Consultancy: Project Management, Research Team-(2002105)Contractual Arrangement:External consultantContract duration:0:
Job Posting
:May 13, 2020, 8:50:16 AM
Closing Date
:May 27, 2020, 9:59:00 PM
Primary Location
:Philippines-Manila
Organization
:WP/DSI Data, Strategy and Innovation Team
Schedule
:Full-time
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Background
Effective response to the COVID-19 epidemic requires scientific evidence tailored to the local context. The West Africa Ebola virus epidemic (2013–2016) is a key example of how understanding the epidemiological models of disease spread alone is not sufficient to effectively and efficiently respond to an epidemic. High risk behaviours linked to adherence to ancestral funeral and burial practices are thought to have accounted for as much as 80% of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone as of November 2015 (WHO, 2015), demonstrating the importance of understanding social and economic determinants of health at the local context. A better understanding of local factors along with universal human behaviour more broadly is necessary to ensure interventions for COVID-19 are effective in the local context, and to mitigate possible negative impact to communities and individuals. Further, research can support more effective engagement and empowerment of communities, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.
In addition, rapid operational research is needed to help health systems respond effectively during the ongoing pandemic. With the potential for multiple waves there are valuable lessons to be learnt from the organisation and management of health systems that could be used to continually improve the management and care of patients in subsequent waves of infection. Some of the key questions include at what stage should health care facilities reorganise their patient flows and service delivery models? If resources are limited what are the necessary actions that enable a health system to cope with surges in demand? What is the most effective way to manage essential services to prevent a surge in non-COVID mortality and morbidity?
While evidence sharing is critical for epidemic response, a lot of the evidence related to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) and health systems will inevitably be context-specific. Countries should be empowered to prioritize research and be supported in carrying out rapid and ethical research. In addition to supporting the undertaking of research, establishing and maintaining a rapid feedback loop is essential to facilitate the early and effective adoption of relevant findings.
Purpose/Specific Objective of the Activity
To ensure countries are enabled to carry out non-pharmaceutical implementation research in areas critical to the COVID-19 response with the aim of augmenting evidence for revising and directing response activities.
Method(s) to carry out the activity
Output 1:Project management of the COVID research work
Deliverables
•Finalise the work plan for a 12-month period, including work break down, structure, scope and deliverables.
•Execute the project according to the project plan.
•Develop forms and records to document project activities.
•Set up files to ensure that all project information is appropriately documented and secured.
•Identify key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.
•Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project.
•Review the quality of the work completed with the project team on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the project standards.
•Track the dissemination of funds and outputs from the informal expert groups.
Output 2:Managing the secretariat function for the NPI and health systems research informal expert groups
Deliverables
•Oversee day-to-day management of the expert groups.
•Oversee development of the agenda.
•Preparation of the funding proposals from research institutes for discussion in the group.
•Organization of and follow up on ongoing feedback from funded institutes to the informal expert groups.
Output 3:Development of the funding request process
Deliverables
•Management of the outreach to research institutes in the Region.
•Design and development of the funding application process.
•Management of the funding application process.
•Implement seed funding in at least four countries in the Western Pacific Region.
•Develop and design the reporting matrix for feedback on seed funding.
Output 4:Coordinating the research collaboration across the Region
Deliverables
•Work with the informal expert group to identify research institutes that can support countries to carry out priority research.
•Facilitate collaboration.
Output 5: Ensure that the research meets organizational standards and is rapidly disseminated
Deliverables
•Oversee the development of standardised methodologies for use across different contexts.
•Work with the ethics focal point in WPRO to ensure that all research adheres to WHO standards.
•Organize rapid dissemination of research information (including preliminary findings) through short reports, presentations and webinars.
•Establish and coordinate rapid feedback loop to support countries in early adoption of relevant findings.
Education/Qualifications
Master's degree in public health, business management or other relevant degree.
Desirable: PhD in public health, medical sciences and/or relevant field.
Experience
At least seven years’ experience in positions in public health and/or health research including some experience within an international context. Experience in conducting qualitative research in a variety of cultural contexts. Experience in project management and coordination. Experience in grant writing.
Skills
Excellent in report writing and data analysis. Good knowledge of the dynamics of the international public health work. Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through a variety of media. Excellent communication skills (oral and written). Ability to work effectively and deliver outputs in a timely manner.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage
Additional information:
WHO will review all the proposals and take the best proposal, based on the prevailing industry rates
Competencies
•Producing results
•Communication
•Moving forward in a changing environment
•Fostering integration and teamwork
•Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
