Consultant, Communications for Health (C4H)

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based, strategic communication – that is, using communication principles and processes to reach a particular audience for a specific purpose, based on their needs and preferences – is a powerful tool for changing behaviours and tackling complex health challenges.

To respond to a changing communication landscape and achieve the vision For the Future, WHO and Member States must adapt and improve the way we communicate with communities, health workers and partners. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the importance of strategic communication and increased the urgency of applying C4H principles throughout our work.

To support Member States in advancing C4H, significant work has already been done including a technical meeting of Member States and partners on C4H in 2020 to understand key challenges and opportunities and establish priorities in the Region; trainings with Member States and WHO staff to support skills development; securing additional capacity to implement C4H strategies at Regional and country level; operationalizing C4H in the COVID-19 communication response in the Region; a side event on C4H at the 72nd Regional Committee Meeting (RCM) in October 2021 to further engage Member States on this topic; and a panel discussion on C4H as part of the main agenda at the 73rd RCM in October 2022.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

Drawing on work done and progress achieved thus far, including any lessons identified as well as analyses of future scenarios, COM requires a highly-experienced professional to support WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office with the strategic development and refinement of a draft Regional Action Framework on Communication for Health, to guide scaling up C4H as a tool for improving health outcomes in the Region. They will support and enable this process, including consultation with relevant experts, partners, Member States and key internal stakeholders. They will provide high-level strategic input and integrate feedback from the consultation process in order to finalize documents that are fit for adoption by the Regional Committee and implementation in the years to come.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The expert consultant will work closely with the Communications Unit, Office of the Regional Director, External Relations and Partnerships Unit, communications focal points in country offices around the Region, and other relevant staff in the Regional Office and Headquarters. S/he will also support engagement with and seeking feedback from relevant experts, partner organizations, Member States and key internal stakeholders. S/he will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

Output 1: Lead drafting and revisions of a Regional Action Framework on Communication for Health (C4H)

Deliverable 1.1: Conduct a review of existing literature on C4H, information and/or data on how the approach has been used to improve public health within the WPR.

Deliverable 1.2: Draft a Regional Action Framework on C4H and seek input on this from key internal and external stakeholders, including WHO senior management and communications staff in the Region, experts and key partners in the Region, and representatives of Member States, as per agreed timelines. Make necessary revisions and conduct subsequent rounds of review and redrafting.

Deliverable 1.3: Draft an Executive Summary (1-2 pager), Annexes and other relevant documents including working documents for RCM74.

Deliverable 1.4: Oversee revisions and finalization of the Framework and other relevant documents.

Output 2: Support strategic engagement and consultations with experts, partners and Members States, as part of the Regional Action Framework development process

Deliverable 2.1: Support planning and execution of strategic consultations with experts and key partners in March 2023, and with Member States in April 2023. This must include consideration of political and policy contexts in the Region and reflecting these in the meeting planning and follow up.

Deliverable 2.2: Produce relevant documents for the consultations with experts/partners and Member States.

Deliverable 2.3: Work with relevant partners, including the WHO Collaborating Centre on Evaluation of Communication, to ensure the C4H Framework recommends appropriate actions on measurement, evaluation and learning (MEL).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: A first and an advanced university degree, at least one of which must be in communications, political science or other social sciences, international relations, development studies, public health or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

At least fifteen (15) years of proven experience in the field of communication, government or public affairs, in the health and/or development sector. The consultant must also have:

1. experience of designing, testing, implementing, measuring and evaluating communications interventions to support the achievement of particular outcomes;
2. a strong understanding of the political and policymaking environment and experience of working with governments and partners in countries or areas of the Western Pacific Region; and
3. be a recognized expert in the area of work with a high level of technical expertise and professional credibility.

Desirable:

1. experience of working with WHO, other UN or international organizations; and
2. experience working in countries and areas of the Western Pacific Region.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • A high degree of technical expertise in communication for health;
• • Proven expertise in successful dialogue and diplomatic negotiations with government and other agencies;
• • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including document drafting and presentation skills;
• • Excellent research, analytical, planning and organizing skills; and
• • Ability to work independently to deadlines.

LANGUAGES

Proficient in written and spoken English.

COMPETENCIES

• • Teamwork
• • Communication
• • Producing results
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Knowing and managing yourself

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Place of assignment: Most of the work will be done remotely, on a part-time basis and in several phases, though the consultant will be required to travel to Manila, Philippines, at least once during the assignment.

Duration of contract: 11 months (2 January to 1 December 2023)

SUBMISSIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 2 December 2022

1. Expression of Interest {cover letter} that indicates: how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, and availability to commence the work.
2. Curriculum vitae.

Please use Tender Notice No. 187258 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.