List of technical consultants – DRC BVD At NIPH 360

General Information

FHI 360 is a global organization that collaborates with governments, national institutions, communities, and partners to strengthen health systems and promote sustainable, locally driven solutions to complex public health challenges. FHI 360 is seeking qualified infectious and vector-borne disease consultants to provide specialized, ad hoc technical assistance as part of its response to the Bundibugyo virus (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Consultants can support FHI 360 country teams, host governments, national public health institutes, national and subnational human laboratories, disease control programs and other partners through practical, evidence-based technical assistance designed to strengthen quality, safety, diagnostic capacity, data utilization, workforce capacity and sustainable national BVD outbreak detection and response systems.

Scope of Work

The consultant directory will allow FHI 360 to access highly specialized expertise in epidemic response, which can be rapidly mobilized and deployed according to technical needs. As part of this consulting mission, selected individuals may be tasked with carrying out one or more of the following activities, depending on their technical expertise and project requirements. Working closely with FHI 360’s BVD support teams at headquarters and in the DRC, these professionals will be ready to be deployed as needed, depending on the epidemiological evolution of the epidemic in the DRC. Their respective technical areas of expertise are described below.

Specialist in molecular diagnostics / equipmentJob OverviewThe Molecular Diagnostics and Equipment Specialist provides advanced technical expertise in laboratory molecular diagnostics for the detection of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus, as well as in the management of diagnostic equipment and supplies. This position is responsible for the reliability and accuracy of laboratory analyses across all laboratory operations within the STRIDES network. The specialist works closely with laboratory directors, partner healthcare facilities, and STRIDES technical leadership to maintain diagnostic quality and optimize laboratory operations in the face of the urgent epidemic situation. This position requires a highly qualified professional with expertise in molecular diagnostic techniques, equipment troubleshooting, and laboratory quality systems. The specialist must be able to work independently and under pressure, solve complex technical problems with limited resources, and mentor less experienced laboratory staff.Main responsibilities

Ensure the supervision of molecular diagnostic tests for the detection of BDBV using RT-PCR, real-time PCR and antigen testing platforms, in accordance with protocols established by WHO, CDC and FHI 360.
Provide supervision of rapid diagnostic tests (e.g., GeneXpert) as appropriate; interpret results and communicate findings to healthcare teams.
Supervise appropriate quality control of bedside testing, including reagent storage, equipment functionality checks, and test validation.
Establish and oversee quality assurance and control procedures for all diagnostic tests, including positive and negative checks, internal validation and participation in external quality assurance.
Oversee the management of diagnostic equipment across various assigned laboratory sites, including daily maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and preventive maintenance programs.
Diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions using technical troubleshooting methods; coordinate equipment repairs and replacements when necessary.
Oversee the management of a complete inventory of diagnostic reagents, test supplies, consumables and calibration materials; establish and monitor stock level alerts to prevent stockouts.
Collaborate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure timely procurement and delivery of diagnostic supplies and equipment.
Train laboratory technicians, healthcare facility staff and field personnel on the correct use of diagnostic equipment, appropriate testing procedures and troubleshooting protocols.
Oversee the meticulous and accurate documentation of analysis results, quality control measures, and equipment maintenance in laboratory information systems and paper records.
Supervise strict adherence to biosafety protocols (BSL-2/3 as applicable), infection prevention measures, and laboratory safety procedures.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to laboratory technicians and supervisors; support skills development and aptitude assessment.
Participate in regular skills assessments, quality audits and external quality assurance activities to monitor the accuracy of diagnoses.
Oversee the production of weekly and monthly diagnostic reports, including test volume, positivity rates, turnaround times, and quality indicators.
Resolve quality-related problems and failures; implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain diagnostic standards
Contribute to the collection of laboratory data for national surveillance systems and support epidemiological analysis

Deployable EpidemiologistJob SummaryDeployable epidemiologists provide field epidemiological surveillance and support for outbreak investigations as part of the BVD (Becker disease) response in several health zones across the affected provinces, including riverine health zones and health checkpoints. These highly mobile and responsive positions enable real-time epidemiological analysis, case investigations, and outbreak detection in remote and challenging field environments. The deployable epidemiologist works with a high degree of autonomy, conducts complex investigations in difficult field environments, and must be able to analyze constantly evolving epidemiological situations and clearly communicate findings to management. This position requires technical expertise in epidemiology and strong field intervention capabilities.Main responsibilities

