Big data analytics for understanding ageism

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific endorsed adopted the Regional Action Plan on Healthy Ageing in the Western Pacific (RAP) in October 2020 and requested WHO to support countries to prepare for population ageing. The RAP aims to support Member States to improve the health and well-being of older populations in the Region so that healthier older people can thrive and contribute in society. The Plan is guided by a multisectoral, future-oriented and lifelong approach that adopts an equity lens and utilizes existing assets to the extent possible.

The Objective One of the RAP calls for a societal transformation to enable healthy ageing, which requires mitigating negative stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination towards older adults and ageing (ageism). Researching public perceptions around ageing-related policies and practices can be a key step to understand ageism in a given society and inform policies and practices for preventing and reducing ageism as well as promoting health and wellbeing among older adults.

Big data analytics of internet activity is emerging as an increasingly powerful tool for public health and policy, which could be leveraged to explore public views around ageing topics of interest. Big data analytics have the potential to advance the understanding of ageism.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this activity is to develop a methodology harnessing the growing field of big data analytics applied to internet activity data to explore public views around ageing-related policies and practices.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Outputs

Output 1 – Develop a methodology for the analysis of aggregated and anonymized internet activity data to understand the degree of public interest in ageing-related policies and practices. Suggested policy domains of interest include long-term care, work and employment and retirement.

Deliverable 1.1 – Methodological toolkit (documentation), based on a brief overview of big data analytics approaches (including strengths and weaknesses).

Deliverable 1.2 – Monthly discussion calls with WPRO AGE unit on the progress and direction of the methodological toolkit (additional calls to be scheduled as necessary).

Output 2 – Application of the methodological toolkit to at least one Member State to better understand public perceptions around ageing topics as well as the impact of COVID-19 and major policy reforms or events on public perceptions.

Deliverable 2.1 – Summary of findings from the application of the toolkit.

Deliverable 2.2 – Outline of suggested adjustments for the extension of the toolkit to WHO Western Pacific Region’s Member States.

Deliverable 2.3 – Presentation of summary of findings and suggestions at WHO WPRO internal meeting

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Literature search (online database)

Quantitative analysis (including statistical analysis)

Data representation

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  An agency/ organization/ institution/ a company with extensive background in data analysis methods.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Proven experience in application of big data analysis of internet activity data for public health applications.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Advanced understanding of methodologies related to internet activity data analysis for public health.

LANGUAGES

Fluent in written and spoken English and Chinese

COMPETENCIES

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Creativity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• • WHO will review all the proposals and take the best proposal. This role involves regular communication and discussion with the AGE team and opportunities for feedback.
• • Duration of contract is for 3 months starting 8 November 2021
• • Work to be done remotely

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their Company Profile {for institutional applications}, Cover letter and project proposal with cost to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 29 October 2021. 

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

Please use Tender Notice No. 146866 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.