Consultant - Technical support for WHO's work on sound chemicals management

The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking expressions of interest from an individual consultant for technical support to WHO’s work on sound chemicals management, including in the context of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), until the end of February 2020.

Background\:

WHO has established a Global Chemicals and Health Network, the goal of which is to facilitate implementation of the road map by promoting collaboration on common policy challenges, perspectives and priorities of health ministries in managing chemicals, especially in light of the intersessional process on SAICM and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 (the intersessional process), and to facilitate continuity of contact among health ministries and with WHO.

The consultant will support WHO’s work on sound chemicals management, including in the context of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), until the end of February 2020.The activities to be undertaken aim to support health sector engagement in the implementation of SAICM to 2020 and its intersessional process for beyond 2020, in particular by strengthening the WHO Global Chemicals and Health Network, its activities to implement the WHO Chemicals Road Map, and its contributions to the SAICM processe.

Deliverables\:

Output 1\: Support Member States to develop their plans for implementation of the chemicals road map, and to share the outcomes of related activities, in coordination with WHO regional and country offices.

Deliverables\:

1.1 Provide technical support to a number of interested Member States to develop plans for road map implementation using the road map workbook and facilitate sharing of plans using WHO templates in order to further identify areas for collaboration as well as gaps (Q4 2019 – Q1 2020).

1.2 Support the development of case studies about country projects to implement road map activities (Q1 2020).

Output 2\: Contribute to strengthening of the WHO Global Chemicals and Health Network, including its membership and processes for collaboration

Deliverables\:

2.1 Conduct a “membership drive” to increase the number of Member States participating in the Network, in coordination with WHO regional and country offices.(Q3 – Q4 2019)

2.2 Establish an on-line workspace (SharePoint) for the network so that information and resources can be shared (Q3 2019), populate the workspace with WHO material (Q3 2019 – Q1 2020) and proactively encourage network members to share their relevant information (Q4 2019 – Q1 2020).

2.3 Contribute to advance planning for the 2^nd meeting of the Global Chemicals and Health Network to take place later in 2020, including by convening a leadership group of countries (Q1 2020).

2.4 Undertake other activities identified by network members at the inaugural meeting of the Network in November 2018, as required (Q4 2019 – Q1 2020).

Output 3\: Contribute to the development of WHO materials and events, and WHO inputs to global policy discussions.

Deliverables\:

3.1 Draft information/advocacy materials both for the health sector and for others about health sector activities (including Q3 for 3^rd Intersessional meeting, and Q1 2020 for 4^th intersessional meeting).

3.2 Draft briefing notes and other materials to support health sector engagement in the SAICM process, and WHO’s inputs to global policy discussions (Q3 2019 – Q1 2020).

3.3 Assist in the convening of briefings and other events. (Q3 2019 – Q1 2020).

Educational Qualifications\:

Essential\: university degree in biology, biochemistry or other life science, and an advanced degree in a health-related field.

Desirable\: certified training or qualification in public health or international relations.

Experience\:

Essential\: A minimum of 7 years’ work experience in a health-related field, preferably in the management of the health impacts of chemicals through policy development and implementation. Technical or scientific writing and oral presentations on health-related subjects to different audiences.

Desirable\: Experience in operating collaborative networks, in policy analysis, and in working with international organizations. Time spent working in countries other than the candidate’s native country would also be useful.

Skills/Knowledge\:

Essential\: Ability to write and present clearly on health-related subjects; ability to communicate well with a range of audiences, including policy makers; awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural differences when working with colleagues and when presenting to audiences.

IT\: competence in the use of Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Excel.

Languages and level required\:

Essential\: English, Read - Write - Speak\: Expert level

Useful\: Working knowledge of French or Spanish.

Travel\:

Travel required to Bangkok, Thailand from 28 September to 5 October 2019 for the 3rd SAICM Intersessional meeting (30 September – 4 October).

Full medical clearance is required.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)

Rate\: USD 8,000 per month

A living allowance of CHF 3,000 per month will be paid if the consultant is internationally recruited.

Application details\:

Please apply online by clicking the link below and completing an online profile, including a cover letter which should outline\:

• Specific areas of interest and expertise;
• Your motivation for applying for this work; and
• Availability during 2019 to February 2020

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.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• 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 in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.