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Our goal is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world. Working through offices in more than 150 countries, WHO staff work side by side with governments and other partners to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people.

JOB SUMMARY

Purpose of consultancy

The Innovation and Research Unit (INR) under the Data, Strategy and Innovations (DSI) group at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is seeking a consultant to provide technical support for the development of a regional innovation and research fellowship program.

Background

The INR team aims to leverage advances in technology and progress in social innovation to promote health equity in the Western Pacific Region.

This goal is achieved by employing various methodologies to enhance the adoption of evidence-based solutions, using sandbox as the main approach to discover new ways to solve problems, and facilitating regional networks to provide resources and expertise to Member States.

This support helps in building local capacity for finding innovative solutions to chronic problems.

The consultant is expected to design and develop a comprehensive fellowship program focused on research and innovation for mid-level health system managers in Western Pacific countries.

Deliverables

Output 1: Needs assessment
Deliverable 1.1: Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the gaps in research and innovation for primary health care among health system managers in countries.
Deliverable 1.2: Engage with national and international key stakeholders, including health ministries, academic institutions, to gather insights, validate assessment results and set priorities for the fellowship program.

Output 2: Fellowship program design
Deliverable 2.1: Develop a detailed curriculum for the fellowship program, including modules on research methodologies, innovation principles and strategies, project management, embedded in health priorities for the region.
Deliverable 2.2: Define the selection criteria and process for fellows.
Deliverable 2.3: Establish a mentorship framework to support fellows during and after the program.

Output 3: Partnership and collaboration development
Deliverable 3.1: Identify and establish partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and other relevant entities to support the program.
Deliverable 3.2: Develop Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or partnership agreements as needed.

Output 4: Resource mobilization
Deliverable 4.1: Develop funding strategy to secure financial support for the fellowship program.
Deliverable 4.2: Identify potential funding sources and prepare grant proposals and funding applications

Output 5: Implementation plan
Deliverable 5.1: Design a pilot phase of the fellowship program to test and refine the curriculum and implementation processes.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: An advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, health sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
Desirable: A doctoral degree in public health is desirable.

Experience

Essential: Minimum seven years’ experience in conducting needs assessments and stakeholder consultations.
Experience in designing and/or implementing capacity-building and fellowship programs in public health.
Experience in building partnerships with public health research institutions and managing multi-stakeholder projects.
Experience in developing funding strategies and writing successful grant proposals.

Desirable: Experience working in the Western Pacific region or similar contexts, with an understanding of regional health challenges and opportunities.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential: In-depth knowledge of health systems and health services management.
Proficiency in research methodologies and innovation approaches relevant to the health sector.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, academic institutions, and international organizations.
Strong analytical skills to assess needs, design appropriate interventions, and evaluate program outcomes.
Ability to synthesize information from various sources and strong writing skills to produce comprehensive reports.
Strong project planning, coordination, and management skills.

Desirable: Knowledge of potential funding sources and donor landscape in the health sector.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and training methodologies.

Languages and level required:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

The consultant is not expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget:

Remuneration: Payband level B – USD 8,000 – USD 9,000 monthly
Expected duration of contract: 9 months (August 2024 – April 2025)

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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