Roster of Consultants - Strategic Information

Purpose

WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) wishes to develop a Regional Roster of Strategic Information experts to provide technical services in the areas of HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STIs, and is inviting applications from eligible candidates based on the specified Terms of Reference (ToRs) below.

Background

Effective and data-driven responses to the HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) epidemics are contingent on the availability of high-quality strategic information, encompassing the full range of data collection, management, analysis, and use, and is the foundation for evidence-based decision-making in public health.

Many countries in the African Region have made significant progress in strengthening their health information systems, including the widespread adoption of the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) platform. However, challenges remain in ensuring data quality, integrating data from different sources, and building the capacity of health workers and programme managers to analyze and use data for decision-making. The surveillance systems for some diseases, particularly viral hepatitis and STIs, are often weak, hindering a comprehensive understanding of their burden and trends.

Achieving the 2030 targets will depend on robust and sustained efforts at the country level guided by evidence. The World Health Organisation has developed an extensive framework of guidelines and normative tools, including the WHO Consolidated Guidelines on prevention, treatment, service delivery and monitoring to inform a public health approach. However, the effective implementation of these guidelines requires adaptation to local contexts, capacity building, and ongoing technical support.

This roster of strategic information experts will provide high-quality technical assistance to strengthen strategic information systems to ensure the availability and use of quality data for evidence-based decision-making in the response to HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs.

Deliverables

• Support review and strengthening of national M&E frameworks and plans for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs.
• Epidemiological and programme reviews
• Data Quality Assurance (DQA) using standardized tools.
• Provide technical assistance to develop and implement data quality improvement plans. |
• Support the strengthening of national surveillance systems for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs.
• Develop and deliver training programs on M&E, data analysis, data use, and DQA

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Based on the key tasks outlined, a consultant will require a combination of technical expertise and programmatic experience.
Applicants should demonstrate their expertise in one or more thematic areas by providing clear and relevant supporting evidence.

Education

Essential:
• Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Demography, or a related field.

Experience

Essential:
• At least seven (7) years’ progressive experience in the design, development, implementation and management of strategic information systems for one or more of the disease areas: HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs.
• Experience in epidemiological analysis, programme monitoring and evaluation and health data management.
• Knowledge of high‐burden, resource‐constrained countries and organization of national programmes based on practical experience within the African Region.

Desirable:
• Experience in the development of training programmes for, and in the training of health professionals

Language skills

Fluency (spoken and written) in at least one of the AFRO regions is essential (English, French, Portuguese).

Location

Multiple locations in Africa (WHO African Region).

Travel:

Depending on the need, travel may be required.

Remuneration

Band level B - USD 7,000 - 9,980 per month.
Consultant assignments are remunerated according to different pay bands based on qualification and experience.

Expected duration of contract

From 1 to 11 months, depending on the need.

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 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.
• 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

For roster VNs:

The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) upon conclusion of the selection process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.