Consultant - Expert in Geospatial Modelling and Operational Research

Purpose of consultancy

Facilitate the development of the accessibility modelling service as part of the HeRAMS Initiative and conduct operational research to support decision and policy making in emergencies.

Background

The HeRAMS project has undergone major developments in recent years, particularly through the development of an accessibility modelling framework and related services to countries willing to deploy modelling and implement operational research.

Deliverables

• Deliverable 1: Provide guidance to WCO counterparts and Ministries of Health on the implementation of complex health information systems and complex analytical processes including geospatial modelling depending on ongoing emergencies and country requests.
• Deliverable 2: Provide strategic expert guidance to WCO counterparts, Ministries of Health and health sector partners in determining the strategy, work plan and budgets to implement complex health information systems and complex analytical processes including geospatial modelling depending on ongoing emergencies and country requests.
• Deliverable 3: Provide high-level technical reports and posters on accessibility to essential health services in emergency contexts a month after the end of each modelling exercise.
• Deliverable 4: Capacity building on the HeRAMS Accessibility Modelling service and other health information systems and complex analytical processes.
  • Activity 4.1: Develop a training for WCO counterparts, Ministries of Health and health sector partners on the HeRAMS Accessibility Modelling service and other health information systems and complex analytical processes (draft by December 2024).
  • Activity 4.2: Coordinate the provision of a training for WCO counterparts, Ministries of Health and health sector partners on the HeRAMS Accessibility Modelling service and other health information systems and complex analytical processes as requested by countries.
• Deliverable 5: Develop SOPs to support the implementation of the HeRAMS Accessibility Modelling service at country level.
• Deliverable 6: Develop project proposals for submission to academic journal special editions/commissions or conferences depending on country requests and opportunities.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in statistics with an emphasis on geospatial data, or other relevant area for geospatial modelling and health information systems.

Desirable:

• PhD in a related discipline.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in designing strategies and the subsequent plans to support their implementation.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the technical area of health information systems, geospatial modelling, including advanced use of AccessMod (https://www.accessmod.org/), and data analysis.
• Experience in scientific writing and publishing.

Desirable:

• Experience in the above with WHO or other UN/International Agencies in related areas.

Skills:

Essential:

• Advanced knowledge of AccessMod (https://www.accessmod.org/), geographic information systems.
• Advanced knowledge of programming languages including R and Python.

Languages required:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English
• Expert knowledge of French.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of Arabic or Portuguese.

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level C - USD 10,000 - 12,500 per month.

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

A contract up to 11 months might be offered. Additional contracts may be offered based on programme needs and availability of funds.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
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• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html