National Consultant (Part-time): Pandemic Fund Laboratory Coordinator

The consultant will coordinate laboratory technical support to the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries in Malaysia for the implementation of laboratory activities under the Pandemic Fund project. The role involves coordinating implementation and monitoring of laboratory activities under the Pandemic Fund portfolio for Malaysia, supporting pandemic preparedness and response systems.

Responsibilities

• Establish a training facility for biosafety cabinet certifiers with certification/calibration equipment for training of trainers for laboratory officers as biosafety cabinet (BSC) certifiers.
• Develop National Policy of Infectious Materials Biobank/database with standardized recording and reporting nationwide supported by a new Biosafety Act that includes data security.
• Train on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity with developed/existing national and international protocols (e.g., WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual, Biosafety Level guidelines).
• Develop cooperation and collaboration among laboratories and streamline surveillance data to support testing under One Health through collaborative network development, shared use of facilities, exchange of technical expertise, harmonization of diagnostic protocols, and joint risk assessments.
• 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.
• 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.
• Invite collaboration with private companies to improve coverage of specimen referral, access to testing, and specimen tracking.
• Install metagenomic sequencing and diagnostic equipment in National Public Health Laboratory.
• Establish standard operating procedures for case submission criteria.
• Train core National Public Health Laboratory staff in metagenomic methods.
• Develop communication/visibility products related to the projects in line with reporting guidelines.
• Coordinate the organization of events, including launches and publications.
• Prepare monthly consultancy reports, notes from calls and meetings attended, and final technical reports with all deliverables.

Requirements

• 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.
• Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases or health emergency management is desirable.
• 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.
• Academic background and/or experience in biotechnology and biomedical research is desirable.
• Experience in planning and implementing laboratory training at local, national and regional levels is desirable.
• Previous experience in United Nations organizations/agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations, international institutions or nongovernmental organizations, particularly in developing countries is desirable.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Malay.

Skills

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Bacteriology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Laboratory Techniques
• Laboratory Services Management
• Laboratory Diagnosis
• Laboratory Training Implementation
• Public Health
• Health Emergency Preparedness
• Biotechnology Research
• Biomedical Research
• Database Management
• MS Word
• Excel
• Power Point
• Data Analysis
• Report Writing
• Strategic Presentations
• Project Coordination

Languages

English, Malay