Operational Research Consultant
( 2309091 )
Contractual Arrangement : External consultant
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 2 months
Job Posting: Oct 11, 2023, 12:27:06 PM
1. Purpose of consultancy
The main objective of this consultancy is to identify and articulate specific emergency operational research needs; improve access to and the use of research evidence for programme planning and implementation; and create an enabling environment for countries to use operational research findings for programme and policy decision making.
2. Background
The Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) is committed to saving lives, minimizing suffering and providing relief during times of crisis. We work with Member States and partners in the EMR across the emergency management cycle to prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from emergencies due to all hazards that pose a risk to health and wellbeing by:
- Enhancing local capacities for early detection of health emergencies, especially those due to diseases of epidemic and pandemic potential;
- Assessing and address gaps in national preparedness for emergencies, with emphasis on implementation of the International Health Regulations;
- Scaling up country capacities to effectively respond to acute and protracted emergencies through consistent application of emergency management best practices;
- Supporting robust national response to emergencies, through timely and effective deployment of WHO HR, emergency supplies, and technical assistance.
The Health Emergency Programme is seeking the services of a consultant to support and strengthen the uptake of and the regular use of context-specific research evidence to improve programme planning, implementation, decision making in order to enhance emergency management capacities across the region.
3. Work to be performed
The WHE operational research consultant will act as a knowledge broker to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice for Emergency Preparedness, Response, Surveillance, and Information Management. The consultant will work closely with the four EMRO WHE units (CPI, HIM, EMI, IHP) as well the EMR WCO to enhance coordination of research efforts, prevent duplication, and streamline activities within the EMR health emergencies programme.
Proposed TORs include and are prioritised as follows:
- to propose an agenda for emergency operational research in the EMR, with special emphasis on health security, international health regulations, emergency preparedness and response and Health information management.
- To engage regional and global partners, donors and academic institutions with the design of advocacy material and strategy for operational research
This will be done through four sets of activities, in full collaboration with WHE and SID divisions: TOR 1: to propose an agenda for emergency research in the EMR, with special emphasis on health security, international health regulations, emergency preparedness and response
Activity: building consensus on a prioritized agenda for research in the EMR, with special emphasis on health security, IHR, emergency preparedness and response and health information management within FCV countries; organizing working sessions/discussions with EMRO WHE and EMR WCO to ensure an appropriate list of research statements is prepared / ranked / disseminated
Output 1: draft agenda for emergency research priorities in the EMR, with special emphasis on health security, IHR, emergency preparedness and response, based on related information sources, technical programme priorities and outcomes of dialogue with WHE staff on regional and country levels
Output 2: Update, if necessary, the Request for Proposal (RFP) Template for identified research priorities to support the implementation of research projects
TOR 2: To engage regional and global partners, donors and academic institutions with the design of advocacy material and advocacy strategy for operational research.
Activity: adapt the HIM Resource Mobilisation (RM) strategy and logical framework to the operational research for WHE and produce advocacy material to engage partners (e.g., PPT, flyers…)
Output: Support the production of advocacy material for operational research (e.g., social media material, PPT presentations, flyers) guided by the HIM Resource Mobilisation (RM) strategy and logical framework, in collaboration with CRP and SID shared with WHE RED and PAMs
TOR 3 (if time): to map and assess health research capacity of EMR academic institutions, with respect operational research related to emergency preparedness and response
Activity: Conducting a regional survey on health research capacity assessment of lead EMR academic institutions, with special emphasis on operational research related to emergency preparedness and response (EPR)
Output: draft report on research capacity of selected academic institutions on emergency preparedness and response (EPR) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). This report would contain a line list of the main academic institutions with contact points, in addition to information on resources (human, technical, logistic), training facilities, track record in support of EPR operational research, possible collaboration with WHO.
4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Public health, emergency preparedness/response/surveillance or any related area
Experience:
- Essential:
- 5 to 10 years relevant experience conducting independent research, analysis and publishing health related issues in low-income countries
- Documented field-based experience and exposure to fieldwork in low-income countries and/ or vulnerable settings
- Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies and experience applying them in public health context
- Experience of supporting organisational and capacity development of national actors in an international context
- Practical experience of working in support of national partner organisations, establishing and developing partnerships
- Demonstrable experience in Calls for Proposals and managing research grants
- Desirable:
Experience in working in government, UN or health emergency settings
Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:
- Excellent technical writing skills with focus on epidemiological content including track record experience publishing public health / epidemiology papers in peer reviewed publications
- Good communication and interpersonal skills ability to communicate to multiple audiences, including donors and academics
- Demonstrated experience in working in multi partners programmes
- Demonstrated Ability to work in a multicultural team and maintain effective working relationships with recognized experts and stakeholders
- Strong commitment and ability to deliver work on time under tight deadlines
- Strong methodological and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct research, identify and analyze literature relevant to the programme area
- Good planning and organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and work under pressure
- Strong IT skills: MS Word, Excel, PPT presentation software, web search engines
Languages and level required:
o Essential: Expert knowledge of English
o Desirable: French or Arabic
5. Location
Cairo, Egypt
6. Planned timelines (Subject to confirmation)
Start date: 01/11/2023
End date: 31/12/2023
7. Medical clearance
The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
8. Travel
Travel expected in EMR and globally.
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.
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- Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.
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