Consultant - Noncommunicable Diseases Prevention

Purpose of the Consultancy

The Division of Healthy Environments and Populations (DHP) at the Western Pacific Regional Office of WHO is seeking a consultant to support the development and implementation of strategies and interventions to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region.

Background

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death and disability in the Western Pacific. To accelerate progress, we need to support Member States in carrying out innovative, multi-sectoral, and holistic strategies that build on existing capacities, strengths and initiatives. DHP is recruiting short-term consultants to support the development and implementation of strategies and interventions to address the growing burden of NCDs in the region.

Deliverables

To deliver country-level impact and promote WHO regional office and country office coordination to effectively support Member States in their response to NCDs, the consultant will support Member States in accelerating actions in evidence-based policy and interventions to tackle NCDs (e.g., NCD Best Buys) and implementing the Regional Action Framework for Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control in the Western Pacific.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Coordinator of the NCD Prevention and Health Promotion (PND) unit of DHP and the Coordinator and Technical Officers managing the NCD program in country office(s). Specific outputs include the following:

Output 1: Provide support to MS in improving the laws/regulations, policies and guidelines to address the key NCD risk factors in selected countries
Deliverable 1.1: Develop a draft national nutrition guideline developed in close coordination with the nutrition program in WHO WPRO/HQ and relevant development partners and all necessary support for consultation process with the government and partners
Deliverable 1.2: Develop a report on key public health interventions for alcohol control in alignment with the regional and global guidelines which can serve as a key reference for the planned revision of the Law on Alcohol Control or policies
Deliverable 1.3: Provide support on development and implementation of policies and/or public health interventions aimed at other NCD risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities and tobacco use

Output 2: Provide support to MS in promoting multisectoral action in addressing NCDs
Deliverable 2.1: Draft/update the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on NCDs
Deliverable 2.2: Provide support in coordination of multi-sectoral working group meetings

Output 3: Provide other support related to the NCD program
Deliverable 3.1: Development of funding proposals and reports on NCDs
Deliverable 3.2: Support for overarching NCD activities as needed (e.g. development of communication materials on NCDs in close collaboration with colleagues in Communication and support for donor coordination)
Deliverables 3.3: Submission of monthly progress report on output 1, 2 and 3, along with work produced under respective deliverables (e.g., presentations, reports)

Qualifications/Specific requirements

Education

Essential: First university degree and background in natural or social sciences with a demonstrated strong academic background.
Desirable: Postgraduate degree in public health, nutrition science, health policies, or a relevant field.

Experience required

Essential: Minimum five years of relevant experience working in public health interventions, preferably in the field of NCD prevention (specifically addressing NCD risk factors) and/or nutrition or food policies at the national and international level.
Desirable: Previous experience in working with the World Health Organization or other UN agencies.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge

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

Language requirements

- Proficient in written and spoken English

Place of assignment

On site: The consultant will be based at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (Manila, Philippines) or a WHO country office in the region.

Travel

The consultant may be requested to undertake travels within the Western Pacific Region, as needed, to perform the tasks stated in the TORs.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Payband level B, USD 6 000.00 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: 6 months, December 2024 - June 2025

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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