Conduct rapid epidemiological investigations on all suspected and confirmed cases of BDBV in assigned health zones, following standardized investigation protocols.
Collect detailed exposure histories from suspected cases, including activities during the incubation period, contacts with known cases, visits to healthcare facilities, and community exposures.
Collect complete contact information, including names, addresses, contact details, and demographic data of all identified contacts.
Manage the identification, validation, and follow-up of contacts; ensure coordination with community health workers for daily symptom monitoring
Analyze epidemiological data and survey results to identify transmission patterns, chains of transmission, high-risk settings and epidemic hotspots.
Prepare and maintain case lists and case summaries; develop epidemiological summary documents and outbreak investigation reports
Ensure coordination with healthcare facilities for sample collection, laboratory analyses and communication of results within the framework of investigations.
Respond quickly to outbreak alerts, unusual case clusters, and epidemiological anomalies; alert senior management to emerging threats
Develop recommendations for targeted public health interventions based on epidemiological data
Train health facility staff and community health workers in case identification, case definitions, investigation procedures and reporting protocols.
Participate in the regular supervision of survey activities in health zones; ensure the quality of survey forms and data
Contribute to weekly and monthly surveillance reports by incorporating epidemiological analyses and trends.
Generate epidemiological summaries, trend analyses and visualizations for provincial and national coordination meetings
Ensure coordination with laboratory services, isolation centers and reference facilities regarding cases under investigation.
Maintain detailed and complete investigation records for audit and quality assurance purposes.
Supporting community engagement and risk communication based on epidemiological data

Deployable specialist in sample reference and transportJob OverviewDeployable sample handling and transport specialists provide technical support to the diagnostic network in the field and in healthcare facilities in epidemic-affected areas. They ensure the proper collection, storage, and transport of samples, as well as coordination with analytical laboratories. Working largely independently in isolated healthcare settings, they supervise less experienced staff, resolve technical issues, and must adapt to challenging conditions. This role serves as a liaison between collection sites, peripheral healthcare facilities, and centralized laboratories, thus guaranteeing optimal sample management throughout the diagnostic process.

Main responsibilities

Supervise the collection of samples from patients suspected and confirmed to have BDBV infection, in accordance with standardized collection protocols and procedures.
Train health facility staff and community health workers in appropriate sample collection techniques, safety procedures and quality standards.
Supervise the correct type, volume, labeling and documentation of all samples collected.
Supervise the implementation of appropriate procedures for the preservation, storage and transport of samples in order to maintain their integrity during transport to reference laboratories.
Supervise the management and monitoring of documentation relating to the traceability chain of samples throughout the collection and transport process.
Ensure coordination with laboratories (centralized laboratory, provincial laboratory, peripheral laboratory or partner institutions) for the receipt of samples, analyses and communication of results.
Oversee the implementation and maintenance of biosecurity and infection prevention protocols during sample handling and collection activities.
Supervise and train healthcare facility staff on sample handling, biosafety procedures and quality standards.
Supervise the management of stocks of sampling and analysis equipment; coordinate the supply and delivery of sampling kits and analysis equipment.
Conduct regular quality audits of sampling procedures and documentation; identify and correct deficiencies.
Document and report all sample collection activities, tests performed, and results to the surveillance and epidemiology teams.
Solve the technical problems and difficulties related to the collection and analysis of samples in the field
Supervise the proper handling and disposal of biological waste and contaminated materials.
Maintain detailed records of samples collected, tested and transported for audit and quality assurance purposes.

