Call for Expressions of Interest and Proposal
Job Title: #035
National consultants to support Ministry of Health in conducting HIV drug resistance survey
1. Background
Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global priority and minimizing the emergence and transmission of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is a critical part of global commitment to address challenges of AMR. In July 2017, WHO released a Global Action Plan on HIV Drug Resistance 2017-2021 to provide countries with a framework for HIVDR prevention and control which will contribute to the achievement of the global targets of 95-95-95. In 2021, WHO released new guidance on laboratory-based survey of acquired HIV drug resistance using remnant viral load specimens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Viet Nam has been supporting implementation of Viet Nam’s Country Plan on HIV drug resistance (HIVDR), which is in line with WHO’s Global Action Plan focusing on prevention of and response to HIVDR and monitoring of HIVDR through surveillance and routine programmatic data. With funding support from the Global Fund, Viet Nam has conducted several rounds of HIVDR surveys in the past 10 years.
In the context of increasing the use of Dolutegravir (DTG) for HIV treatment, it is important to monitor DTG resistance to inform treatment programme. However, there is no data available on HIV drug resistance against DTG in Viet Nam. In addition, there has been a challenge to maintain a reliable supply of ARV in the past 5 years which has affected the prevalence of HIVDR in Viet Nam. With financial support from GF, VADP is planning to conduct another round of the acquired drug resistance (ADR) survey. VADP requested WHO to provide technical assistance for conducting HIVDR survey.
2. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)
Start date: 20/10/2025
End date: 20/12/2025
3. Work to be performed
a. Specific Objectives:
- To provide technical support to VADP in conducting the HIVDR survey
b. Description of the tasks/process involved in carrying out the activity
- Work independently and proactive to implement the required tasks
- Work with VADP, NIHE, PI HCMC and TWG to plan for HIVDR survey
- Based on WHO guidelines and in discussion with the HIVDR technical working group, develop a protocol for HIVDR in Viet Nam
c. Output/s
Output 1: Development of protocol for conducting a HIV drug resistance survey
Deliverable 1.1: Final protocol for conducting a HIV drug resistance survey
Output 2: Technical assistance provided during HIVDR survey implementation
Deliverable 2.1: Final report on the activity implementation including technical support for HIVDR survey implementation
4. Specific requirements
Qualifications required:
- Must have an advanced university degree (Master or PhD degree) in Medicine or Public Health
- Having post graduate training on epidemiology and/or statistics is desirable
Experience required:
- Having at least 7 years of working experiences in the areas of HIV or infectious disease
- Having experiences in conducting research in the field of HIV
Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:
- Demonstrated strong technical knowledge and skills on epidemiology and/or statistics
- Demonstrated strong technical skills and knowledge on HIV and other infectious disease
- Good capacity to work with various stakeholders is desirable
- Able to travel to other provinces when required during the contract period
- Ability to plan and prioritise challenging workloads.
- Good teamwork
Language requirements:
- Excellent in communication and writing in Vietnamese
- Good at speaking and writing in English
Competencies
- Fostering integration and teamwork
- Communicating in a credible and effective way
- Producing results
- Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
5. Place of assignment
The consultant will not be required to work at the WHO office but may require attending the meetings with the WHO team when needed.
6. Medical clearance
The selected consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
7. Travel
The consultant may be required to travel during the contract period
8. Budget
Please take note of the following when submitting application: the contractor will be responsible for paying taxes, if any.
Those who are interested can submit the following documents:
- Most updated CV and application letter
- Copy of passport
- Copy of education certificates
Please indicate post title and vacancy notice # and should be addressed to:
Administrative Officer World Health Organization UN Building, 304 Kim Ma Street Hanoi, Viet Nam
OR
Before/by 9 October 2025
For further information on this TOR, please contact: