Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of this STC is to support the setting up, overseeing and expansion of the Pacific Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (P-COSI).
Background
Childhood obesity is a serious concern as it is reaching alarming proportions in the Pacific region. ย Recognizing this, Pacific Heads of Health endorsed the establishment of the Member State-driven Pacific Ending Childhood Obesity (P-ECHO) Network in 2018 and committed to support P-ECHO priorities including physical activity, fiscal measures, and restriction of marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children.
Despite the urgent need to address childhood obesity, there is no sustainable surveillance in the Pacific to routinely measure trends in overweight and obesity among primary schoolchildren. This makes it difficult to accurately understand the epidemic and compare data between countries within the PICs and beyond.
The WHO DPS/PNH, along with partners such as the Pacific Community (SPC), the WHO Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention and Management (C-POND), UNICEF, PIHOA, and research institutions, has initiated establishment of the Pacific Childhood Surveillance Initiative (P-COSI). This surveillance initiative leverages the existing Health Promoting School Monitoring Framework in the Pacific Island Countries, representing the first attempt to standardize childhood obesity surveillance in the Western Pacific Region, supported by various key partners and UN agencies.
Establishing a robust surveillance system to monitor and address childhood obesity is critical to informing evidence-based policies and interventions. The P-COSI aims to create a standardized approach to collecting and analysing data on childhood obesity across select Pacific countries (as first pilot countries) and eventually all PICs will be joined the initiative through stepwise approach.
This project will adapt the successful WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (Euro-COSI) methodology to the Pacific context.
Deliverables
Under the direct supervision of the Team Coordinator, Pacific Non-Communicable Diseases and Heath through Life Course, WHO South Pacific Office, the incumbent (STC) will: ย
1) support the selected pilot countries in implementing the adapted methodology that includes organizing training sessions, stakeholder meetings, data collection, data harmonization, analysis and interpretation;
2) contribute to growing P-COSI network by identifying and engaging potential partners, collaborators, organizations and academic institutions across the region; andย
3) assist in dissemination of pilot results and key learnings, and support the adaption and phased implementation of P-COSI in additional countries.
Output 1. Facilitate Consultations with Key Partners (P-ECHO):
Deliverable 1.1: Organize and facilitate consultations with stakeholders to agree on the P-COSI questionnaires and training plan.
Deliverable 1.2: Present the training plan and collect, harmonize, and integrate feedback through online consultations or emails.
Deliverable 1.3: Facilitate P-COSI pilot information outreach through presentations, concept notes, briefs and reports to additional countries and potential collaborators and support the expansion of P-COSI network.
Deliverable 1.4: Organize and coordinate monthly meetings with key partners of P-ECHO including SPC, C-POND, PIHOA and UNICEF to discuss country-level progress and opportunities for expansion.
Output 2. Review the WHO P-COSI Data Collection Forms from a Pacific Perspective:
Deliverable 2.1: Review the first drafts of the P-COSI data collection forms.
Deliverable 2.2: Adapt the forms to align with regional and country requirements and ensure clarity and usability in the Pacific context.
Output 3. Resource Identification:
Deliverable 3.1: Identify and document the resources (human, financial, and material) needed to effectively implement P-COSI in the selected countries for 2026.
Output 4. Review Training Materials:
Deliverable 4.1: Review existing training guidelines and protocols from WHO European COSI and other Pacific surveys
Deliverable 4.2: Review and finalize P-COSI training materials and guides to prepare examiners for data collection.
Deliverable 4.3: Ensure training materials are practical, accessible, and aligned with the P-COSI methodology.
Deliverable 4.4: Deliver the training to the field workers in 3 countries
Output 5. Prepare and update manuals on data collection procedures, data processing and cleaning:
Deliverable 5.1: Data Collection Procedures: provide step-by-step guidelines for countries to obtain necessary ethics clearance, to train fieldworkers on how to collect data accurately, including instructions on using data collection tools, managing consent, and handling sensitive data in compliance with ethical standards. Review and update after the pilot to incorporate learnings and feedback. Data processing and cleaning: include clear protocols for data entry, coding, and validation processes to ensure data integrity. provide practical guidance on identifying and managing errors, inconsistencies, and missing data. Review and update after the pilot to incorporate learnings and feedback.
Output 6. Deliver training on data collection and validation
Deliverable 6.1: Assist in conducting training sessions for fieldworkers on data collection techniques, including ethical considerations and best practices.
Deliverable 6.2: Assist in providing practical training on data validation and cleaning processes to ensure high-quality data.
Output 7. Data collection, support data analysis and reporting
Deliverable 7.1: Data collection: Support coordination of country-level data collection and prepare periodical reports to monitor quality. Prepare a regional data plan including a data harmonization protocol for consistent data submission across countries. Set up and implement data management structures ensuring alignment of data collection and submission in the countries with the protocols.
Deliverable 7.2: Data analysis and reporting: Oversee country-level data analysis, and support consolidation of datasets/results for regional comparison, analysis and summary reporting
Deliverable 7.3: Dissemination: Prepare detailed report on the pilot roll-out of P-COSI, including preliminary findings, insights and recommendations. Facilitate dissemination of results through presentations at regional network meetings, and relevant forums. Support development of briefs, infographics, and other communication materials to engage stakeholders, inform decision makers, and raise visibility of the initiative.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications: ย ย
Essential: University degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, health science or public health.
Experienceย
Essential: At least 5 -yearsโ experience in working in the international context of obesity with strong track record of recognition and documentation in areas such as public health, surveillance, obesity prevention and control, health promotion, and social determinants of health, both on a national and international scale. ย
Desirable: Experience in drafting research documents and writing reports related to NCDs
Skills/Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate:
Expertise in public health and childhood obesity.
Experience in designing, implementing and analyzing multi-country surveys.
Familiarity with WHO protocols and guidelines, particularly COSI.
Languages
Essential: Expert knowledge of English (Read/Write/Speak)
Desirable: Working knowledge of French is an asset
Locationย
Off site: Home-basedย
Travel
Travel may be required for in-person training for key data collectors within Fiji and Pacific Island Countries (PICs). All travel arrangements will be made by WHO. WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO.WHO is responsible for travel and per diem payments. Visas/Permit requirements: it is the consultantโs responsibility to fulfil visa/permit requirements and ask for visa/permit support letter(s) if needed.
Remuneration and budgetย
Remuneration: Payband level B, USD 7,000 - USD 8,000 (monthly)ย
Duration: 11 months, August 2025 to July 2026
Additional Information:
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