Annual Salary & others Benefits

Annual Salary:           

• G4- Step 1

Other Benefits:

WHO Offers locally competitive packages such as:

• Health Insurance - Accident and illness insurance through CIGNA Insurance
• Annual Leave – 2.5 days per month
• Sick leave (7 days per year)
• WHO Holidays  

NOTE:  

1. Qualified Candidates will be evaluated and interviewed.
2. We regret that due to large volume of applications normally received, applications cannot be acknowledged individually.
3. This is vacancy is open to Sri Lankan Nationals (all genders).  Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply
4. This Vacancy Notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade/level

"WHO is committed to workforce diversity". “Any attempt to unduly influence WHO’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.”

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or other tobacco users.

Link to apply:

• WHO Careers Website: Careers at WHO
• Vacancies (staff member access): https://careers.who.int/careersection/in/jobsearch.ftl 
• Vacancies (external candidate access): https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl