IHR Training and Learning, P4, Consultant

1. Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity:

The consultant will provide technical expertise in facilitating IHR knowledge exchange and IHR learning amongst National IHR Focal Points, relevant IHR stakeholders in different settings with particular emphasis on professionals in Fragile, Conflict and Violence affected countries.

1. Purpose of the post

Strengthening the National Focal Points (NFPs) for the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) is one of the recommendations issued by the Review Committees Second Extensions for establishing national public health capacities and on IHR implementation1 2 Similar recommendations were identified in the Interim progress report of the Review Committee on the functioning of the IHR during the COVID-19 Response3, more recently in the IHR Review Committee final report and reaffirmed in the IOAC Report.

The reports from the Review Committees revealed that NFPs lack authority, capacity, training and resources to effectively carry out their functions. In particular, recommendations include the need “for providing a national legal framework to ensure implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) and public health control measures; introducing a mechanism to foster whole-of-government accountability; strengthening risk assessment, monitoring and data reporting and information-sharing; empowering the role of national focal points".

Under the draft five-year global strategic plan to improve public health preparedness and response, 2018-20234, the functioning of the NFPs will be strengthened. Through the provision of technical guidance, standard operating procedures, training, information sharing and lessons-learned activities. The same recommendations were reiterated in the Strengthening preparedness for health emergencies: implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005)5.

In its final report issued April 2021, the IHR Review Committee confirmed that “WHO should continue working with States Parties to strengthen capacities of NFPs, including through regular and targeted training and workshops, especially at national and regional levels”.

WHO will support the capacity enhancement of National IHR Focal Points and IHR stakeholders, particularly professionals from Fragile Conflict and Violence affected countries responsible for the implementation and operationalization of the IHR to better equip them to prevent, protect, control and respond to public health events. The consultant will provide technical expertise in facilitating IHR knowledge exchange and IHR learning amongst National IHR Focal Points, relevant IHR stakeholders in different settings with particular emphasis on professionals in Fragile, Conflict and Violence affected countries.

1. Description of duties

• Deliverable 1 Contribute to the finalization and implementation of the NFP and IHR Competency Frameworks
  • Activity 1: Support and provide feedback in the pilot testing of NFP and IHR Competency Frameworks in different contexts, particularly in FCV affected countries in AFRO
  • Activity 2: Based on the NFP and IHR CF, continuously map learning resources that correspond to the NFP/IHR competencies and identify learning resources for development
  • Activity 3: Develop SOP to support the achievement of NFP/IHR competencies in countries, particularly in FCV affected countries

• Deliverable 2 Facilitate knowledge and experience sharing, including consultation amongst NFPs and IHR stakeholders through the AFRO NFP Knowledge Network
  • Activity 1: Facilitate interactions amongst NFPs and IHR stakeholders on the latest recommendations, studies and findings (IHR Needs Assessment
  • Report conducted in 2019, the needs of FCV countries, IHR Review Committee and IOAC) and WHO guidelines
  • Activity 2: Together with technical colleagues, facilitate webinars, training sessions, discussions and other activities on subjects of relevance to NFPs and IHR stakeholders with due consideration on the most appropriate methodologies that will ensure participation of members in poor-connectivity settings (FCVs and low-resource settings)
  • Activity 3: Facilitate regular evaluation of the values created from the AFRO NFP Knowledge Network interactions

• Deliverable 3 Support the implementation of the IHR Country Learning Package in FCV affected countries in humanitarian settings in general
  • Activity 1: Contribute to the finalization of the strategy and implementation guide to implement the International Health Regulations Country Learning Package (IHR CLP) in humanitarian settings (HS)
  • Activity 2: Support the pilot testing of the IHR CLP in FCV settings in AFRO and document lessons learned and recommendations for improvement
  • Activity 3: Contribute to the development of individual learning pathways for IHR Learning (capacities) in different settings

• Deliverable 4 Support the implementation of the training activities under the PROSE Flagship Project
  • Activity 1: support implementation of preparedness (EMP) training activities in target countries
  • Activity 2: support implementation of other capacity building activities related to IHR and IHRMEF
  • Activity 3: collaborate harmonize activities with the others projects.
• Other duties as assigned

1. Recruitment profile

Functional Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and implement activities based on the inputs from several sources
• Capacity to work in a team, to manage projects for specific target audiences from start to end with a confirmed capacity to deliver concrete products based on tight timelines
• Strong knowledge (and experience) in virtual space management, knowledge networks/ communities of practice.
• Strong analytical, research and writing abilities

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (master's) in social and behavioural sciences, public health, knowledge management, medicine, communications, digital learning, international relations, organizational management, or another related field.

Desirable: Political sciences, instructional design, design thinking, gender, equity and human rights

Experiences

Essential:

At least 7 years of experience in public health Emergency Preparedness and Response in Africa with 2 years’ experience in managing knowledge networks and Community of Practice.

Expert knowledge of IHR and IHRMEF implementation at country level; Advanced knowledge of the global health security.

Desirable:

• Experience in managing knowledge networks in FCV and humanitarian settings
• Experience of IHRNFP is an advantage

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

Fluent in English or French and working knowledge of the other

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

• Excellent and demonstrated writing, oral presentation and communication skills
• Ability to convey complex information in an understandable way.
• Extensive knowledge of various teaching methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Capable of working under high pressure and tight time constraints
• Focussed on quality with attention to details
• Analysis and troubleshooting skills, with aptitude and sound judgement for creative problem solving
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook