Consultant - Access to hearing aids in LMICs

Purpose of consultancy

To contribute to the work of WHO’s initiative to improve access to hearing aids in LMICs through:

• Undertaking a review of literature to study current models of hearing aid service provision
• Review literature to assess suitability of pre-programmed hearing aids
• Outline models of hearing aid service delivery in LMICs based on evidence and the inputs of the technical working group
• Prepare a plan for field testing the service delivery models
• Compile the outcome of field testing and revise the models
• Draft the document, circulate for expert review, revise and finalize

Background

Prevention of deafness and hearing loss and promotion of ear and hearing care was highlighted in 2015 and a resolution (WHA70.13) was unanimously adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2017. This resolution calls upon WHO to support Member States in improving access to hearing care services especially hearing devices such as hearing aids.

Over the last few years WHO has developed the Preferred Profile of Hearing Aids for Low- and Middle-income Countries. It has also collaborated with external partners in a market shaping exercise to improve access to hearing aids. It is not proposed to carry forward this work through the development of service delivery models that aim to improve access to hearing aids within communities and are suitable for implementation in resource-limited settings.

The development of these models will be undertaken in close collaboration with experts in the field of audiology, acoustic and communication; regional and country office staff; and other partners (such as the World Hearing Forum).

Deliverables

Output 1: Summary of literature reviews on service delivery models for hearing aids’ provision in LMICs, and suitability of programmable hearing aids

• Activity 1.1: Undertake desk-based literature surveys as per topics mentioned above- Expected by 31 July 2022
• Activity 1.2: Prepare a summary for presentation to the technical working group- Expected by 15 August 2022
• Activity 1.3: Prepare a publication for peer-reviewed literature- Expected by 30 November 2022

Output 2: Draft service delivery models and field test plan

• Activity 2.1: Conduct stakeholder interviews as per list of identified stakeholders- Expected by 30 November 2022
• Activity 2.2: In consultation with experts outline the service delivery models- Expected by 31 January 2023
• Activity 2.2: Prepare the plan for field testing of the models- Expected by 31 January 2023
• Activity 2.3: Evaluate the field test results and feedback- Expected by 15 April 2023

Output 3: Draft the final report on service delivery models for hearing aid provision

• Activity 3.1: Draft the report and obtain feedback from technical working group Expected by 31 March 2023
• Activity 3.2: Revise the report based on feedback and finalize draft Expected by 15 May 2023

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

Advanced University degree in audiology or related fields

Desirable:

Additional qualification in otolaryngology or public health

Experience

Essential:

• Over ten-years’ experience of working in clinical hearing care provision within an academic setting
• At least five years’ experience of working with national government on hearing care policy

Desirable:

Experience in writing and reviewing policy documents

Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Organizational and interpersonal skills

Languages required:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English

Desirable:

Intermediate or expert knowledge in Spanish/French

Location

Off-site: Home-based.

Travel

Travel to Geneva, Switzerland for purpose of participating in expert meeting and preparing report.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level C: US$ 500-625 per day

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

N/A

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

11 months (6 days per month) from 15 June 2022 to 15 May 2023

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