Roster of Consultants - Knowledge Manager

Purpose of consultancy

Reporting to the Unit Head, Methods and Standards Unit (MST), the consultant will be providing technical guidance on the coordination and implementation of the quality assurance process for all normative and standard-setting (N&S) products that are not guidelines. The consultant will support the MST in strengthening, evaluating and improving the operation, maintenance and management of the Quality Support Panel (QSP).

Background

The Quality Assurance of Norms and Standards Department (QNS) sits within the Science Division. Its mandate is structured around four key roles:

1. Ensure that all N&S products meet WHO highest quality standards by providing tailored, state of the art methodological support and guidance
2. Support project teams developing N&S products by ensuring the utmost efficiency of the N&S process
3. Secure maximum country impact by helping to develop fit for purpose N&S products
4. Advance and ensure timely, peer-reviewed, and accessible scientific evidence and information, through the WHO Library and Digital Information Outreach, and the WHO Press

The QNS Department is made up of 5 units: Methods and Standards, Process Efficiency, Product Design and Impact, WHO Library and the Office of the Publisher. Within the department, the Methods and Standards unit is more specifically dedicated to:

1. Producing and continuously update robust quality-assured methodologies, building upon best practices as well as internal and external expertise
2. Providing tailored methodological support and guidance to Technical Dept. project teams, and consultation with regions
3. Ensuring highest-quality services from technically skilled subject matter experts in a diverse array of standard-setting methods, including but not limited to public engagement, clinical and social epidemiology, modelling, and implementation studies.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to provide technical guidance on the coordination and implementation of the quality assurance process for all normative and standard-setting (N&S) products that are not guidelines through the Quality Support Panel.

Output 1: Ensure the screening, registration, tracking, review and follow-up of N&S products submitted to the QSP; check all submissions for completeness, follow-up on missing information, and prepare periodic reports; ensure completion of all reviews and feedback.
Deliverable 1.1: Monthly report on the number of submissions to the QSP, number of complete and incomplete submissions, number of completed reviews and feedback, and other related information.

Output 2: Manage the assignment of QSP submissions to reviewers; liaise with the reviewers of the QSP to ensure timely, consistent and predictable quality appraisal.
Deliverable 2.1: Monthly report on the number of reviews done per reviewer, duration from submission to feedback, number of inconsistent or difficult reviews, and other related information.

Output 3: Evaluate the QSP processes for utility, credibility, independence, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness; establish an ongoing and rigorous process of feedback and assessment from relevant stakeholders to optimize the performance of the QSP; proactively identify issues related to QSP function, evaluate potential consequences and risks.
Deliverable 3.1: Quarterly report on efficiency, consistency and effectiveness, including results of a survey of technical units who have submitted to the QSP and recommendations to improve the QSP function.

Output 4: Write, review and finalize all relevant information materials relating to the QSP including the final report.
Deliverable 4.1: Draft and update information related to the functioning of the QSP such as the Terms of Reference, Information Note, eManual policies, QSP user manual and other related documents.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

First university degree or advanced university degree in management sciences, business/public administration, information technology or public health.

Desirable:

Project management certification or courses; training in epidemiology, research or medicine/nursing.

Experience:

Essential:

5 to 10 years of relevant experience such as information management, knowledge management, programme planning/implementation or project management.

Desirable:

Experience with WHO, the UN or other international organizations.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential:

• Computer literacy and ability to use a variety of software.
• Proficiency in the use of work processing facilities to create, edit and format correspondences and documents; spreadsheets and visual presentation software; project management software; and e-mail, teleconferencing and scheduling software.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in the use of Editorial Manager, SharePoint, Teams and familiarity with procedures and practices, rules and regulations, organizational structures in WHO.
• Familiarity with software applications used in evidence synthesis and guideline development.
• Familiarity with WHO technical/administrative systems.

Language requirements:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

Knowledge of French.

Location:

Off site: Remote work / home-based.

Home-based, though generally expected to overlap with WHO Headquarters Core Hours (9:00-16:00, Central European Standard Time) with strong internet connectivity in order to participate in web-based meetings, as needed.

Travel

No travel is expected.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Pay band level B - USD 7,000 - 9,980 per month

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited): currency and rate

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

6 to 11 months (further extension would be subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and the needs of the Organization)

Expected start date (for first selection from the roster): 01/01/2022

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 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.