Information and Planning Consultant, IMST/WHE/WPRO

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1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant is being recruited to provide information and planning technical support to the ongoing COVID-19 response activities in the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO).

2. Background

Since 2 January 2020, the three levels of WHO have been working together to respond to this outbreak of COVID-19. On 30 January, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). On 11 March, WHO Director General characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The WPRO response plan is envisaged until the end of 2021, it is however continually reviewed. Support for each pillar of the response is greatly needed.

The purpose of this emergency deployment is to support effective response operations related to the outbreak of pneumonia associated with COVID-19, with a focus on information and planning functions, as part of the Incident Management System Team (IMST) of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila.

3. Planned timelines

Start date: 01 January 2023

End date: 31 March 2023

4. Work to be Performed

Under the overall supervision of the WPRO IMST Incident Manager and the Information and Planning Pillar Lead, the consultant will provide data management and technical and operational assistance to the COVID-19 response activities from the Regional Office.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Output 1: Produce COVID-19 information product using available database

Deliverable 1.1: Manage data quality including completeness, accuracy timeliness, identify gaps in health information management, and recommend and perform corrective actions where necessary.

Deliverable 1.2: Support to collect, collate, manage and analyze aggregated data of the relevant health information such as mortality and morbidity, and transform it into narrative text, maps and graphics to be included in daily situation report, internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, and relevant regional documents, as well as ad hoc requests by Senior Management.

Deliverable 1.3: Perform data analysis and visualization incident databases to specific information requests by the functional supervisor and technical teams, for information sharing and guide regional actions.

Output 2: Manage COVID-19 database

Deliverable 2.1: Support in data management and analysis of all-cause mortality under supervision of sub-pillar lead.

Deliverable 2.2: Support Sub-pillar and Pillar Leads to manage data flows, storage and management systems and ensure their operations, identify gaps in information management, and recommend corrective actions.

Deliverable 2.3: Responsible for uploading weekly aggregated data submitted by Member states and liaising with HQ colleagues regarding this

Output 3: Support Papua New Guinea country office

Deliverable 3.1: Support WHO Country Office of Papua New Guinea (WCO PNG) to conduct daily event-based surveillance using media signal and EIOS and report to WCO IMT for information sharing and response actions.

Deliverable 3.2: Participate to the WCO IMT meeting, and support in preparing situation analysis, tracking of national/subnational preparedness/response plans and boarder measures, and participate in response activities as required by WCO incident manager.

Deliverable 3.3: Coordinate with WCO technical pillars to prepare situation update presentation, and present at WPRO IMST.

Output 4: Support WPRO COVID-19 IMST regarding data management

Deliverable 4.1: Participate in any other activity that may be required in connection with the incident data management.

Deliverable 4.2: Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

Other Deliverables:

• Progress report (monthly); and
• End of Mission Technical Report at the end of consultancy.

5. Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Qualifications required:

Essential: First university degree in public health, health science, information or data management, statistics, business or public administration or other social sciences from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Advanced university degree in public health, qualitative surveillance or statistics, business or public administration. Specialized training in epidemiology, health management, or humanitarian interventions.

Experience required:

Essential: At least five year's relevant experience, combined at the national or international levels, in data and/or information management.

Desirable:

• Previous experience with WHO or other UN agencies
• Previous international experience
• Experience in areas in developing countries.
• Previous experience working in collaboration with multiple actors in public health surveillance.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Database management/statistical analysis; public health information management
• Good computer skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team with limited supervision
• Ability to work under pressure

Language Requirements:

• Proficient in written and spoken English.

6. Competencies

• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Communication in a credible and effective way

7. Place of assignment

The consultancy can work remotely with travel to Manila, Philippines if conditions allow.

8. Medical clearance

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

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9. Travel

The Consultant may be requested to travel according to the itinerary and estimated schedule below:

From: 1 January 2023

To: 31 March 2023

Location: Manila, Philippines

Purpose: as requested/needed for outbreak response activities

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.