BACKGROUND

In response to the threat of COVID-19 introduction in the Pacific, a WHO Pacific Action Plan for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response was developed to document and guide priority actions for WHO support to Pacific Island countries and areas (PICs) for COVID-19 preparedness and response. Under the WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support, an Incident Management Team (IMT) has been activated to support the rapid implementation of the Pacific Action Plan.

This position will support COVID-19 preparedness and response in the Pacific, working closely with WHO Pacific country offices, Ministries of Health, and Pacific Joint Incident Management Team (JIMT) partners, with a focus on information management, data presentation and visualization, and reporting.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

Under the Pacific Incident Management System (IMS), the incumbent will support WHO’s Pacific Incident Management Team (IMT) and the inter-agency Pacific Joint Incident Management Team (JIMT) to effectively manage sub-national, national and sub-regional data and information; to effectively plan and report on strategic and operational preparedness and response actions; and document COVID-19 actions, resources and records.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Support Information Management for WHO’s Pacific COVID-19 IMT though the collection, management, analysis and dissemination of timely and high-quality data/information. This may include response specific information and activities (what, where, who, how many, how quickly, current status), internal and external situation reports, updates, bulletins, internal and external presentations, assessments, situation analyses, strategic plans, trackers, data input forms, databases, dashboards and other information products, as required.
• • Support the development and maintenance of data systems including the creation and management of data input forms, databases and dashboards to collate and present data from diverse data sets to improve operational decision making in the COVID-19 response in the Pacific.
• • Support the development and improvement of COVID-19 and other emergency field information management systems and procedures at the country and sub-regional levels, in close collaboration with Pacific WHO Country Offices.
• • Facilitate the systematic collection of information pertaining to emergency operational plans from relevant WHO offices and key operational partners to generate a consolidated overview of needs and requirements.
• • Actively participate in internal and external communication activities, support resource mobilization and project management efforts through analyses of needs and coordinating technical contributions for project proposals, workplans, logical frameworks, budgets and reports.
• • Assist in the training and mentoring of data entry personnel to ensure databases are up to date with timely, accurate, validated data.
• • Where required, travel to PICs to support health emergency preparedness and response, particularly in the areas of information/data management and response planning.
• • Perform any other related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: First university degree in epidemiology, demography, statistics, health sciences, medicine/veterinary sciences or a related discipline that includes quantitative methods.

Desirable: Advanced degree in health-related field or quantitative epidemiology.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 2 years of relevant international experience in information management, monitoring, needs assessment, project management, data management and information dissemination in the public health sector or health development sector, including in emergency management or humanitarian contexts.

Desirable: Experience in WHO, UN agencies or international NGOs. Experience in the Pacific or with small island developing states (SIDS).

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Ability to work rapidly and efficiently in fast paced, complex environments.
• • Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.
• • Excellent presentation, organization and facilitation skills.
• • Advanced ability to design, manage, analyze and coordinate complex information system projects, computer-based applications and databases, web-based tools, including skills in Microsoft Office and Google data management tools, and a statistical package such as R, STATA, SPSS.
• • Knowledge of public health sector and issues, programme management and functioning of WHO and the UN system is an asset.
• • Demonstrated excellent English writing and ability to produce engaging and scientifically accurate communication materials. Ability to synthesize information in a clear and concise manner. Ability to understand technical issues in the field of public health.
• • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting environment with excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, tact and discretion, sound judgment and initiative, ability to work under pressure and to clearly articulate and present concepts and procedures to a broad range of audiences.

Essential knowledge:

• • Proven skills in health emergency preparedness, planning, coordination and response
• • Proven skills in adult learning and training methods
• • Ability to work rapidly and efficiently in fast paced, complex environments.
• • Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.
• • Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
• • Ability to "think out of the box" and to adapt to various health care settings.

LANGUAGES

Essential: Fluent English required, with superb writing and public speaking skills. 

Desirable: Working knowledge of French is an asset.

COMPETENCIES

• • Communication
• • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• • Teamwork
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Place of assignment: Remote/tele-working – the consultant is expected to perform all duties at their place of usual residence.

Duration of contract: 5.5 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 < [email protected] > by 28 February 2022. 

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. 166520 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.