Consultant - Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

BACKGROUND

The Western Pacific Regional Action Agenda on Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Health in the Sustainable Development was endorsed by Member States at the 69th session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific (RC69) in October 2020. The action agenda provides guidance to WHO and countries on prioritising action areas, improving processes, and enhancing capacities of stakeholders. Direct support to countries on the strengthening of legal frameworks for health is a key priority for the Health Law and Ethics (HLE) unit.

NCDs and ageing are one of four thematic priorities of the For the Future strategic vision of the WHO Western Pacific Region. To strengthen the NCD agenda, intensified efforts are needed to address three main areas of work: 1) surveillance/data, 2) prevention/upstream, and 3) NCD management. Global and regional action plans and strategies identify a number of upstream interventions, including legal and regulatory measures, to address NCD risk factors and reduce the overall burden of NCDs. For these interventions to be effective and have an impact on health outcomes, they need to be prioritised, developed and implemented at a country level. To assist countries to advance these interventions and overcome challenges associated with them, it is important to ensure provision of appropriate and sustainable support in strengthening their legal and regulatory capacities in NCD prevention and control.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The general purpose of this consultancy is to support the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in assisting Member States to strengthen their legal frameworks relating to NCDs towards achieving health in the Sustainable Development Goals. The consultant will support the HLE Unit and technical programmes within the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations in providing technical support to countries to develop and implement legal and regulatory measures to address NCD risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT and METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Under the supervision of the Health Law and Ethics unit and in collaboration with relevant colleagues in the Division of Healthy Populations, the consultant will perform the following.

Output 1: Develop technical guidance on legal and regulatory actions to address NCD risk factors

Deliverable 1.1: Develop content for an online Health Law Tool outlining legal measures to implement fiscal policies to address NCD risk factors.

Deliverable 1.2: Provide technical input to content for online Health Law Tool legal measures to implement regulatory policies to address NCD risk factors.

Deliverable 1.3: Map regulatory models for NCD risk factors in the region to document effective practices for strengthening regulatory systems and capacities to inform further technical support and guidance.

Output 2: Provide technical support to Member States on legal actions to address NCD risk factors

Deliverable 2.1 Provide technical support for programmes in WPRO to support countries in strengthening legal capacity and multisectoral governance in NCD prevention, as appropriate to national context.

Deliverable 2.2: Provide technical support to countries on the development and implementation of legal and regulatory measures to address NCD risk factors.

Deliverable 2.3: Work with WHO Collaborating Centres and other partners to build legal and regulatory capacity for NCDs in the region.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  Postgraduate degree in law or other related areas.

Desirable: Postgraduate degree in health law, public health or equivalent training or experience

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Minimum seven years of experience in health laws related to NCD prevention and control. 

Desirable:

• • Experience in legal and regulatory work on NCD risk factor areas, preferably in the country and international setting.
• • Experience in legal or regulatory strengthening at a country level, preferably in developing setting.
• • Experience in research, academia, civil society or government employment.
• • Experience working in health law and policy across diverse countries and legal systems.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Knowledge in NCD prevention and control, including legal and regulatory measures to address NCD risk factors
• • Ability to communicate effectively to mobilize support for NCDs and law across a diverse group of stakeholders
• • Ability to coordinate with external partners as well as work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• • (Desirable) Access to an established network of health law experts and resources, including relevant WHO Collaborating Centres

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• • Communicating in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results
• • Knowing and managing yourself
• • Fostering integration and teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

DURATION OF CONTRACT: 5 months (starting 26 July 2021)

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 30 June 2021. 

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. 131917 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.