Consultant - Science and Research, COVID-19 IMST

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Purpose of the Consultancy

This consultancy will support the Science and Research Pillar of the COVID-19 Incident Management Support Team (IMST) in the identification, analysis, summary and communication of scientific evidence to support countries in the shift towards long-term management of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Background

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, began in December 2019. On 11 March 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic and as of 25 July 2022, over 566 million cases and more than 6.3 million deaths had been reported globally.

The Western Pacific Region was the first region globally to be affected and continues to report a high number of cases, requiring preparedness and response efforts to be upheld in the Region. To cope with the situation, core functions of the COVID-19 IMST in the WHO Regional Office are being maintained in order to continuously provide technical assistance to Member States for preparedness and response efforts, including in areas of epidemiology, clinical management and public health interventions. COVID-19 response operations in the Region are expected to continue until 31 December 2022.

The Science and Research Pillar of the IMST provides science-based information and analysis to support Member States of the Western Pacific Region in their responses to COVID-19. This function includes literature review and data analysis to ensure that policy and strategic planning decisions are based on the strongest possible international evidence. In addition, the Pillar coordinates the publication and management of regional COVID-19 guidance documents.

Planned timelines

Start date: 26 Sep 2022 End date: 31 Dec 2022

Work to be performed

Under the supervision of the COVID-19 Science and Research Pillar Lead and Deputy Pillar Lead, the consultant shall perform the following tasks/responsibilities in close collaboration with colleagues in the Western Pacific Regional Office:

Output 1: Produce WPRO COVID-19 weekly literature update. Deliverable 1.1: Identify, collect, review and manage relevant scientific information and evidence on priority topics identified by the COVID-19 IMST. Deliverable 1.2: Compile the weekly WPRO COVID-19 Weekly Literature Update, for dissemination to WHO staff in country, regional and HQ offices.

Output 2: Provide technical assistance to activities of the WHO WPRO COVID-19 IMST. Deliverable 2.1: Conduct reviews of evidence and relevant information on priority topics identified by the COVID-19 IMST and provide regular updates. Deliverable 2.2: Support the development of interim guidance, briefing notes, presentations and other related documents for distribution to Member States, WHO country offices, IMST and others.

Output 3: Submit progress reports at regular intervals and a final report at the end of the consultancy. Deliverable 3.1: Submission of monthly progress reports. Deliverable 3.2: Submission of final end-of-mission report.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

• Research of scientific literature, existing WHO guidance and scientific papers, and media
• Attendance of IMST and Science and Research Pillar meetings
• Working in small groups to develop information products
• Collaboration with other relevant IMST Pillars and Technical Units

Specific Requirements

Qualifications

Essential: University degree in medicine, public health or other related sciences from an accredited/recognized institute. Desirable: Relevant postgraduate degree in public health, epidemiology or related field from a recognized university.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of five (5) years of experience working and/or researching on epidemiology, communicable disease control or health service delivery. Desirable: Previous experience with WHO or other UN agencies. Previous international experience or health cluster partners.

Skills and knowledge

• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a team with limited supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Language

Proficient in written and spoken English.

Competencies

1. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
2. Moving forward in a changing environment
3. Ensuring the effective use of resources
4. Fostering Integration and teamwork
5. Communication in a credible and effective way

Place of assignment

WPRO, Manila, Philippines

Medical clearance

The Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel according to the itinerary and estimated schedule below:

Travel dates

From: 26 Sep 2022 To: 31 Dec 2022

Locaiton : Manila, Philippines

Purpose: To provide technical support to IMST Pillar Science and Research

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) upon conclusion of the selection process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.