BACKGROUND

In response to the threat of COVID-19 introduction in the Pacific, a WHO Pacific Action Plan for Novel Coronavirus (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, strategic and operational planning, record keeping 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 to rigorously document COVID-19 actions, resources and records.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Coordinate Information Management for WHO’s Pacific COVID-19 Incident Management Team. Manage the timely and high-quality collection, analysis, production and dissemination of data/information. This includes response specific information (what, where, who, how many, how quickly, current status), internal and external situation reports (sitreps), bulletins, internal and external presentations, assessments, Public Health Situation Analyses, and health inputs into strategic response plans (SRP).
• • Lead the development of project documentation based on the overall strategy and operational plans. Continually adapt planning and project documents based on available information and the evolving emergency situation, as required, including planning and management of human and material resources, expenditure, status of interventions and partner activities, progress towards achieving objectives, etc.
• • Develop and improve field information management procedures at the country and sub-regional levels. Work with Pacific WHO Country Offices to strengthen information management across WHO’s COVID-19 response in the Pacific.
• • Facilitate a systematic collection of information pertaining to the operations plans from relevant WHO offices and key operational partners to generate a consolidated overview of needs and requirements.
• • Collaborate with relevant internal WHO teams and key operational partners in the development of a strategic response framework and joint operations plans to outline response strategies and actions.
• • Undertake regular planning reviews to provide periodic estimates and forecasts on response requirements based on technical needs.
• • Coordinate data collection and analysis to monitor progress against plans according to established key performance indicators. Regularly report on response activities across all partners.
• • Actively participate in internal and external communication activities and support resource mobilization efforts through providing overall analyses of needs and technical contributions to the development of project proposals, budgets and reports.
• • Provide guidance on project management, promote best practices on the development of work breakdown structures, project plans, timelines, etc.
• • Perform any other related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in Information Management, Public Health, or Epidemiology; Business or Public Administration, complemented by training in information management from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Additional training in project management and/or GIS would be beneficial. 

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 5 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. Experience in developing and promoting collaborative partnerships. Related experience in managing resources and working effectively in a multi-stakeholder international environment, including developing and promoting collaborative actions with national authorities.  

Desirable: Seven or more years of relevant work experience, including 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 and facilitation skills
• • Advanced ability to design, manage, analyze and coordinate complex information system projects, computer-based applications and databases, web-based tools
• • High level of analytical skills.
• • Knowledge of programme management and functioning of WHO and the UN system is an asset.

Other Skills:

• • Advanced use of MS Office, particularly spreadsheets, data visualization and analysis tools, and databases
• • Design and management of information systems
• • Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• • Skill in use of one or more statistical analysis programmes

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of French an asset.

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.

COMPETENCIES

1. Communication
2. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
3. Teamwork
4. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
5. Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Travel: The selected candidate must be able to travel to the designated Pacific country for the duration of this consultancy. This includes the ability to transit through required countries to reach the destination in the context of global COVID-19 travel restrictions/measures, to potentially undergo multiple periods of quarantine, and to cope with uncertainty regarding travel timelines and routings.

Timeline/Duration of assignment:

The duration for the assignment is from approximately 1 July - 31 December, with 20 working days per month:

• Reporting / Due dates
• Monthly progress report / End of each month
• Final report  / 31 Dec 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 28 June 2021. 

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. 132075 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.