Qualifications

1.      Purpose of the Consultancy

To contribute to the implementation of the regional framework for action (RFA) to implement the United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs, with a focus on supporting countries developing and operationalizing NCD multisectoral action plans/strategies (MSAP), supporting the implementation of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer as well as the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of People living with NCDs.

2.      Background

The Eastern Mediterranean Region has a complex healthcare landscape marked by the dual challenge of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The juxtaposition of these health challenges, including a high prevalence of cancer, creates a multi-faceted problem for healthcare systems:

1.        Several countries in the region suffer from political unrest, which disrupts health service delivery, particularly in the specialized care required for cancer treatment.

2.         Many countries in this region are categorized as low-income or middle-income and have limited healthcare infrastructure suitable for cancer care, including diagnostics, treatment, and palliative services.

3.         Cultural stigmas often attach to cancer, leading to late diagnosis and less effective treatment outcomes, compounded by societal misunderstandings about the disease.

4.         The COVID-19 pandemic has put additional stress on already strained healthcare systems, making cancer care more challenging and widening existing disparities in healthcare access.

The incumbent will provide technical guidance for the implementation of the RFA to implement the UNPD on NCDs and the RFA on cancer prevention and control, to strengthen and accelerate the rollout of the WHO global initiatives on cancer, namely Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, and Global Breast Cancer Initiative, as well as the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative. The present consultation will also support the implementation of the multisectoral strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs to manage cancer and the prevention of risk factors.

3.      Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date:  1 January 2025

End date: 30 June 2025

4.      Work to be performed

The consultants’ responsibilities will include the following:

1. Review available literature for regional/country situation analysis on population health needs, prevailing risks, and the context within which MSAP will be applied as well as cancer;

2. Develop presentations, progress reports and briefs on multisectoral action for NCD prevention and control, and cancer;

3. Assist in in drafting, formatting and editing normative and communication documents on multisectoral action

on NCDs, aligned with relevant WHO guidance and liaise with necessary partners across the three levels of WHO;

4. Support the adaptation and dissemination of the WHO Toolkit for developing a multisectoral action plan for

NCDs in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and support member states in developing and implementing MSAPs;

5. Contribute to the development of advocacy tools to promote increased budget allocations for NCD prevention and control and strengthened multisectoral action, such as national cases for investing in cost-effective interventions (best buys).

6. Support Member States in the implementation of the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of People living with NCDs with a focus on cancer;

7. Provide support to member states towards the establishment of multisectoral governance mechanisms for NCD prevention and control, as needed;

8. Assist in monitoring effective implementation progress in priority countries, liaising with WHO Country offices,

project partners and contributing to the documentation of country progress/case studies/reports to donors;

9. Contribute to the review and production of relevant WHO publications and proposals;

10. Provide technical input to the implementation of Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer;

Deliverables: 

o   An “Inception Report” with proposed plan for carrying out the consultancy

o   Progress reports, including a comprehensive final report at the end of the consultancy

5.      Specific requirements

– Qualifications:

Essential: A university degree in medicine, public health, or a relevant field.

Desirable: Advanced university degree in medicine and/or public health, and qualification in oncology.

– Experience required:

Essential: Up to 5 years of experience in policy development

Desirable: previous experience in conducting similar consultancy work in the field of Non-Communicable Diseases, specifically cancer

– Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

–          Strong communication and interpersonal skills to nurture ongoing partnership and collaboration efforts

–          Good organizational and project management skills, including ability to work independently and deliver high quality results in a timely manner

–          Excellent drafting skills in English

– Language requirements:

Excellent knowledge of English.

Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset

Location: Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, Cairo, Egypt

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

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) 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. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information section

·         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.

·         Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates

·         Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO

·         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’s workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

·         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.

·         Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:
(a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated;
(b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided;
(c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements