Consultant - Innovation and Research

Purpose of consultancy  The Innovation and Research Unit (INR) under the Data, Strategy and Innovations (DSI) group at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is seeking a consultant to provide technical support for the research and innovation functions of the unit on a part-time basis.

Background   The Data, Strategy and Innovation (DSI) Group was set up in 2019 in the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) with a focus to support Member States to harness the power of data, digital technology, science and innovation; and accelerate health systems transformation and futureproofing towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC).    The INR team aims to leverage advances in technology and progress in social innovation to promote health equity in the Western Pacific Region. This goal is achieved by employing various methodologies to enhance the adoption of evidence-based solutions, using sandboxing and experimentation to discover new approaches for problem-solving, and facilitating regional networks to provide resources and expertise to Member States. This support helps in building local capacity for finding innovative solutions to chronic problems.  In 2023, the Regional Health Innovation Strategy for the Western Pacific was endorsed at the 74th session of the Regional Committee Meeting. Starting this year, a series of activities have been planned to implement the Strategy in key areas of action, including strengthening governance and financing, developing innovation capacity, and evaluation of health innovation. Activities included in this Terms of Reference are intended to support countries in developing project-based innovation capacity.

Deliverables Output 1: Engage stakeholders, identify entry points for an innovation sand box in selected Member States. Deliverable 1.1: Stakeholder engagement completed with at least 1 Member State to raise awareness on the principles of innovation sandbox.  Deliverable 1.2: One identified entry point utilized to create innovation sandbox innovation in one member state.  Output 2: Develop a proposal for further scaling up the innovation sandbox and share with funding agencies.  Deliverable 2.1: Funding agencies with interest in the proposed innovation sandbox identified  Deliverable 2.2: Grant proposals on research and innovation capacity building developed and disseminated for funding consideration Output 3: Develop the outline for a case study based on the innovation sandbox. Deliverable 3.1: Outline for the case study on the innovation sandbox developed.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications   Essential: First university degree in social science or public health from a recognized institution  Desirable: Advanced university degree in social science, public health or epidemiology 

Experience   Essential:

Skills/Knowledge: Essential:

Languages and level required : Expert knowledge of English 

Location Off site: Home-based

Travel The consultant is expected to travel to Member States for stakeholder engagement.

Remuneration and budget : Remuneration: Band level B: USD 350/day  FTE: 50 days over the five-month period (50%) Expected duration of contract: 5 months, 13 May to 19 September 2024  Additional Information: • This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. • A written test may be used as a form of screening. • If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. 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