Consultant- Support in the development of the regional implementation framework to defeat meningitis by 2030. Band B level (lower end of range)

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to support EMRO in the development of the regional implementation framework to defeat meningitis by 2030, including the identification of targeted countries to prioritize to implement the global roadmap to defeat meningitis by 2030.

2. Background

Despite successful efforts to control meningitis in several regions of the world, meningitis continues to cause up to 2.5 million yearly cases. It kills 250 000 people annually, leaving one in five affected individuals with long-term devastating sequelae. Meningitis epidemics are unpredictable and cause massive disruption to communities and health-systems.

In November 2020, the Seventy-Third World Health Assembly approved the global road map to defeat meningitis by 2030 (resolution WHA73.9). While the road map addresses all meningitis regardless of the cause, it primarily focuses on the main causes of acute bacterial meningitis. The road map includes three visionary goals, which are to i) eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis ii) reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70% and iii) reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis of any cause. It also sets five interconnected pillars, i) prevention and epidemic control ii) diagnosis and treatment iii) disease surveillance iv) care and support of those affected by meningitis and v) advocacy and engagement.

WHO proposed that each region defines “targeted countries”, expected to drive success by demonstrating feasibility and impact of the roadmap. For relevant implementation in the EMR, the global road map needs to be adapted to the specificities of the region. Such specificities include epidemiology, immunization schedules and coverage, health systems structure, functioning and performance, health services delivery, surveillance systems, availability and access to care for those living with disabilities and others.

3. Planned timelines

Start date: 01 January 2023

End date: 30 June 2023

A total of 3.5 months within this duration

Work to be performed:

Specific objectives

The specific objectives of the work are:

1. To adapt the global road map for EMR into a regional implementation framework or regional plan
2. To conduct a landscape analysis that will lead to the identification of targeted countries
3. To support EMRO in the process of validation and endorsement of the regional road map.

• Output 1. Situation analysis for meningitis in EMR

Deliverable 1.1. List of data/information to be collected during desk review and consultation

Deliverable 1.2. Initial desk review completed through compilation of data available globally, at EMRO and with countries

Deliverable 1.3. Desk review completed and validated, updated using information collected during the consultation process.

• Output 2. First draft of EMR implementation framework to defeat meningitis

Deliverable 2.1. Initial draft of the EMR implementation framework, focusing on a table listing WHO outputs and country outcomes by country and at the regional level

Deliverable 2.2. Facilitation of a consultation of stakeholders to review the draft

Deliverable 2.3. Report of the consultation for the review of the regional implementation framework

Deliverable 2.4. Second draft of EMR implementation framework, after ad hoc consultations and reviews (internal and external, as needed) – for discussion during the consultation meeting

• Output 3. List of targeted countries for EMR

Deliverable 3.1. Template for high-level landscape analysis

Deliverable 3.2. Completion of template

Deliverable 3.3. Approach and criteria to select targeted countries

Deliverable 3.4. First draft of list of targeted counties

Deliverable 3.5. Final list of targeted countries to be proposed for formal endorsement following the consultation)

• Output 4. Final draft of EMR implementation framework to defeat meningitis

Deliverable 4.1. Document summarizing the response to the comments and suggestion received on the second draft of the regional framework

Deliverable 4.2. Final draft of EMR implementation framework for endorsement

Required Qualifications

• Qualifications:

  • Essential: First university degree in medicine or health-related field
  • Desirable: University degree/training in communicable diseases

• Experience:

Essential

• At least 5 years of experience in the field of global/international health, in a multi-stakeholder’s environment
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: epidemiology and/or immunization and/or disease surveillance and/or care for those living with disabilities
• Proven experience in developing strategies and/or guidelines

Desirable

• Experience working in/or with some EMR countries

• Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Strong analytical skills

• Communicate in a clear way, both for the development of material / reports and for inter-personal interaction

- Language requirements:

Essential

• Expert Knowledge of English

Desirable

• Knowledge of Arabic and French

Location:

On-site consultant. Mostly in EMRO, IVP/DCD. Part of the work can be done remotely upon consultation with the supervisor.

Medical clearance : The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information section

• 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.
• Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates
• Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• 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's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• 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.
• Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that: (a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated; (b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided; (c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.