BACKGROUND

More than 700 million people in the world are over age 65. More than 240 million of them live in the Western Pacific Region, and that number is expected to double by 2050. The pace of ageing is accelerating in the Region due to improvements in life expectancy and declining fertility rates. 

WPRO RCM adopted the Regional Action Plan (RAP) in October 2020 and requested WHO to support countries to prepare for population ageing. RAP aims to support Member States to improve the health and well-being of older populations in the Western Pacific Region so that they thrive and contribute to their societies. The Plan is guided by a multisectoral, future-oriented and lifelong approach that adopts an equity approach and utilizes existing assets to the extent possible.

Since the RAP proposes actions beyond traditional public health interventions, social and health systems transformation to create an age-friendly environment where older people can live healthy and continue contributing back to their society. All countries are encouraged to start preparation for a healthy ageing society, taking a multi-sectoral approach. To implement the recommended activities in the RAP, WHO WPRO would like to work together with Country Office focal points, government counter parts and external partners (ex. academia, relevant non-health partners). AGE unit is seeking a consultant to support WPRO Member States in initiating a objective four of the RAP, social and technological innovations for healthy ageing. 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

Support AGE team and AGE Country Office focal points with implementing social and technological innovations for health ageing.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output/s

1. Support regional level recommended actions proposed in the Regional Action Plan on Healthy Ageing in the Western Pacific.  
   1. Connect with external partners (academia, think tanks, non-government organizations, etc.) and provide technical advice to ensure outputs from external partners contribute to the Regional vision.
   2. Follow up with external partners to ensure outputs/deliverables are provided on time.
   3. Support preparation for webinars (internal/external) that AGE is participating/organizing
2. Support country office focal points with implementing healthy ageing initiatives
   1. Draft concept notes to ensure context specific interventions/actions are recommended for member states – coordinate with country office focal points for their inputs
   2. Connect with in-country WHO staff and external partners to ensure that the recommended activities or studies meet the needs of the target population
   3. Support regional and country office staff with drafting technical materials
3. Other tasks, as assigned by the Technical Officer, Healthy Ageing. Support AGE unit’s Regional initiatives as needed (e.g. advocacy, communication, project management, etc.)

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Occasional travel required

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  Bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, social sciences or communication.

Desirable: Master’s in public health, health sciences, social sciences, communication, marketing or other relevant areas

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Relevant work experience in communication, advocacy and partnership in public health

Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Excellent communication and coordination skills;

Good knowledge and skills in report writing and structural thinking

Persistence in follow up, tact and diplomacy to work with international personnel

LANGUAGES

Fluent in written and spoken English.

COMPETENCIES

Communicating in a credible and effective way

Producing results

Fostering integration and teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Duration of contract: 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 27 October 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. 147874 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.