Consultancy on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
BACKGROUND
WHO Western Pacific Region (WPR) countries responded rapidly to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (or COVID-19) and as a result have been able to maintain comparatively low case and mortality rates in relation to COVID-19.
COVID-19 will likely remain with us for the foreseeable future.Countries will need to adopt long term view for response as well as sustaining efforts to deal with on-going health challenges as well as other health emergencies, including influenza.
During the response to COVID-19, valuable lessons have been identified that could benefit the update of influenza pandemic preparedness plans.
PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
This consultancy will support the Influenza Pandemic Preparedness works in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific and/or Country Offices related to preparedness for pandemic influenza.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
Under the supervision of the Technical Officer for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, the consultant will be responsible for providing technical assistance to countries in WPR in updating national pandemic influenza preparedness plans.
Tasks:
- • Document lessons identified from the COVID-19 response to potentially update pandemic influenza preparedness plans.
- • Review influenza preparedness plans of selected countries in WPR and identify areas for improvement and strengthening.
- • Support the on-going COVID-19 response at WPRO and countries with overall pandemic preparedness activities.
- • Conduct other related analyses and participate in technical workgroups as required, including assisting with organization of joint virtual seminars with relevant WPR IMST Pillars.
- • Any other activities related to pandemic preparedness as requested.
METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
- • Scientific literature review including WHO existing guidance, scientific papers, and media;
- • Review of country existing pandemic plans
- • Documenting lessons from COVID-19 response in countries in WPR
Deliverables:
- Review report of lessons from COVID-19 response in countries in WPR
- Review report of influenza preparedness plans of selected countries in WPR and recommend areas for update or revision
- Power point files to be used in the presentations
- Oral presentations delivered to senior management and IMST as required
- End of mission report at the end of consultancy
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Essential: First university degree in medicine, public health or other related sciences from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in medicine, public health, health management or related area.
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- • A minimum of three years of experience in pandemic preparedness planning.
- • Specific experiences in pandemic influenza preparedness planning is an advantage.
- • 2 years of experiences in Monitoring and Evaluation.
Desirable:
- • Knowledge of Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (APSED).
- • Previous experience with WHO or other UN agencies;
- • Previous international experience
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- • Demonstrated track record with strong written communication skills including protocols, literature reviews, report writing, and publications.
- • Ability to work with minimal daily supervision and exercise sound judgment in organizing activities and meeting deadlines.
- • Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills
- • Adhere to and uphold the UN core values.
LANGUAGES
Proficient in written and spoken English.
COMPETENCIES
- • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
- • Moving forward in a changing environment
- • Ensuring the effective use of resources
- • Fostering Integration and team work
- • Communication in a credible and effective way
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- STARTING DATE: 4 January 2021
- DURATION OF CONTRACT: 6 months
APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 25 December 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. 119597 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.