BACKGROUND

Since 2 January 2020, the three levels of WHO (China Country Office, Regional Office for the Western Pacific and Headquarters) have been working together to respond to this outbreak of COVID-19. On 30 January, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). On 11 March, WHO Director General characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The WPRO response plan is envisaged until the end of the year and respective support for each pillar is greatly needed.

As cases continue to be reported from new areas, additional preparedness and response efforts are required in the Region. To cope with the situation, the emergency team in the WHO Regional Office is being strengthened, in order to provide technical assistance to Member States for preparedness and response efforts.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This consultancy will support the Science and Research Pillar of the Incident Manager Support Team (IMST) in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) and/or Country Office related to the new coronavirus known as COVID-19.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT (aligned to draft monthly plans)

• • Conduct review of evidence and relevant information on priority items identified by the WPRO Incident Manager Support Team (IMST) and provide regular updates.
• • Support development of briefing notes, presentations and other related documents that will be available to Member States and areas, WHO country offices, IMST and others.
• • Support the COVID-19 response on the specific area related to epidemiology and public health including preparation of presentations, briefing notes, and relevant guidance documents.
• • Prepare presentations on topics on the areas of his/her expertise according to the scheduled IMST meetings.
• • Review and provide inputs for internal and external documents prepared by the Science and Research pillar and other pillars (may include research briefs, case studies, technical reports, and peer-reviewed papers).
• • Support any other duties as assigned by the Pillar Lead, Incident Manager or Regional Director

Deliverables:

• • Data analytics and drafting of findings
• • Preparation of data presentation slides/materials
• • Updated Briefing notes and Interim Guidance
• • New Briefing notes and Interim Guidance as requested
• • Monthly mission report
• • End of mission report at the end of consultancy

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The Consultant will be based at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila.The consultant will provide support to the of the COVID-19 IMST.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:

First university degree in medicine, public health or other related sciences from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable:

Relevant postgraduate degree in public health, epidemiology or related field from a recognized university.
 

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

A minimum of seven years of experience conducting public health scientific research, data collection and analysis.

Desirable:

Experience in control and management and research on public health emergency topics at the national and international levels, in particular in the field of epidemiology.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Excellent communication skills
• • Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills Ability
• • To work in a team with limited supervision
• • Ability to work under pressure

LANGUAGES

Proficient in written and spoken English

COMPETENCIES

• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• • Teamwork
• • Communication
• • Ensuring the effective use of resources

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO. WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive living allowance in accordance with the required location and duration of travel.  It is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

• Contract duration:
• 1 June 2021 - 30 December 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 17 May 2021:

1. Expression of Interest {cover letter} that indicates: a) how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, b) proposed daily consultancy fee, and c) availability to commence the work.  
2. Curriculum vitae.

Please use Tender Notice No. 128005 as subject to all submission. WHO may contact candidates for further information. Candidates not being considered will not be contacted. Progress of this work is subject to confirmation of funding.