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Consultant – EPI-WIN and Science Translation for Public Health Emergencies

Anywhere

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Anywhere
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Translations and Languages
    • Emergency Aid and Response
    • Scientist and Researcher
    • Malaria, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases
  • Closing Date: Closed

Purpose of consultancy

The consultant will contribute to the establishment of an EPI-WIN Science Translation Network for Public Health Emergencies.

Background

A vital element of public health emergencies is the need to translate the emerging science into effective messages, recommendations and actions that are easily comprehensible, accessible and relevant to different audiences, and the COVID-19 pandemic experience has underscored this need. An ongoing dialogue between researchers, the public, the media, the health workforce and decision-makers is crucial to increase understanding, trust and engagement in science, and on public health measures based on such science. This is particularly relevant as the COVID-19 has transformed the scientific communication environment, with scientific work being presented through pre-prints and social media.

Science translation requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary community including actors from research, media, policy and practice to ensure the pandemic communication addresses the needs and concerns and meets the background knowledge of all relevant stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how much science and evidence-based public health measures can affect people’s lives. A Science Translation Network as part of the WHO Epidemic Information Network (EPI-WIN) involving all relevant stakeholders can facilitate dialogue amongst these communities and strengthen preparedness for the next pandemic.

Deliverables

Outcome 1: Contribute to the establishment of an EPI-WIN Science Translation Network for Public Health Emergencies: (By December 2022)

  • Map and engage global stakeholders for Science Translation in Public Health Emergencies (by 1 July 2022)
  • Coordinate and facilitate science translation dialogues (by 1 November)
  • Coordinate co-development of communication and advocacy material on science translation (By April 2023)
  • Facilitate the monitoring and evaluation and documenting impact

Outcome 2 : Strengthen communication of the science behind key issues and decisions around COVID-19, influenza (at least 1 per month from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023)

  • Develop communication material and for a to explain science behind key issues, with innovative communication methods
  • Monitor and document the impact of the communication

Outcome 3: Develop policy packages for COVID-19 and influenza based on burden of disease estimates by 30 September 2022

  • Research scientific evidence and provide summaries
  • Develop communication material for package

Outcome 4: Contribute to the development of field manuals to strengthen science translation (By 31 December 2022)

  • Coordinate with experts and partners to develop field manuals for strengthening skills science translation for different stakeholders

Outcome 5: Monitor the impact of science translation

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

Advanced university degree in public health, life sciences or social sciences.

Desirable:

Certification in science/health communication or project management.

Experience

Essential:

  • At least five years’ experience of health/ science communication, community engagement, health policy/research or policy-advocacy related to public health
  • At least one year working in public health emergencies such as epidemics and pandemics
  • At least two years working in an international organization
  • Experience of establishing/managing community networks and communities of practice

Desirable:

  • Experience in organizing and facilitating events
  • Publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal

Skills/Knowledge:

  • Demonstrated understanding of scientific processes
  • Good project management skills
  • Excellent writing skills (especially for publications, reports, and proposals)
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively and good inter-personal skills
  • Ability to work well in teams and work independently.

Languages required:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English

Location

Off site: Home based .

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to HQ and to other places

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Pay Band B - $7000 – 9980 per month

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

N/A

Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year):

11 months

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
This vacancy is now closed.
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