International Consultant – WHE

Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical support for strengthening the health emergency prevention, preparedness and responses in Timor-Leste

Background

A Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of IHR core capacities was conducted in 2018 in Timor-Leste. Subsequently the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2020-2024 was developed and launched by the MOH and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2020, with support from WHO and other partners, as a roadmap to guide the implementation of the JEE recommendations in Timor-Leste.

As supported by WHO and other partners, Timorese government works to strengthen the public health emergency prevention, preparedness and responses by implementing the NAPHS, learning from the lessons from the COVID-19 responses.

In 2024, the second JEE is planned to review the current capacities against the international benchmarks using the updated JEE tool. Further to this, the NAPHS will be updated and detailed activities outlined for the next phase of capacity building in the country.

Deliverables

• Deliverable 1: Working with the team, refresher trainings and simulation exercises on integrated surveillance and responses to surveillance staff of national and subnational levels conducted and completed in Oct. – Dec. 2023.
• Deliverable 2: Risk assessment and contingency plan development to the designated Points of entry supported and completed by March 2024.
• Deliverable 3: Working with the team, the updated IDSR surveillance reporting system supported and completed by June 2024.
• Deliverable 4: Working with the team, the second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) for the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) supported and completed by the 3rd quarter 2024.
• Deliverable 5: Other assignments by WR and supervisor accomplished on time.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: An advanced university degree in Public health, health policy, epidemiology, or a related discipline from a recognized university.

Desirable: Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Health Administration (MHA) can be valuable qualifications.

Experience

Essential:

• Demonstrated 10 years of work experience in supporting the health emergency programs
• Prior experience working in the public health sector, preferably in roles related to health security, emergency management, or healthcare system strengthening.
• Relevant professional experience in the field of health security, public health, or healthcare management is often a critical qualification.
• Experience working on similar projects, especially in the context of national or international health security, is highly valuable.

Desirable: Experience with an international health organization, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

• A deep understanding of public health, epidemiology, healthcare systems, and emergency preparedness
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex health security policies and regulations
• A solid understanding of emergency response protocols and procedures is necessary
• Competence in areas including vaccination distribution, laboratory diagnostics, or emergency response planning.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to draft reports, and policy briefs, and communicate effectively with government officials, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to build and maintain relations and network with stakeholders across relevant sectors with an understanding of the potential motivating factors within the regional context and the ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly changing environment

Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment

Desirable:

• Achieving objectives for health security requires cooperation with interdisciplinary teams and the capacity to work successfully in a group setting.
• Knowledge of ways to work with the government institution and related departments/agencies and experiences of working in an international environment
• Ability to work as a member of a team and adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English with excellent communication and writing skills
• Basic computer skills including a standard package of WHO office programs.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools, software for health surveillance, and other relevant technologies

Desirable:

Basic local language will be an asset

Location

On-site: Timor-Leste WHO Country office

Travel

If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required. The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work. Local travel within the country, where needed, will be arranged by WCO Timor-Leste

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

• Remuneration: Band level B; USD 7,000-9,980 per month, depending on the consultant’s experience and educational background
• Living expenses: Per diem will be paid as per WHO rules applicable to international consultants for travel.
• Expected duration of contract: 11 months. Additional contracts (up to 22 months maximum) can be offered based on funding availability and satisfactory performance

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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