Deployable Data ManagerJob OverviewDeployable Data Managers are responsible for the collection, management, quality control, and support of real-time data systems for field surveillance operations. They ensure that surveillance data is accurately collected using a unique identifier, properly verified, efficiently entered into systems, and quickly transmitted to centralized surveillance platforms and analysis teams. The Data Manager supports an integrated approach to managing outbreak data, from identifying alerts and cases to data sharing with communities, including sample collection, transport, laboratory diagnostics, and contact tracing. Working with a high degree of autonomy, they manage technical systems in resource-constrained environments, troubleshoot connectivity and software issues, and maintain data quality despite challenging field conditions. This role is critical to ensuring that epidemiological intelligence from field surveillance reaches management and epidemiological teams to inform response decisions.Main responsibilities

Set up and implement data collection systems in assigned health zones, including configuring DHIS2, KoboToolbox or equivalent systems.
Conduct systematic data quality checks and verification of surveillance information, including case data, contact data, investigation data and exposure data.
Ensure the capture and transmission of real-time data via electronic data collection systems, resolve technical problems and guarantee the production of reports within the given deadlines.
Train health facility staff, surveillance officers, safe and dignified burial teams, community health workers, sample transport teams, diagnostic laboratory technicians and contact investigators on standardized data collection procedures and data entry protocols.
Ensure accurate and complete data entry into monitoring systems, in accordance with standard definitions and procedures.
Generate weekly and monthly data reports, trend summaries and visualizations for provincial coordination meetings and senior management.
Monitor the completeness, timeliness, accuracy, consistency, validity, and duplication of data; identify and correct systemic data quality issues; maintain a data quality issue log to track anomalies, corrective actions, responsible parties, and resolution status. Coordinate data sharing with national surveillance systems (national DHIS2, Ministry of Health databases) and partner organizations (WHO, CDC).
Resolve technical issues related to data collection tools, mobile devices, internet connectivity, and field system access.
Maintain data security, confidentiality, backup procedures and recovery protocols to prevent any data loss.
Supporting the documentation of investigation files and the organization of data to enable epidemiological analysis
Participate in regular data quality audits and implement corrective actions for identified data gaps or errors.
Develop and maintain data dictionaries, standard operating procedures and user manuals for data collection systems.
Support epidemiological analysis and research activities by organizing and preparing data for analysis.
To liaise between field staff, central monitoring teams, sample transport teams, laboratory technicians, data analysis teams, contact investigators and risk communication and community engagement teams to ensure proper flow of data.
Document data management processes and maintain records of data quality-related activities

Deployable PoE/Mobility SpecialistJob OverviewEntry and Mobility Specialists manage screening and health surveillance activities at designated points of entry (borders, major transit points, airports, markets) and coordinate mobility restrictions, checkpoint management, and screening protocols. This role is critical for detecting suspected cases at points of entry before they reach their final destination, managing the isolation of individuals requiring further testing, and preventing the geographic spread of the outbreak. The Entry and Mobility Specialist works at the interface between border security, health systems, and local authorities, requiring diplomatic skills, cultural sensitivity, and the authority to make rapid triage decisions. This role demands the ability to manage high-volume transit situations, communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders, and work effectively in complex operational environments.Main responsibilities

Conduct systematic health screening of all travellers at designated points of entry using standardized questionnaires and temperature measurement procedures
Conduct a rapid triage assessment to identify individuals meeting case definitions or presenting with suspicious symptoms
Refer suspected cases to a doctor for further evaluation; document referrals and follow-up.
Maintain accurate and complete screening records and documentation for all individuals screened, referrals and results.
Coordinate with healthcare facilities and isolation centers for further assessment and isolation of suspected cases.
Implement isolation or quarantine procedures for individuals requiring further assessment at points of entry.
Manage isolation areas or quarantine spaces at points of entry; ensure appropriate conditions, supplies, and clinical monitoring
Coordinate with border authorities, customs officials, immigration services and security forces to integrate control into official entry procedures.
Managing communication and community engagement regarding health screening procedures in order to reduce fear and resistance
Train border and transport staff on the basic concepts of health screening, case recognition and cooperation with health screening activities.
Support contact tracing for individuals identified as contacts of confirmed cases attempting to cross borders
Monitor and report screening data at points of entry, including the volume of people screened, referrals made, and suspected cases identified.
Participate in coordination meetings with provincial health authorities and border agents regarding screening activities and results.
Generate weekly and monthly summary reports for management and coordination meetings.
Ensure that infection prevention and biosecurity measures are maintained at points of entry.
Document all control activities at points of entry and keep audit-ready records.

