Roster of consultants – Research and decision-making for public health and social measures (PHSM) during health emergencies

Overview

Develop initiative on public health and social measures for health emergencies.

You have:

• A first level university degree in public health, epidemiology, public policy, health sciences, international development, health economics or similar from a recognized/accredited institution.
• A master’s degree in one of the above-mentioned fields is desirable.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience working in public health/social sciences/public policies.
• Experience working in health emergency programmes with a focus on research, policy and/or implementation of public health and social measures at regional/global levels is desirable.
• Strong skills and knowledge in data collection, data analysis, evidence syntheses, knowledge translation, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, public health decision-making.
• Expert knowledge of English is required.

Purpose of consultancy

To develop the initiative on public health and social measures (PHSM) in accelerating PHSM research and strengthening precision in PHSM policies and implementation.

Background

PHSM are part of critical interventions during health emergencies alongside medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics. PHSM refer to a broad array of non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented by individuals and communities to reduce the risk and scale of transmission of epidemic- and pandemic-prone infectious diseases.

WHO launched a multi-year initiative in 2021 to accelerate PHSM research and strengthen evidence-informed and context-specific PHSM policies and implementation, focusing on strengthening global monitoring and reviews of PHSM data and research, improving research methodology and capacity and increasing precision in PHSM decision-making. This initiative hinges on close collaborations with and guidance from public health institutes which have critical functions in public health knowledge, research and decisions for PHSM.

Deliverables

1. Deliverable 1: Guidance and background documents on monitoring and reviews of PHSM data and research at the global and regional levels.
   1. Ensure coordination and consultations across relevant technical teams for the development, finalization, pilot and/or roll out of the PHSM tracking guide. Expected by month 6
   2. Contribute to the completion and publication of global evidence reviews on PHSM effectiveness and impact. Expected by month 11
   3. Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the PHSM research database at the global level. Expected by month 11
2. Deliverable 2: Guidance and background documents on PHSM research methodology and capacity building at the global and regional levels.
   1. Contribute to the development of study protocols to evaluate and measure PHSM effectiveness and impact. Expected by month 11
   2. Contribute to the development of, consultations for and dissemination of the global PHSM research priority 2021-2030. Expected by month 6
   3. Coordinate adaptation and implementation of PHSM research agenda. Expected by month 11
3. Deliverable 3: Guidance and background documents on PHSM decision-making at the global and regional levels.
   1. Coordinate the implementation, adaptation, evaluation and roll out of PHSM simulation exercises. Expected by month 6
   2. Coordinate the development, consultations and development of the PHSM decision support tool. Expected by month 11
4. Deliverable 4: Systematic integration of PHSM into the existing leadership and governance at the global and regional levels.
   1. Draft white papers and briefing materials for PHSM frameworks and action plans. Expected by month 6
   2. Develop proposals to systematically integrate PHSM into the planning and implementation of global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience. Expected by month 11
   3. Develop background documents and meeting materials for internal and external PHSM conferences and meetings. Expected by month 11

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• A first level university degree in public health, epidemiology, public policy, health sciences, international development, health economics or similar from a recognized/accredited institution.

Desirable:

• A master’s degree in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience working in public health/social sciences/public policies.

Desirable:

• Experience working in health emergency programmes with a focus on research, policy and/or implementation of public health and social measures at regional/global levels.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

• Strong skills and knowledge in data collection, data analysis, evidence syntheses, knowledge translation, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, public health decision-making.

Languages required:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Location

Off-site – Home based.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level B - USD 7,000 – 9,980 per month.

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

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

11 months.

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.
• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: <https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html>

For roster VNs:

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: who.int