WHO Nepal Vacancy 2026 for Technical Officer (Public Health Laboratories) – Apply Before May 28
World Health Organization has announced a new vacancy for the position of Technical Officer (Public Health Laboratories) in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is a full-time international-level opportunity for qualified professionals with expertise in public health laboratories, infectious disease surveillance, microbiology, virology, and laboratory preparedness systems.
The position is offered under a temporary appointment contract until December 31, 2026, and provides an attractive salary package, international exposure, and the opportunity to work closely with Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population and global public health partners.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Position | Technical Officer (Public Health Laboratories) |
| Grade | P2 |
| Job ID | 2601185 |
| Duty Station | Kathmandu |
| Contract Type | Temporary Appointment |
| Duration | Until December 31, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | May 28, 2026 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Required Languages | English and Nepali |
About WHO Nepal
World Health Organization is the specialized health agency of the United Nations that works globally to promote health, strengthen health systems, and respond to public health emergencies. In Nepal, WHO supports the Ministry of Health and Population in developing health policies, strengthening disease surveillance systems, improving laboratory capacity, and responding to infectious disease outbreaks and emergencies.
WHO Nepal works closely with national and international partners to improve public health preparedness, emergency response systems, immunization, disease prevention, and healthcare access across the country.
Position Summary
The Technical Officer (Public Health Laboratories) will work under the guidance of the Health Emergency Lead and support laboratory preparedness and response systems in Nepal. The role focuses on strengthening public health laboratories, infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, biosafety systems, and antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
The selected candidate will support the National Public Health Laboratory and provincial laboratories while coordinating with national authorities, WHO teams, and international partners.
Key Responsibilities
COVID-19 Laboratory Preparedness and Response
- Support laboratory preparedness and response systems for COVID-19 and future pandemics
- Provide technical guidance to national and provincial laboratories
- Support implementation, reporting, and evaluation of laboratory activities
- Coordinate laboratory response activities with WHO emergency response teams
Influenza Surveillance and Pandemic Preparedness
- Strengthen influenza surveillance systems and reporting mechanisms
- Support RSV and COVID-19 surveillance within influenza surveillance platforms
- Enhance laboratory quality assurance and virus-sharing systems
Infectious Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Response
- Provide technical support for outbreak detection and emergency laboratory response
- Develop and update laboratory guidelines and SOPs
- Support capacity building for infectious disease surveillance
- Assist with implementation research and outbreak investigations
Public Health Laboratory Network Strengthening
- Support development of Nepal’s national public health laboratory network
- Strengthen coordination between district, provincial, and national laboratories
- Facilitate partnerships with international laboratories and WHO collaborating centers
Laboratory Quality Assurance
- Support development of national quality assurance systems
- Promote laboratory accreditation and participation in global QA programs
- Improve diagnostics, equipment maintenance, and environmental management systems
Laboratory Information Management
- Support implementation of laboratory information systems
- Improve data management and real-time public health reporting
- Maintain reporting systems at national and international levels
Training and Capacity Building
- Conduct laboratory training programs for health workers
- Develop laboratory training materials and hybrid learning systems
- Coordinate with international institutions such as Public Health England and US CDC
Biosafety and Biosecurity
- Support biosafety assessments and training programs
- Assist in operationalization of Biosafety Level-3 laboratories
- Support development of biorepositories and operational manuals
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- Support AMR surveillance activities using One Health approaches
- Contribute to laboratory-based AMR monitoring systems
Required Qualifications
Education
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or Medical Microbiology
Desirable:
- Advanced university degree in Medical Microbiology
Required Experience
Essential:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in laboratory-based infectious disease surveillance programs
- Experience in designing and managing microbiology or virology laboratories
- International-level exposure in public health laboratory systems
Desirable:
- Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies
- Experience in outbreak investigations
- Experience managing infectious disease surveillance projects
- Research publications in infectious hazards or microbiology
Required Skills
Candidates should have:
- Strong knowledge of public health laboratory preparedness systems
- Expertise in infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response
- Excellent communication and coordination skills
- Strong monitoring, reporting, and organizational abilities
- Ability to work with multiple stakeholders in resource-limited settings
Languages
Essential:
- Expert knowledge of English
Desirable:
- Knowledge of another UN language
Salary and Benefits
WHO offers an attractive international salary and benefits package for this position.
Salary
- Annual base salary starting from USD 56,046
- Monthly post adjustment allowance of approximately USD 994.81
Additional Benefits
- 30 days annual leave
- Health insurance
- Pension contributions
- Family dependency allowances
- Education grants for dependent children
- Flexible work arrangements
WHO Competencies Required
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Resource management
- Results-oriented performance
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Application Process
Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official WHO careers portal before May 28, 2026.
Required documents generally include:
- Updated CV
- Academic certificates
- Professional experience details
- Supporting documents related to qualifications
Important Information
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Written tests or video assessments may be conducted
- WHO strongly encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply
- WHO maintains zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination
- Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted within WHO employment policies
Why This Opportunity is Important
This WHO Nepal vacancy offers an excellent opportunity for public health laboratory professionals who want to contribute to infectious disease preparedness, outbreak response, and health system strengthening in Nepal. Candidates with expertise in microbiology, virology, surveillance systems, and laboratory management can gain valuable international-level experience while supporting national public health priorities.
For professionals seeking careers in international public health organizations, this position provides exposure to global health systems, emergency response programs, and collaborative work with national and international stakeholders.
To apply and learn more, visit the official WHO careers portal.