Deployable logistics specialistJob Overview:
Deployable logisticians provide procurement, supply chain management, warehouse and fleet management support to field operations in provinces affected by the epidemic. Their role ensures the rapid identification of logistical needs, the acquisition of necessary supplies and equipment, efficient transport and delivery to remote areas, and the management of field inventory and resources. The deployable logistician works independently, manages and monitors complex procurement processes, coordinates with suppliers and carriers, and must be creative in addressing logistical challenges despite resource constraints. This position is critical to ensuring that response operations have the necessary resources and can function effectively.Main responsibilities

Collaborate with the technical team to review supply plans for assigned health zones, including medical supplies, equipment, consumables, and project-specific items.
Coordinate the procurement of identified items from local suppliers and service providers. This may involve identifying new suppliers and conducting preliminary checks.
Can manage field supply and equipment inventory systems; perform regular inventory checks and monitor stock levels.
Maintain adequate stock levels for critical items; establish stock level alerts and replenishment points to avoid stockouts.
Coordinate the transport and delivery of supplies to isolated health zones using available transport partners
Support asset management and equipment tracking systems to maintain resource visibility
Solve logistical problems, including transport delays, customs bottlenecks, access problems for delivery and supply disruptions.
Collaborating with transport partners, suppliers and local service providers to optimize delivery efficiency and reduce costs.
Participate in the procurement processes, including supplier identification, negotiations, and purchase order management.
Please update the PRTS in accordance with the requirements to ensure proper monitoring and traceability of all purchases made within the framework of this intervention.
Can maintain up-to-date documentation relating to all supplies received, inventoried, distributed and consumed.
Generate weekly and monthly logistics reports documenting procurement activities, stock status, and problems encountered.
Ensure the maintenance of equipment and coordinate the repair of critical equipment
Ensure fleet management, including the proper implementation of vehicle management protocols and procedures, including, but not limited to, monitoring logbooks, required maintenance and fuel consumption.
Ensure coordination with central supply chain management teams regarding the status of supplies in the field and emerging needs.
Ensure compliance with the country’s Operations Manual and related supply chain management policies and procedures.
Provide feedback on supply chain bottlenecks and recommendations for improving its efficiency
Support the implementation and management of framework service contracts (SSCs) with suppliers and service providers.
Proven experience in strengthening team capabilities and problem-solving skills on a daily basis.

Deployable specialist in safe and dignified burialsJob OverviewSafe and Dignified Burial (SDB) specialists supervise and coordinate safe burial activities for suspected and confirmed deaths from blood-borne diseases (BBDs) in their assigned areas, working closely with Civil Protection and SDB volunteers. This role ensures that all bodies are handled according to strict infection prevention protocols, while respecting and reconciling cultural and religious practices with the wishes of the community and family. SDB specialists ensure that FHI 360 standards, based on WHO standards for SDBs, are applied to all SDB-related activities. This role requires emotional intelligence, maturity, cultural humility, and the ability to interact effectively with communities.Main responsibilities

Collaborate closely with Civil Protection and community leaders to establish, train and supervise SDB teams in the designated geographical area.
Collaborating with communities and Civil Protection to train volunteers in burial procedures, infection prevention measures and cultural adaptation.
Supervise safe and dignified burials (SDB) in accordance with established protocols, while respecting cultural and religious practices.
Ensure that appropriate infection prevention measures are implemented during body handling, burial, transport, and removal of PPE
Ensure that members of the burial team receive appropriate training and personal protective equipment, in accordance with FHI 360 and WHO standards for deaths related to sudden death syndrome.
In close collaboration with the SDB, MEL teams and other relevant stakeholders, document activities, sampling, resistance and other critical data related to burials
In close collaboration with community leaders, support community engagement and mobilization activities on safe burial practices and infection prevention.

Specialist in the coordination of infectious disease epidemics

Job Overview

The infectious disease surveillance specialist provides technical assistance to strengthen national and subnational systems for the detection, confirmation, notification, and response to BVD and other diseases with epidemic potential. They support the coordination of surveillance functions across laboratory, epidemiological, clinical, and public health settings, including integrated infectious disease surveillance (IDSR) mechanisms, event-driven surveillance systems, indicator-based surveillance systems, sentinel systems, cross-border surveillance, and the One Health approach.

