Consultant - Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP)

BACKGROUND

Funding support through the PIP Framework over the past 10 years has been instrumental in building core capacities for preparedness and response in the region. Activities implemented under the six outputs, including Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) have helped enhanced awareness and practice of preventive measures for influenza and other respiratory diseases including COVID-19.

A key lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies, including the H1N1 pandemic, is the need of trusted, clear and accessible information to protect individuals and communities. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how the spread of rumours and misinformation, amplified on social media and other digital platforms, proved to be as much a threat to global public health as the virus itself.

The strategic use of digital platforms, social media and dark social channels are important opportunities to keep people safe, informed and connected. However, the same tools also enable and amplify the current infodemic that continues to undermine the global response and jeopardizes measures to control the pandemic.

Rumours and mis-/disinformation has demonstrated the need of coordination and cooperation between WHO, Member States and institutions (e.g. social media companies) to ensure consistency of messages and coherence of response efforts.

This consultancy will aim to enhance the strategic use digital channels to improve influenza preparedness through the development of tools and resources, implementing capacity building initiatives and providing mentorship/ tailored support to WHO country offices and Member States.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This consultancy will aim to strengthen the strategic use of digital platforms and develop and implement capacity building initiatives throughout the Western Pacific Region, with a focus for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework recipient countries. These initiatives will aim to assist with further understanding and leveraging of the role of digital platforms for risk communication and its potential in promoting health messages and behaviours and in engaging with communities to prepare for future influenza pandemics and public health emergencies.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Under the overall guidance of Regional Emergency Director (RED), technical guidance by the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Technical Officer and in close liaison with the Technical Officer, Risk Communications, the consultant will be responsible for the following:

Output 1: Enhance capacity for managing mis/disinformation and reinforce effective and responsible communication through digital platforms 

Deliverable 1.1: Support planning and implementation of the SocialNet trainings to prepare for future influenza pandemic, with focus on PIP countries.

Deliverable 1.2: Develop and implement capacity building initiatives for ethical and effective use of digital platforms.

Deliverable 1.3: Design and implement capacity building initiatives for infodemic management (IM) to reinforce current strategies for identifying and addressing mis- and disinformation.

Deliverable 1.4: Collaborate with WHO Collaborating Centre for Evaluation of Communication to develop mechanisms to reinforce effective and responsible communication through digital platforms.

Output 2: Develop tools and resources for WPRO, WHO country offices and Member States to prevent and respond to rumours and misinformation through digital platforms

Deliverable 2.1: Develop tools and resources to enhance strategic use of digital platforms, including dark social channels for internal and external communication on influenza.

Deliverable 2.2: Develop and implement a campaign to boost digital literacy to promote community protection against mis- and disinformation for influenza and other respiratory threats (e.g. COVID-19)

Deliverable 2.3: Provide technical support to MOHs and partners to develop guidance on the use and monitoring of digital media and dark social communications for influenza and other public health emergencies 

Other Deliverables:

• • Progress report (monthly); and
• • Technical report at the end of consultancy.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: University degree in Communications, Social and Behavioural Science, Public Health, Data Science or a related field. An advanced degree in the above-mentioned studies is an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Minimum of five years’ experience working in strategic communications capacity building. Experience in risk communications, digital communications, social media analysis and behavioural and/or social sciences.

Desirable: The consultant should have experience of working with international organizations and the UN system. Experience with WHO is preferred. Experience of working in the Western Pacific region is an advantage.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Expert knowledge in strategic communication principles and practice.
• • Skills in data analysis, and monitoring and evaluation of dark social channels
• • Ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesise and provide recommendations
• • Ability to work in a team, adapt to diverse cultural environments
• • Maintains a high standard of personal conduct

LANGUAGES

Proficient in written and spoken English.

COMPETENCIES

• • Teamwork
• • Communication
• • Producing results
• • Ensuring effective use of resources
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The consultancy will initially be carried out remotely during WPRO working hours (Manila time) with possible duty travel to the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines.

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Duration of contract is for 6 months (3 January to 30 June 2023)

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 1 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. 187326 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.