Consultant (Programme Management)

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Purpose of consultancy

To position the World Code Against Cancer Framework (WCACF) as a globally visible and influential roadmap for cancer prevention, by:

·Transitioning the Framework from a project-based model to a programmatic approach, enabling the planning, financing and development of multiple Regional Codes as distinct but coherent programme components.

·Optimising the planning and development processes using innovative, low-cost AI solutions to accelerate future Code development and strengthen scientific quality.

·Developing strategies to strengthen the mechanisms that enable the Codes to trigger policy action at regional and national level, mobilise stakeholders, and reinforce their role as instruments for embedding prevention in national cancer control strategies.

The work to be conducted is funded from extra-budgetary sources.

Background

The Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch (ENV) areas of research on identifying modifiable cancer risk has expanded on knowledge translation research. The World Code Against Cancer Framework is a global, multi stakeholder initiative led by IARC to accelerate evidence-based cancer prevention by developing regionally tailored Codes Against Cancer. These Codes translate scientific evidence into actionable recommendations for the public, health professionals and policy makers, ensuring scientific rigor, cultural relevance and national ownership.

Deliverables

The tasks and duties to be carried out in the framework of the background described above are detailed below:

Output 1: Programme Architecture & Strategic Positioning

A complete set of programme‑level deliverables enabling the WCACF to operate as a coherent, long‑term, multi‑component programme.

Tasks & Duties

·Develop a multi‑year programmatic model clarifying phases, governance, interdependencies, expected outputs, stakeholder structures, quality‑assurance mechanisms for each Code, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

·Design a budgeting tool that covers the entire lifecycle of each Code, from preparatory work to development, scoping tools, scientific review, stakeholder engagement, publication, dissemination and impact evaluation.

·Recommend mechanisms for programme continuity, ensuring that expertise, data, and methodological learnings are retained and transferred across successive Codes.

·Shape a donor‑facing structure that presents Codes as standalone yet harmonised elements of a global Framework, enhancing visibility, attractiveness and alignment with long‑term investment strategies.

·Identify and document strategic opportunities to position the Framework as a unified roadmap for cancer prevention with strong narrative coherence across all Codes.

Output 2: Methodology & Driven Process Optimization

A modernised, AI‑supported methodology package that improves the efficiency, speed and quality of Code development and is ready for use in the next Regional Code cycle.

Tasks & Duties

·Review of the WCACF methodology to identify bottlenecks, and areas where efficiency or quality can be improved through process redesign.

·Develop AI‑enabled approaches, including but not limited to:

oAutomated evidence triages, multilingual synthesis and structured literature extraction, to support preparatory steps for expert deliberations and decision on systematic reviews.

oAssistance with planning and preparation of multi‑expert meetings, consultations and processes, with multilingual assistance where relevant.

oDrafting assistance for multilingual dissemination materials, including the evidence‑based recommendations and knowledge‑translation products for varied audiences.

·Establish evaluation criteria ensuring all AI technologies used remain low‑cost, ethical, transparent, and scientifically sound.

·Produce standard operating procedures (SOPs) documenting the improved workflows and quality‑control checkpoints, ensuring practical usability and staff adoption.

·Provide internal capacity‑building support on how to operationalise AI‑supported steps safely and effectively.

Output 3: Policy Impact Pathways & Stakeholder Mobilisation

A strategic deliverable demonstrating how the Framework can strengthen policy influence, drive prevention integration and mobilise key actors across science, policy and society.

Tasks & Duties

·Assess and map policy influence pathways, clarifying how the Framework links scientific evidence with policy and societal needs, and how Codes can embed prevention in national strategies.

·Strengthen uptake and relevance by recommending targeted communication, value proposition framing, context adapted messaging, and mechanisms to mobilise scientific, governmental and civil society stakeholders.

·Define practical levers for policy change and produce a focused policy influence roadmap outlining how Codes can drive long term integration of prevention into decision making processes.

The specific deliverables are reported below:

1) Multi‑Year Programme Model

·A structured document outlining the architecture, governance, phases and interconnections between multiple Regional Codes.

·Includes continuity mechanisms, cross‑Code coordination processes, and long‑term planning pathways.

·Detailed costing templates and guidance covering planning, development, scientific reviews, expert consultations, communication and dissemination, and monitoring & evaluation for each Code.

2)Programme AI-Enhanced Planning Toolkit

·Standardised templates for planning, scoping, activity sequencing, expert engagement, quality assurance, reporting and monitoring.

·Tools designed for consistent use across all future Regional Codes.

3)Donor‑Programme Positioning Brief

An investment‑oriented document that presents Regional Codes as standalone but harmonised components of the global Framework, enhancing fundraising clarity and visibility.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Advanced degree (MPH, MSc, MD or equivalent) in public health, global health, epidemiology or health policy.

Experience

Essential

•Minimum 5 years of experience in global health strategy or large-scale prevention programmes.

•Demonstrated knowledge in scientific evidence review to develop guidelines, understanding of research quality and translation into policy recommendations.

•Practical familiarity with AI supported tools for literature review, synthesis or workflow optimisation.

•Excellent analytical and writing skills.

Desirable

•Understanding of IARC’s mission, mandate and scientific governance structures

•Experience mobilising partners or donors for public health programmes.

•Proven ability to work across diverse cultural settings, with experience supporting multi-regional or multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Languages

Expert knowledge of English

Location

Remote

Remuneration (travel costs are excluded)

Payband level B (EUR7,980 per month OR EUR399 per day), subject to qualifications and experience.

Expected duration of contract

8.5 months

Additional Information

•This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

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