Main responsibilities

Strengthens the integration between laboratory systems and national infectious disease surveillance programs
Improve coordination between epidemiological, surveillance, clinical and laboratory functions
Supports the laboratory components of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system,
Event-based surveillance (EBS), indicator-based surveillance, and other national surveillance systems
Strengthens laboratory confirmation and reporting of priority emerging and epidemic-potential infectious diseases
Supports the establishment and strengthening of sentinel surveillance networks for laboratories.
Assisting countries in defining laboratory testing strategies for national and subnational surveillance
Supports collaboration and guidance mechanisms for cross-border and regional laboratories.
Strengthens One Health laboratory coordination at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental laboratory systems.

Deployable specialist in infection prevention and control

Job Overview

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Specialist will provide technical support to prevent and contain the transmission of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) in healthcare facilities and communities. At the facility level, the consultant will assess IPC capacities and gaps using standardized tools and support capacity-building efforts for screening and triage systems, isolation and waiting areas, and patient flow management. They will also support interventions to ensure the correct use and adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) and strengthen hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, waste management, and the safe handling of contaminated objects. Furthermore, they will support infection and occupational exposure investigation and management protocols. At the community level, the consultant will work with surveillance, risk communication, and community mobilization teams to promote safe and dignified burials, household and community decontamination, and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in non-traditional care settings such as traditional healers, pharmacies, and schools. They will also support the implementation of IPC circle measures around confirmed cases and contacts. In both settings, the consultant will develop or adapt national IPC guidelines and standard operating procedures, train and mentor IPC focal points and frontline workers, monitor ongoing response interventions, and contribute to the IPC pillar of the national response plan.

Main responsibilities

Support the implementation of assessments (reassessments) of infection control and prevention (ICP) in health facilities in affected and at-risk areas, using standardized tools and developing priority action plans to address identified gaps.
Strengthen the capacity of infection prevention and control (IPC) systems at the facility level, including screening and triage, isolation and observation units, use and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, waste management, decontamination, management of exposures and infections among healthcare workers and post-exposure care.
Facilitating the integration of IPC, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) and safe and dignified burials (SDB).
Support community-level infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions, including household and community decontamination, IPC measures around confirmed cases and contacts, and IPC in non-traditional care settings such as traditional healers, pharmacies, and schools.
Develop or adapt national infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines, standard operating procedures and job support tools in accordance with international standards, and contribute to the IPC pillar of the national response plan.
Design and deliver training, mentoring and support coaching to infection prevention and control (IPC) focal points, frontline health workers and community stakeholders
Ensure coordination with the DRC team regarding IPC logistics, supply forecasts and pillar coordination, and provide regular technical reports and updates.

Specialist in biosecurity and biosafety of diagnostic networks and laboratoriesJob OverviewThe Biosafety and Biosecurity Specialist for Diagnostic Networks and Laboratories provides technical assistance to strengthen the safety and reliability of diagnostic network operations within the context of the BVD response. This position supports national and subnational laboratories in assessing and managing biological risks, improving biosafety and biosecurity systems, and ensuring that sample handling, analysis, storage, transport, waste management, and containment practices comply with applicable national requirements and recognized international standards. The specialist works closely with laboratory management, public health authorities, facility staff, and response partners to identify gaps, develop practical risk mitigation measures, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and build staff capacity through training, mentoring, and quality coaching. This role requires strong expertise in laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, biological risk management, containment practices and laboratory operations in epidemic situations, as well as the ability to work independently in complex, resource-constrained and constantly evolving environments.

