BACKGROUND

Effective regulatory systems are consequently an essential component of overall health systems and contribute to desired public health outcomes and to innovation and investment.In contrast, inefficient regulatory systems can be a barrier to access to safe, effective and quality medical products.

Ensuring the quality and safety of traditional and complementary medicines is critical in advancing universal health coverage in the Western Pacific Region since communities and families in the Region often seek traditional and complementary medicine services for primary health care for various health conditions from minor ailments to life-threatening diseases. Due to the availability of traditional and complementary medicine, accessibility, and affordability, the importance of traditional and complementary medicine in advancing universal health coverage has been highlighted, especially in resource-limited settings.

In the Region, the level of development of traditional and complementary medicine and regulatory system varies substantially across the Member States. Thus, it is important to have a structured tool to measure the level of regulation system of traditional and complementary medicine and provide country-tailored technical support according to countries’ technical capacity and specific needs is critical.

For regulation system strengthening, WHO global benchmarking tool (GBT) is used widely in the Western Pacific Region. The benchmarking of regulatory systems implies a structured and documented process by which Member States can identify and address gaps with the goal of reaching a level of regulatory oversight commensurate with a stable, well-functioning and integrated regulatory system.

There is a need to objectively evaluate the regulatory system of Traditional and complementary medicine in the Member States to identify strengths and areas for improvement, facilitate the formulation of an institutional development plan (IDP) to build upon strengths and address the identified gaps, prioritize IDP interventions, and monitor progress and achievements. WHO global benchmarking tool (GBT) which has been developed for use in benchmarking the regulatory programmes for medicines, vaccines, and blood products, can be the basis for evaluating the regulation system of traditional and complementary medicine.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This APW aims to support the development of the tool for evaluating regulation system for Traditional and Complementary medicine in the Western Pacific Region based on the WHO global benchmarking tool (GBT) harmonized for medicines and vaccines regulations. The work will include reviewing the current GBT tool and modifying the tool for traditional and complementary medicine. After the development of the tool, it will be reviewed by experts and will be piloted in a selected country.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the supervision DHS/EMT/WPRO, the contractual partner will produce the following deliverables:

Output 1: Support the development of a tool for evaluating regulation system for traditional and complementary medicine based on the WHO global benchmarking tool

Deliverable 1.1: The expert will support to adapt the GBT tool for evaluating regulation system for traditional and complementary medicine based on the WHO global benchmarking tool

Deliverable 1.2: The expert will support on piloting the traditional and complementary medicine global benchmarking tool in a selected Member State and support conducting self-benchmarking

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Under the supervision and guidance of the Technical Officer, EMT, DHS at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the selected partner will provide technical support to the EMT team.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  University degree in traditional and complementary medicine or health-related sciences

Desirable: Post-graduate degree in traditional and complementary medicine or public health

EXPERIENCE

Essential:  At least 7 years of experiences in traditional and complementary medicine related work, regulation systems, projects and researches and/or public health researches

Desirable: Experience on the regulation of traditional and complementary medicine products/practitioners/services

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Technical knowledge in traditional and complementary medicine; skills for data analysis

LANGUAGES

Proficient in English (writing, reading and speaking)

COMPETENCIES

• • Technical Expertise
• • Overall Attitude at Work 
• • Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences
• • Communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Place of assignment: The work will be conducted remotely.

Duration of contract: 4 months starting 5 March 2022

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 1 March 2022

• • Curriculum Vitae (for individual contractors/team members) or Company Profile (for institutional applications)
• • Expression of Interest (cover letter). The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position
• • Technical and financial proposals. The proposals should include methodology, cost and timelines

Please use Tender Notice No. 166524 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.