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.

Based in a designated Pacific Country/Area, this STC position will support COVID-19 preparedness and response, working closely with WHO country office colleagues, Ministry of Health counterparts, WPRO and DPS IMT colleagues and Pacific Joint Incident Management Team (JIMT) partners.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

In close collaboration among WHO country offices in the Pacific, the technical units in the Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS), WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) and the COVID-19 Incident Management Teams in WPRO and DPS, COVID-19 Country Preparedness & Response Consultants will support designated Pacific Ministries of Health to strengthen national COVID-19 preparedness and response capabilities, including in response coordination, health operations, epidemiology and surveillance, planning and information management and logistics. The incumbents will support the contextualisation/adaptation of global and regional technical guidance, coordinate and deliver training and coaching, and serve as primary WHO focal points for COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts under the joint supervision of the WHO Representative/Country Liaison Officer and DPS COVID-19 Incident Manager.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Alongside country-office colleagues, serve as the primary or secondary WHO focal point for COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts in the designated country/area. Participate in Pacific and regional calls/meetings regarding COVID-19 preparedness and response. Support the development of relevant country-level plans in coordination with country office/DPS colleagues. Support data management and reporting, including drafting content as required.
• • Provide support to national and sub-national incident management planning, including around IMT roles, functions and operational rhythm. Support the development/adaptation of emergency SOPs to ensure that HR, finance and administrative systems are well-adapted to rapid-onset emergency scenarios.
• • Provide technical and operational support to strengthen surveillance, early warning and response systems to detect, verify and respond to signals of COVID-19 and other acute public health events, ensuring efficiency of data collection, collation, analysis, interpretation and timely reporting
• • Support the development and/or adaptation of national COVID-19 testing strategies and protocols, taking into consideration HR, lab and supply capabilities, as well as epidemiological and risk assessment.
• • Support case management and IPC planning at the national, sub-national and health facility levels, including strengthening links between clinicians, laboratory and public health teams; facilitating in-person and/or remote training; critical PPE, oxygen and supply planning; health facility WASH and waste management infrastructure and protocols; and use of quick-reference tools and job aids. 
• • Support planning and implementation of evidence-based and appropriate non-pharmaceutical measures to control COVID-19 transmission.
• • Support COVID-19 vaccine planning, roll-out and monitoring, including data management and analysis.
• • Other duties, as assigned by supervisor(s).

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

• • In the country of assignment, based on priorities set by the WHO Head of Country Office and the Incident Manager, the incumbent will support WHO/Joint Incident Management Team response.  The consultant will provide support to WHO country offices in the Pacific, the technical units in the Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS), WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) and the COVID-19 Incident Management Teams in WPRO and DPS, COVID-19 Country Preparedness & Response Consultants will support designated Pacific Ministries of Health to strengthen national COVID-19 preparedness and response capabilities, including in response coordination, health operations, epidemiology and surveillance, planning and information management and logistics. The incumbents will support the contextualization/adaptation of global and regional technical guidance, coordinate and deliver training and coaching, and serve as primary WHO focal points for COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts under the joint supervision of the WHO Representative/Country Liaison Officer and DPS COVID-19 Incident Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  An advanced degree in medicine, nursing and/or public health from an accredited/recognized institute with specialization in infectious disease, critical care, epidemiology and/or emergency management.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least seven years of working experience in clinical and/or public health, including more than five years of international work experience in the above areas.

Desirable: Prior working experience with WHO/UN agencies and/or with an international non-governmental organization, experience with Pacific countries in advising on clinical and/or public health services, and experience designing/leading training would be beneficial.

LANGUAGES

Fluent spoken and written English.

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

• • 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:

• • 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.
• • Selected consultants will be assigned/deployed to a designated Pacific Island Country/Area.
• • Duration of contract is for 5.5 months

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 8 September 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. 140343 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.