Main responsibilities

Conduct laboratory biosafety and biosecurity assessments at national and subnational levels.
Support the implementation and strengthening of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity programs, in accordance with applicable national requirements and internationally recognized standards and guidelines.
Conduct biological risk assessments for laboratory procedures, pathogens, facilities, equipment, handling, storage, transportation and waste management.
Support the development and implementation of institutional biosafety and biosecurity policies, manuals, standard operating procedures and risk management plans
Strengthen systems for access control, stock management, pathogen traceability, secure storage, transfer, transport and disposal of biological materials
Evaluate and strengthen technical and administrative controls, practices relating to personal protective equipment, the use of biological safety cabinets, decontamination, sterilization and laboratory waste management
Supporting the establishment and strengthening of biosafety committees, institutional monitoring mechanisms, incident reporting systems and occupational health programs
Design and deliver training on biosafety, biosecurity, biological risk management, spill response, exposure management, emergency procedures and incident investigations.
Providing technical assistance to laboratories handling or storing infectious agents requiring enhanced containment or specialized risk management measures.
Conduct risk assessments related to containment and identify gaps in infrastructure, procedures, equipment, training and monitoring.
Support the development of containment policies, procedures, inventories, accountability systems and risk mitigation plans.
Evaluate the facility’s practices regarding the storage, transfer, destruction, decontamination, and documentation of samples and isolates.
Provide technical assistance for the decommissioning, relocation, renovation or transition of laboratories involving infectious materials and containment measures.
Supporting institutional preparedness for inspections, containment assessments, and regulatory reviews

Deployable specialist in security, access and community engagement

Job Overview

The Security, Access, and Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for supporting the implementation and monitoring of FHI 360’s safety and security measures and procedures to ensure the safety of the organization’s staff, assets, facilities, and operations. They are responsible for analyzing the security context, assessing and managing risks, implementing prevention and response measures in the event of an incident, and coordinating the security arrangements necessary for the smooth running of activities, particularly in areas affected by health emergencies. He/She contributes to maintaining humanitarian access through regular dialogue with authorities, communities and key partners, while ensuring respect for humanitarian principles and FHI 360 security policies. He/She also provides staff awareness training, emergency management and coordination with security actors, as well as the production of analyses and reports to facilitate informed decision-making and the continuous adaptation of operations to the security context.

Main responsibilities

Conducts regular risk, threat and security context assessments in planned and existing areas of operation; analyzes political, social and community dynamics that may affect operations; and makes appropriate recommendations for risk mitigation.
Ensures constant security monitoring; collects, analyzes and cross-references information relating to threats, access restrictions and changes in context; and disseminates necessary security alerts and advice to staff.
Ensures the proper functioning of security systems, including alarm systems, access controls, communication equipment and other physical protection measures.
Develops and maintains constructive working relationships with national and local authorities, community leaders, humanitarian partners, security providers and other stakeholders, while supporting humanitarian access negotiations to enable the safe implementation of the organization’s activities, particularly emergency interventions (e.g., vaccination, safe burials).
Supervises and coordinates staff movement, field travel, transportation and staff tracking systems to ensure safety (including the FHI360 online staff movement tracking system).
Ensures the implementation of measures to manage and mitigate identified risks, including safe operating procedures, travel restrictions, physical protection measures, security equipment and guarding services when necessary.
Ensures regular analysis of community perception of the organization’s interventions; identifies risks of tension, misinformation or resistance from the community; and recommends appropriate preventative measures.
Coordinates the management of security incidents, emergencies and crises; provides operational support to the teams involved; and recommends appropriate corrective measures.
When deployed in support of safe and dignified burial (SDB) interventions, he works closely with SDB staff to promote acceptance of SDB activities and Ebola control efforts in general.
When deployed in support of safe and dignified burial (SDB) interventions, it can also play an increased role in the implementation of risk communication and community engagement activities and in data collection – particularly with regard to the engagement of local leaders and individual families, as well as the management of comments and rumors within the community.

The details below apply to all technical areas.

Location:

Assignments can be conducted remotely from the region, on-site, or using a hybrid approach, depending on program requirements. Consultants should expect to be deployed to the DRC for short- or long-term assignments, as needed by the program. These assignments may involve travel to complex operational environments, emergency situations, or resource-constrained settings.

Execution period:

FHI 360 plans to enter into on-demand consultant contracts for an initial period of six to eleven months, with the possibility of extension or renewal depending on program needs, consultant performance, and available funding. The initial period for the provision of consulting services is from November 2026 to September 2027. The final cost of the services will be determined upon signing the contract.

