Implementation of the WHO framework for meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs

1. Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise to WHO EMRO and WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (WHO GCM/NCD) in Phase I of the project aimed at implementing the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of People Living with NCDs, Mental Health Conditions, and Neurological Conditions in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, with a primary focus on cancer.

2. Background

The escalating crisis of NCDs presents a substantial challenge to global health, with a particularly acute impact in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Within this domain, cancer stands out as an especially pressing issue. As of 2019, NCDs were responsible for 74% of all global deaths. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region alone, nearly 400,000 people die annually from cancer, making it one of the top four leading causes of death within this region.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region has a complex healthcare landscape marked by the dual challenge of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The juxtaposition of these health challenges, including a high prevalence of cancer, creates a multi-faceted problem for healthcare systems:

1. Several countries in the region suffer from political unrest, which disrupts health service delivery, particularly in the specialized care required for cancer treatment.

2. Many countries in this region are categorized as low-income or middle-income and have limited healthcare infrastructure suitable for cancer care, including diagnostics, treatment, and palliative services.

3. Cultural stigmas often attach to cancer, leading to late diagnosis and less effective treatment outcomes, compounded by societal misunderstandings about the disease.

4. The COVID-19 pandemic has put additional stress on already strained healthcare systems, making cancer care more challenging and widening existing disparities in healthcare access.

Research and precedent suggest that a top-down approach to public health interventions, especially in the field of cancer, may not be the most effective strategy. There is growing acknowledgement that meaningful engagement of people who have lived experiences of cancer can provide unique insights and make health systems more effective. This type of engagement is not just an ethical obligation grounded in principles of human rights but also a practical necessity for devising effective healthcare interventions.

While participatory approaches in public health have been recognized for their value, the specific notion of 'meaningful engagement' of individuals with lived experiences of cancer is relatively unexplored. There is no universally accepted framework or definition for this kind of engagement, resulting in inconsistencies in its application and effectiveness. The engagement of people with lived experiences also aligns with international human rights frameworks. The right to participate in healthcare decisions is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and further emphasized in the WHO Constitution, which stipulates that public cooperation is crucial for health improvement.

Given these complexities, the WHO initiative aims to institutionalize the meaningful engagement of people with lived experiences of cancer. This initiative is designed to operationalize this engagement in a standardized yet context-sensitive manner, focusing initially on up to six countries in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. The role of the consultant in this innovative project will aim to develop a reliable, replicable model for improving cancer care through meaningful, participatory engagement.

3. Work to be performed

Output 1: Development and validation of a methodological approach for stakeholder mapping and country scoping, with a focus on meaningful engagement in cancer care for Phase I of the project.

- Deliverable 1: Develop a detailed methodological approach document for stakeholder mapping, utilizing participatory approaches where relevant.

- Deliverable 2: Submit a validation report based on initial feedback from WHO Country Offices and key national stakeholders.

Output 2: Comprehensive identification and profiling of stakeholders relevant to cancer care in up to 6 selected countries.

- Deliverable 3: Provide List of six focus countries committed to implementing the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of People Living with NCDs.

- Deliverable 4: Provide a List and identify profiles of stakeholders in each of the selected countries.

Output 3: Desk review reports on the healthcare landscape, with a focus on cancer care, and community engagement in up to six selected countries.

- Deliverable 5: Submit At least one 5-10 page desk review for each of the selected countries.

- Deliverable 6: Submit An executive summary synthesizing key findings and recommendations for each country.

Output 4: Conduct and facilitate scoping meetings with WHO Country Offices and key national stakeholders to build relationships and contextual understanding in six selected member states.

- Deliverable 7: Summary reports of scoping meetings with action points for engagement and dissemination.

- Deliverable 8: Develop A stakeholder engagement plan outlining strategies for maintaining long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including by identifying consultants at WHO country offices in the six focus countries.

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

- Qualifications required:

Master’s degree in public health, social sciences, or medical sciences.

Doctoral degree in the above areas is an asset.

- Experience required:

5 to 10 years’ experience in public health. Demonstrable experience with stakeholder mapping and needs assessment in the health sector. Demonstrable experience with community engagement and mobilization. International experience is mandatory. Work experience in the field of clinical oncology is an asset.

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Very good knowledge and skills on cancer care

• Skills in conducting similar assessments

5. Languages and level required:

• Excellent knowledge of English

• Knowledge of Arabic and/or French is considered an asset

6. Location:

Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.

7. Planned timelines

The consultancy will last for a duration of six months, from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024.

8. Medical clearance

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

9. Travel

Travel to identified focus countries might be expected, as required.

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.

- 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.

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- Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

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