Purpose of consultancy

To contribute to the Salmonella vaccines research and product development activities within WHO headquarter (HQ) through several pieces of work related to acceleration of vaccine development against invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis (iNTS), paratyphoid A and typhoid.

Background

WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) provides leadership on research activities to develop new vaccines or improve existing vaccines against diseases of public health importance and to facilitate their introduction and use. The Vaccine Product & Delivery Research (PDR) Unit of IVB aims to accelerate development and evidence-based use of vaccines against pathogens with significant disease and economic burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These activities are supported by the WHO Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (https://www.who.int/groups/product-development-for-vaccines-advisory-committee). As part of the overall PDR scope of work, several workstreams related to value assessments and acceleration of vaccine development against invasive salmonella infections (iNTS, paratyphoid, typhoid) are defined for which specific activities will be completed under this consultancy contract.

Deliverables

  • Deliverable 1: Contribute to the activities of the pan-Salmonella expert group to advise IVB on Salmonella vaccine-related work (including convening of the expert group and its meetings). Expected by: Through duration of consultancy;
  • Deliverable 2: Develop a manuscript for peer review publication on Landscape analysis of iNTS and LMIC considerations for iNTS vaccines (to be based on WHO expert consultations on iNTS in 2021-2022). Expected by 30 November 2022 (draft by end October 2022);
  • Deliverable 3: Prepare WHO Preferred Product Characteristics (PPC) for bivalent iNTS and trivalent iNTS/TCV vaccines to be based on preliminary considerations from WHO expert consultations on iNTS (2021-2022) and WHO PDVAC meeting(s). Expected by 30 April 2023 (draft by 30 December 2022);
  • Deliverable 4: Contribute to preparing an R&D technology roadmap for bivalent iNTS and trivalent iNTS/TCV vaccines. Expected by 30 July 2023 (draft by 30 March 2023);
  • Deliverable 5: (a) Contribute to the technical review of public health needs, policy signals and incentives and other key considerations for the development and/or introduction of pan-Salmonella combination vaccines. (b) Develop a manuscript for peer-review and publication on policy guidance and incentives influencing past combination vaccine development and introduction and considerations for Salmonella vaccines. Expected by 30 May 2023;
  • Deliverable 6: Contribute to the development of (a) An updated Salmonella vaccine landscape report; (b) Summary report of vaccine developer/manufacturer perspectives on development and sustainable supply of Salmonella combination vaccines. Expected by 30 September 2023.

Additional deliverables in the following areas may be considered for an additional contract subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

  • Development of a value proposition and use case for a vaccine (monovalent or combination) against Paratyphoid A;
  • Contributing to a workshop with key stakeholders (e.g., regulators, WHO, potential vaccine developers, and other policy makers) on clinical/regulatory strategies for the development of a pan-Salmonella combination vaccine, and development of a draft manuscript;
  • Development of a PPC and R&D roadmap to accelerate the development of a vaccine/vaccines against Paratyphoid A or another salmonella-based vaccine combination.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

An advanced university degree (Master's level or above) in Epidemiology, Public Health, Global/International Health.

Desirable:

Training in vaccinology and/or vaccine development courses.

Experience

Essential:

  • Over 10 years of relevant experience working on vaccine value propositions and product development roadmaps.
  • Evidence of scientific writing skills/publications (including roles as a lead author) in immunization and/or vaccine development fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in preparing technical presentations on immunization and/or vaccine development and presenting proficiently to large audiences including government bodies or advisory committees.

Desirable:

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in global/international health across vaccine industry and/or public health/immunization programmes in LMICs.
  • A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience working closely with external partnerships.

Skills/Knowledge:

  • Demonstrated understanding of the conceptual frameworks for the work to be performed.
  • Demonstrated expertise in strategic thinking and developing and implementing projects across large international organizations.
  • Strong writing and communication skills in English.

Languages required:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

Intermediate knowledge of French (or another WHO official language)

Location

Off site: Home based.

Travel

Travel to WHO meetings (e.g., expert consultations) is expected.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level C US$ 10,000-12,500 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 starting October 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
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