BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death and disability in the Western Pacific Region. NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes threaten progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and rest on effective prevention and control measures to ensure that these targets are met.

The management of NCDs requires a strong health systems orientation that, among others, provides individual NCD services. A more integrated, patient-centred approach necessitates innovation for the long-term management of people with multiple chronic conditions, in order to improve early diagnosis and optimal treatment outcomes at primary healthcare level. Risk-based management and simplified protocols for specific diseases and conditions benefit from capitalizing on these innovative tools as well.

At a higher level, NCD management likewise entails a policy framework and evidence by which to integrate NCDs into national health plans—evidence that rests on relevant, quality and timely information, gathered from effective systems in place across all levels of care.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The Management of Noncommunicable Diseases (MND) unit of the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WHO WPRO) is looking for a consultant to support work towards NCD policy, integrated people-centred care, advocacy and strategic communications, as well as knowledge management. The purpose of the consultancy is to:

• • Provide strategic communications support for the development and dissemination of relevant information products on the management of NCDs—including relevant work on its synergies with communicable diseases and other health topics;
• • Support knowledge management and sharing with other levels of WHO, relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
• • Provide technical communications assistance to the technical unit as well as relevant partners for reporting and advocacy, and ensure continuity of work in the new normal.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The work will be performed at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific and will require daily interaction with the technical unit.

Output 1: Provide strategic communications support for the development and dissemination of relevant information products on the management of NCDs, including relevant work on its synergies with communicable diseases and other health topics

Output 2: Support knowledge management and sharing with other levels of WHO, relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Output 3: Support other related activities in the MND unit that may be pertinent to this TOR to ensure continuity of work in the new normal

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Output 1: Provide strategic communications support for the development and dissemination of relevant information products on the management of NCDs, including relevant work on its synergies with communicable diseases and other health topics

Deliverable 1.1: Oversee the development of advocacy and communications materials for the four main NCDs, as well as eye health, hearing impairment, oral health, and palliative care, as well as support the technical development of documents for the integration of people-centred care into the health system

Deliverable 1.2: Take point in the advocacy and communications aspect of ongoing collaboration with other units within WPRO, including communicable diseases, health systems, and other NCDs

Deliverable 1.3: Support development of practical guidance documents for countries to integrate effective and efficient communication and advocacy activities into national NCD management programmes

Deliverable 1.4: Coordinate with concerned Country Offices on the development and finalization of technical reports on work undertaken for NCD management as necessary, including liaising with necessary focal points and suppliers

Output 2: Support knowledge management and sharing with other levels of WHO, relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Deliverable 2.1: Coordinate and liaise with relevant partners and/or suppliers to gather, develop and maintain technical and advocacy content, such as technical documents, campaigns, success stories, etc.

Deliverable 2.2: Coordinate necessary regular and irregular communications with partners via different channels, e.g. newsletters, bilateral discussions, etc.

Deliverable 2.3: Support development of technical documents and other necessary paraphernalia for knowledge-sharing on work done by the unit

Output 3: Support other related activities in the MND unit that may be pertinent to this TOR to ensure continuity of work in the new normal

Deliverable 3.1: Documentation of programmes and activities as necessary, including concept notes, briefings, reports, press releases, articles, scientific papers, etc.

Deliverable 3.2: Content creation for advocacy and communications in support of activities, including World Advocacy Days

Deliverable 3.3: Submit monthly achievement report summarizing status of deliverables listed above

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

University degree in communications, external relations, professional writing or public health related field from a recognized university

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

Minimum two years of work experience in creative and technical writing, graphic design, editing, or other related fields

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of basic Microsoft applications (Word, PowerPoint); proficiency in design applications (Photoshop, InDesign) would be a plus

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English (Read – Write – Speak / "Expert" level)

COMPETENCIES

• • Teamwork
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Communication
• • Producing results
• • Moving forward in a changing environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• • Upon finalization of the contract intellectual property of content and products shall revert to WHO.
• • Any data or results may not be shared or distributed without approval of the responsible officer in WHO.
• • The contractual partner will be based at WHO WPRO, Manila, Philippines to perform the tasks related to this activity.
• • The selected candidate will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
• • Starting date of contract is 1 February 2021 for a duration of 10.5 months

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 16 December 2020. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 119003 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.