APW: Development of a short and concise 10-15-page position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific region

BACKGROUND

Men in the Western Pacific region (WPR) are living healthier and longer lives than ever before. Further, compared to women in many societies across the Region, they are enjoying more opportunities, privileges and power. For instance, labour force participation rates for men aged 15 and above are consistently higher than for women in every country of the region, and men’s average earnings can be up to four times higher than those of women (even within the same sector or for similar work). In many countries, men experience a significantly higher literacy rates than women (12% higher in certain countries), are disproportionately represented in national parliaments, and are often more likely than women to be in decision-making positions at the community level[i]. At the same time, however, men’s healthy life expectancy (HALE) varies between countries by up to 18 years[ii], and within country differences between men from different socioeconomic group remain large[iii]. Further, comparing health between genders, seven out of ten people living with HIV in WPR are male; and TB incidence rate is more than twice that of women in majority of countries[iv]. Furthermore, men are at a 16% increased risk of committing suicide than women; they are up to five times more at risk than women to die in road traffic crashes;  they are 10 times more likely to die from unintentional poisoning and from suicide[v]; and finally they are eight times more likely to die as a result of homicide[vi].

To support WHO Member States and WHO country offices in developing specific strategies to effectively identify and reach men with health, a position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific Region will be developed. An external consultant will be hired to complete this task.

Specifically, the purpose of this document is to present the arguments for why men’s health now in the WPR and provide concrete and practical recommendations for ways forward. Among other things, the document should highlight the epidemiological, socio-economic and political opportunities and challenges facing men’s health today. It should also position men’s health in the context of COVID-19, explaining how the pandemic has impacted men’s health and vice versa. And finally, but perhaps most importantly, the document should position Men’s Health around WPRO’s For the Future Strategy.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To this end, WPRO is seeking a consultant to the support in in the development of a short and concise 10-15-page position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific Region.

WORK TO BE PERFORMED

• • Develop and present a slide-deck with proposed work plan with an accompanying timeline; structure and outline of position paper;
• • Upon approval of the workplan, collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative information to develop a brief (10-15 pages) position paper on Men’s health in the Western Pacific region;
• • Based on findings, develop a draft position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific Region and submit to SDH/VIP team and the Healthy Ageing team for their feedback;
• • Based on feedback, revise and finalize draft position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific Region;
• • Participate regularly in virtual meetings with regional WHO GER team to report on progress.

Method(s) to carry out the activity:

Output 1: Slide deck presenting proposed work plan with an accompanying timeline; structure and outline of the position paper.

Deliverable 1.1

• • Develop a slide deck with proposed work plan with an accompanying timeline; structure and outline of position paper;
• • Present slide-deck to WHO SDH/VIP team for their feedback.

Output 2: A short and concise 10-15-page draft position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific Region.

Deliverable 2.1

• • Upon approval of the proposed work plan, timeline, structure and outline of position paper, conduct a virtual scoping review of both quantitative and qualitative information and data to develop a draft Position Paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific region;
• • Based on findings, develop and submit a draft Position Paper to the regional WHO SDH/VIP for their input and feedback.

Output 3: A final 10-15-page position paper on Men’s Health in the Western Pacific Region

Deliverable 3.1

• • Based on input and feedback on draft paper, revise and finalize the Position Paper and submit to SDH/VIP team for their approval.

Kindly refer to the attached Terms of Reference (page 2) for the detailed, expected Outputs/Deliverables for this project.

• Planned project timeline
• Contract start date: 7 Oct 2021
• Contract end date: 15 Dec 2021 (2.25 months)

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Candidates must possess at least a Master’s Degree in Public Health, or a Master’s Degree in a related field such as Social Work.Additional education is an asset.

Experience:

• • At least 7 years of practical experience working in public health or in a related field such as men’s health, broader gender field, SDH, health equity and/or community engagement.
• • Ample experience of collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data and evidence, summarizing results into a report.
• • Experience of having worked in multicultural and multidisciplinary settings, preferably within the United Nations System.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

A thorough knowledge of practical approaches to promote men’s health, gender equality, SDH and health equity, as well as of community engagement strategies. Familiar with men’s health, gender, SDH and health equity related issues within the Western Pacific region. Excellent writing and communication skills. Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations (UN system, donors, nongovernmental organizations).

Language requirements:

Good spoken and written English.

Competencies:

• • Producing results - Produces and delivers quality results. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving results.
• • Moving forward in a changing environment - Is open to and proposes new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change.
• • Fostering integration and teamwork - Develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Deals constructively with conflict.

Functional skills and knowledge:

• • Ability to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data and evidence.
• • Ability to present and describe findings and summarize results in written reports and presentations.
• • Ability to work independently and deliver high quality work on time.
• • Computer proficiency in Outlook, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Place of assignment

The consultant will undertake the work in their own workplace/country of residence, but is expected to regularly communicate with regional WHO SDH/VIP team (by video conference/teleconference or similar).

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists (individual contractor) should submit their CV and cover letter with proposed cost and timeline to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 24 September 2021 (1700 GMT+8 Manila time)

Please use Tender Notice No. 144695 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.