Consultant for Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (PND)

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death and disability in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) and are a major threat to development. The four main NCDs - cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes, were responsible for 86% of all deaths and 74.4% of premature deaths in 2016. The NCD epidemic affects all countries, but low- and middle-income countries suffer a heavier impact due to limited resources to prevent, diagnose and treat these diseases.

To address the increasing NCD burden and reduce premature deaths from these diseases, WHO developed the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020 (NCD-GAP) and the Western Pacific Regional Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2014-2020 (NCD RAP). Some countries have made progress on actions recommended in these plans, but implementation has been varied and slow in others. There are concerns that many low-middle income countries will not meet Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, a relative reduction in premature mortality by a third in 2030, if measures to accelerate progress are not applied soon.

A regional vision paper ‘For the Future: Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region’ was endorsed at the 70th RCM. The document presents “NCDs and ageing” as one of the four thematic priorities of the Region and articulates calls from Member States for a new approach in addressing NCDs. It delineates three related areas of NCD work where systematic, strategic and systems approaches to accelerate progress in the Region will need to be defined: (1) surveillance; (2) upstream determinants; and, (3) individual services.

To better define these approaches, WPRO plans to convene a Technical Advisory Group on NCDs (NCD TAG) in 2021, preceded by a Preliminary Meeting of the TAG (Pre-TAG) in June 2020. The NCD TAG/PRE-TAG will involve experts from sectors outside of health to better tackle the complexities of the NCD problem. The Pre-TAG meeting will take stock of findings and recommendations from an NCD-GAP mid-point evaluation and align NCD prevention and control interventions with upcoming regional guidance being developed for NCD Management, Healthy Ageing, Primary Health Care and other related material.

The PND unit would like to recruit one short-term consultant to support the preparations, conduct, documentation and follow-up activities of the Pre-TAG meeting.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

Under the direct supervision of the acting Team Lead of the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (PND) Unit, Division of Healthy Environments and Populations (DHP), and in cooperation with staff and other consultants, the consultant will provide technical assistance on activities listed below. This will involve work across programmes within WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific Office.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Provision of support to the technical work related to the preparations for the Pre-TAG and TAG meetings
• • Support the development of communication strategies, activities and materials for the Pre-TAG and TAG meetings
• • Technical support to other activities that may be pertinent to these terms of reference

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Output 1: Provide technical and coordination support during preparations for the Pre-TAG meeting

• • Deliverable 1.1: Pre-TAG meeting Programme
• • Deliverable 1.2: Documents/presentations/other materials used in the Pre-TAG meeting

Output 2: Provide technical support in the conduct and documentation of the Pre-TAG meeting;

• • Deliverable 2.1:       Draft of Pre-TAG meeting report

Output 3: Provide technical and coordination support to implement recommendations of the Pre-TAG, including preparations for the TAG meeting in 2021

• • Deliverable 3.1: Planning document for the TAG meeting
• • Deliverable 3.2: Draft of TAG meeting Programme

Output 4: Support other related activities in the PND unit that may be pertinent to this TOR

• • Deliverable 4.1: Participation in regular meetings of the unit and division
• • Deliverable 4.2: Monthly progress report summarizing status of deliverables listed above

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

University degree in a public health-related field from a recognized university; postgraduate degree in public health-related field from a recognized university is highly desirable

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of three years of work experience in public health, NCD prevention and control, cancer control or a related field

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Proficient in standard MS Office software applications; presentation skills; report writing; data analysis software (e.g., Stata)

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English (Read – Write – Speak / "Expert" level)

COMPETENCIES

• • Teamwork
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their Curriculum Vitae and Expression of Interest (cover letter) to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at <wproungm@who.int> by 20 March 2020.

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 105050 as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.