International Consultant Coordinator Joint External Evaluation (JEE), Band Level "B" Dakar

Purpose of consultancy

The main purpose of the post is to support the planning, conduct and reporting of Joint External Evaluation in ECCAS countries

Background

Since 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been supporting member states to plan and conduct the Joint External Evaluation (JEE). As one of the components of the International Health Regulation Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, the JEE enables countries to evaluate their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health emergencies, identify gaps, and priority actions across 19 technical areas. This has significantly contributed to the enhancement of national health security in several countries.

The JEE process includes assessment of capacities that go beyond the health sector. Hence, the planning of JEE requires coordination of the various government sectors responsible for capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to public health events of international concern. Stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, ministries of health, agriculture, wildlife, environment, and defence. Given the complexity, multi-sectoral, and multi-agency nature of the JEE process, there is need for a standardized process, sufficient logistical preparation, and coordination at all WHO levels to guarantee an efficient process. However, there are existing gaps in planning, coordination, and expert deployment for missions within the JEE process. Addressing these issues is crucial to mitigate potential reputational risks to the WHO.

During 2023, WHO AFRO conducted 14 JEEs as part of the second round after those in 2017. The World Bank provided support through the REDISSE project, focusing in particular on ECCAS countries. However, the finalisation and publication of some of the JEE reports is still behind schedule.

In this regard the Emergency Preparedness Programme Area proposes the recruitment of a consultant to be based in Dakar Hub to support countries in the planning, conduct and reporting of Joint External Evaluation in the AFRO region.

Description of Duties:

Under the technical guidance of the EMP Programme Manager and overall supervision of the Regional Emergency Director (RED), the incumbent will be expected to support the JEE Secretariat and will perform the following duties:

a) Provide technical and operational support for conducting Joint External Evaluations (JEEs) in member states, ensuring a standardized and efficient process in ECCAS countries (with a focus on French-speaking countries).

b) Support JEE progress review meetings to assess ongoing activities, discuss challenges, and strategize solutions for effective JEE implementation.

c) Review and update relevant technical JEE documents and tools, such as orientation slides and Terms of Reference (ToRs), to ensure they align with best practices and emerging needs.

d) Follow up and support the finalization of the JEE reports.

e) Any other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor(s)

Deliverables

Expected outputs from his/her work include:

· The successful implementation of the Joint External Evaluations (JEEs), and timely completion and publishing of JEE reports.

· Documentation and implementation of lessons learned from JEE implementation to enhance future initiatives, leading to more effective and efficient health security assessments.

· Prompt response to identified inconsistencies and complaints from Member States and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and constructive atmosphere.

· A standardized and consistent approach for JEE assessments across Member States, leading to more accurate evaluations and comparability of results.

Educational Qualifications

Essential

ü An advanced University degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related science from a recognized university

Experience

Essential

ü At least 5 years’ experience in health emergency preparedness, integrated disease surveillance and response or related areas

Desirable

ü Experience in WHO or the UN system.

ü Experience in International Health Regulations (IHR) and joint external evaluation (JEE);

ü Experience in reporting and surveillance data for public health decision making.

Skills/Knowledge

Essential

ü Good knowledge and technical expertise in emergency preparedness, infectious disease surveillance, control, and prevention.

ü Excellent communication and facilitation skills. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, complemented by good interpersonal and presentation skills.

ü Effective writing of technical documents and computer literacy.

Languages required

• Excellent knowledge of French a good working knowledge of English.

Location

On-site – EPR Hub in Dakar, Senegal

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel. If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required.

The Consultant is expected to travel, including for deployments, technical support missions and training activities, according to relevant itineraries and schedules, based on country demand, as requested by Senior Health Emergency Officer.

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. Visas requirements: it is the Consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance in line with the instructions applicable locally, or up to the maximum of the UN DSA.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level B - USD – USD 7000-8480 per month

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited)

A living expense is payable to on-site consultants

Expected duration of contract

3 months initially

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.
• 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 each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.

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Added 1 day ago - Updated 1 hour ago - Source: who.int