Voyage:

FHI 360 will cover travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Travel within the DRC is expected to be 10-15% of the time. These positions require working in challenging conditions, adapting to limited resources and infrastructure, maintaining focus under pressure, and responding quickly to peak activity in a potentially hazardous environment. The work may involve irregular hours, weekend and evening availability for urgent analyses, and extended absences from home. Some positions may involve close contact with infectious materials and therefore require strict adherence to biosafety and infection prevention protocols. Consultants are expected to comply with FHI 360 policies and applicable safety, security, and travel requirements, while representing the organization professionally and maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence.

Definition of work

The activities described above are indicative and intended to illustrate the range of technical tasks that may be assigned within the framework of this consulting service. The scope of work, deliverables, timeline, travel arrangements, and level of effort will be defined by FHI 360 for each assignment, based on program priorities, country needs, available funding, and the consultant’s expertise. Consultants may be mobilized to work on one or more technical areas described in this terms of reference, individually or jointly, depending on the specific requirements of each assignment. Each assignment will be subject to a terms of reference specifying the required expertise, the timeframe, the location, the expected level of effort, the deliverables, the reporting procedures, and any other specific requirements. The level of effort, duration, travel arrangements, timeline, and specific deliverables will vary depending on the technical scope, the operational context, and the complexity of each assignment.

Qualifications

FHI 360 is seeking experienced technical experts in epidemic response with proven expertise in strengthening diagnostic networks, national and subnational laboratory systems, diagnostic services, and infectious disease detection and response capacities. Successful candidates will be expected to provide high-quality, practical technical assistance to host governments, national public health institutes, national reference laboratories, regional and subnational laboratories, disease control programs, and implementing partners. Depending on their area of specialization, consultants may work in one or more of the technical fields listed in the “Scope of Work” section.

Consultants are not required to possess expertise in all the technical areas described in this specification. Candidates must demonstrate strong technical expertise and relevant implementation experience in one or more of the specialist disciplines required by the FHI 360 programs.

Minimum qualifications:

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher preferred) in laboratory sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, public health, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, infectious diseases, global health, supply chain management or another relevant technical field.

• A bachelor’s degree, combined with significant experience in specialized diagnostic networks and laboratories, as well as relevant professional certifications, may be considered for certain technical assignments.

• Relevant professional certifications or qualifications in laboratory quality management, biosafety/biosecurity, biological risk management, laboratory accreditation, auditing or specialized diagnostic network disciplines are considered an asset.

Professional experience

• Generally, a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in public health diagnostic networks and laboratory systems, infectious disease diagnosis, laboratory systems strengthening, global health security, Ebola/epidemic response or a related technical field.

• Proven experience in providing technical assistance to national diagnostic networks and laboratories, host governments, national public health institutes, disease control programs, or international public health programs.

• Senior and highly specialized consultants may be required to demonstrate 10 years or more of relevant technical experience, depending on the complexity of the assignment.

LANGUAGES

Fluency in French is required. Proficiency in English is highly desirable, and knowledge of local languages in the DRC is an asset.

How to apply

Schedule, Requirements and Submission Address:

Proposals must be submitted no later than Friday, November 13, 2026, before 11:59 PM WAT. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The proposal must include a CV, a letter of interest, and daily rates, which must be sent by email. Please send your application to the following address: drcprocurement@fhi360.org. Application documents must be written in French.

Required documents

Responses to this call for tenders must clearly describe the candidate’s qualifications and experience in relation to the scope of work mentioned above. Consultants are not required to have expertise in all areas; candidates must identify their main areas of technical specialization and demonstrate significant experience in one or more disciplines relevant to this call for tenders.

Proposals must include the following elements:

CV or summary mentioning experience by country and updated at least 3 months before the submission of the proposal.
Daily rate offered by the consultant (in USD$).
A cover letter summarizing the consultant’s qualifications, experience, and proposed daily rate. This letter must clearly indicate the technical areas and specific activities (listed above in the “Scope of Work” section) in which the consultant possesses expertise.
1 to 2 pages of the consultant’s qualifications and achievements related to the “Scope of Work” section mentioned above.