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Roster of Consultants - NCDs Management

Multiple locations

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Multiple locations
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
  • Closing Date: 2025-02-17

BACKGROUND

The overall objective of the Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) management team in the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) is to work with Member States and partners to strengthen the prevention and management of NCDs and mental and neurologic disorders through the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of multisectoral actions to reduce the associated mortality, morbidity and disabilities in order to improve the health of the populations towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the WHO African region.
The team focuses on the following NCDs, namely, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental and neurologic disorders, as well as others such as sickle cell disease, psychoactive substance use, eye health, ear health and oral health disorders including noma through a Primary Health Care (PHC) approach.

OBJECTIVES

The consultant will be expected to achieve the following objectives according to their areas of expertise:
• Strategic Plan Development: Assist countries in developing, updating, and implementing national NCD strategic action plans aligned with global frameworks like the WHO Global Action Plan for NCDs.
• Implementation of WHO Packages: Facilitate the adoption and scaling of WHO initiatives like PEN, PEN-Plus, HEARTS, and mhGAP for effective management of NCDs at primary healthcare levels.
• Improve Data Systems & Digital Health: Strengthen health information systems (e.g., DHIS2) and deploy digital health technologies to enhance NCD monitoring and management.
• Capacity Building & Service Delivery: Train healthcare providers on integrated NCD management and service delivery, with a focus on CVDs, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
Multisectoral Collaboration & Health Promotion: Promote multisectoral efforts to reduce NCD risk factors through health promotion, prevention campaigns, and public policy advocacy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the NCDs management team lead and overall coordination of the director of the UHC communicable and non-communicable disease cluster in AFRO, the incumbent is required to have extensive ongoing contacts with officers in the NCDs management team especially technical officer for oral health to exchange information for the implementation of the agreed duties. The incumbent will exchange information with a broad range of experts, policy makers and national chief dental officers, WHO country offices as well as the WHO collaborating centres to deliver programmes and advice to maximize AFRO impact in integrated disease control.
The incumbent will also cultivate partnerships with bilateral agencies, academia, intergovernmental organizations, institutions, and NGOs for the successful attainment of the objectives and expected results.

The anticipated range of activities for which the incumbent will be responsible for, will include but not necessarily limited to the following:
1. Integrated NCDs Management / Service Delivery Expert
• Role/Objective: The consultant focuses on improving the management and delivery of NCD services within health systems. They support the development of integrated approaches to ensure continuity of care from prevention through to treatment and rehabilitation. Their role includes working with health ministries to optimize service delivery models, ensuring equitable access to essential NCD services, and strengthening primary health care. They provide technical assistance for the integration of NCD management across various levels of the health system, with an emphasis on person-centered care and multisectoral collaboration.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases Expert
• Role/Objective: The cardiovascular diseases (CVD) consultant provides technical expertise to guide the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CVDs in line with global standards, such as the WHO HEARTS technical package. They assist governments in developing and implementing strategies to reduce the burden of CVD through enhanced screening, treatment protocols, and public health interventions. Their role includes building capacity in health systems for early detection and management, particularly at the primary health care level.

3. Diabetes Expert
• Role/Objective: The diabetes expert consultant focuses on supporting countries to strengthen their capacity in diabetes prevention and management. They help develop national diabetes action plans and protocols for early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The consultant works on integrating diabetes care into broader health systems, promoting access to essential medicines like insulin, and improving patient education on disease management.

4. Chronic Respiratory Diseases Expert
• Role/Objective: This consultant provides expertise in the management of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They guide health systems in adopting evidence-based treatment guidelines, improving access to essential medications, and building capacity for CRD management in primary and secondary care settings. The consultant also advises on public health campaigns aimed at reducing CRD risk factors like tobacco use and air pollution.

5 Cancers Expert (Breast, Cervical, Childhood, Prostate, Liver, colorectal)
• Role/Objective: Cancer specialists in this category provide technical assistance to support the development and implementation comprehensive cancer control strategies. This encompasses the entire continuum of cancer care, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. The specialist will collaborate closely with national health programs to strengthen screening initiatives, such as those for breast and cervical cancer, and help establish standardized treatment protocols that enhance patient outcomes. support national programs in implementing screening programs (e.g., for breast and cervical cancer), establishing treatment protocols, and improving access to oncology services. A key aspect of the role building capacity of healthcare providers through targeted training and mentorship, promoting early detection, and ensuring integration of cancer services care into national health systems.

6. Sickle Cell Disease and Other Genetic Disorders Expert
• Role/Objective: This consultant specializes in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) and other genetic disorders. They assist health systems in implementing screening programs, developing treatment protocols, and ensuring patient access to appropriate therapies, such as hydroxyurea. The expert also supports the development of community education programs to raise awareness about SCD and improve patient outcomes through early detection and consistent care.

7. Ear and Hearing Care Expert
• Role/Objective: The ear and hearing care consultant provides technical support in developing national strategies for the prevention and management of hearing impairments. They assist in strengthening hearing screening programs, expanding access to hearing aids, and training healthcare workers in ear care. The expert plays a key role in integrating hearing care into primary health care and ensuring access to quality services, especially for vulnerable populations.

8. Eye Health Expert
• Role/Objective: This consultant supports the development of eye health programs, focusing on preventing and treating conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Their work includes advising on national strategies for eye care, improving access to essential ophthalmic services, and training healthcare providers in vision screening and surgical interventions. They also support public awareness campaigns to reduce preventable blindness and vision impairment.
. Oral Health Expert
Role/Objective: The oral health consultant plays a vital role in promoting the integration of oral health into primary care and public health initiatives. They provide expertise on the prevention and management of common oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, and support the development of national policies for improving access to dental care. They also promote the inclusion of oral health in NCD programs, given the links between oral diseases and other NCDs.

Education

Essential: A university degree in medicine with a specialization in one of the NCDs areas, or a master’s degree in public health or health-related fields.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in medicine, public health/epidemiology, or any specialized field related to NCDs, such as Integrated NCD Management/Service Delivery, Epidemiology, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Cancers (e.g., breast, cervical, childhood, prostate, liver), Sickle Cell Disease and Genetic Disorders, Ear and Hearing Care, Eye Health, Oral Health.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in the area of expertise applied for. This could include NCD management, integrated service delivery, specific NCD fields (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases), health information systems, data management, data science, quantitative analysis, and data visualization.

Skills

• Disease Specialists: In-depth expertise in the management of specific NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers (breast, cervical, childhood, prostate, liver), sickle cell disease and genetic disorders, oral health, eye and hearing care, and mental health. Specialists in these areas offer targeted knowledge for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

• NCD Management and Integrated Service Delivery: Expertise in planning, implementing, and monitoring NCD prevention, diagnosis, and care services, with a focus on primary health care integration and WHO packages (e.g., PEN, PEN-Plus, HEARTS).

• Disease-Specific Expertise: In-depth knowledge and experience in managing specific NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers (breast, cervical, childhood, prostate, liver), sickle cell disease and genetic disorders, oral health, eye and hearing care, and mental health.


Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English or French or Portuguese.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of any other UN official languages.

Location

Multiple locations

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration:

Band level B - USD 7,000 - 9,980 per month / USD 350 - 499 per day.

Duration

Contract duration varies from 1 to 11 months depending on operational needs and individual tasks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an 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.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.