Purpose of the post
To support the Secretariat of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (Task Force) in implementing the second phase of the WHO-UNDP Global Joint Programme: Catalyzing Multi-sectoral Action for Non- communicable Diseases (WHO-UNDP Joint Programme). The consultant will provide coordination and support for inception and future digital health investment cases that will systematically categorize and highlight efficiency and cost-efficiency of various digital health interventions, with particular focus on non-communicable disease and mental health This will also include coordination thorough drafting of specific the investment case reports and organization of multi-sectoral (on-line) forums in the project relevant countries. The consultant will also provide support for ongoing NCD and mental health investment cases.
Background
The Task Force was established in 2013 by the UN Secretary-General to provide support to Member States in scaling up action on NCDs. In 2016, the Task Force’s scope of work was expanded to include the NCD-related SDGs such as mental health and the environmental determinants of NCDs. The Task Force has developed a series of Global Joint Programmes to provide catalytic support to countries, including the WHO-UNDP Joint Programme to catalyze multi-sectoral action at the country level (WHO-UNDP Joint Programme). In 2017, the Russian Federation provided financial support for the WHO-UNDP Joint Programme. This support enabled the Task Force to undertake 11 NCD investment cases during 2018-2019. In addition to the investment case report, each investment case includes an in-country mission to collect data and secure buy-in from relevant stakeholders, followed by a multi-stakeholder forum in the country to present the results and advocate for the recommended policy and clinical measures.
The second phase of the WHO-UNDP Joint Programme started in 2020. It includes undertaking NCD investment cases in more countries, undertaking a first wave of mental health investment cases and developing health tax-specific investment case methodology. In addition, this phase enables WHO, UNDP and others to support governments drive forward the recommendations of the investment cases, in particular through regulatory, legislative and fiscal measures. This phase also includes activities to disseminate the results at country, regional and global levels.
Work to be performed:
Coordinate the development of digital health investment cases and digital health interventions modules for national investment cases.
- Support the inception and planning of investment cases that will systematically categorize and highlight efficiency and cost-efficiency of various digital health interventions, with particular focus on non-communicable disease and mental health. This will also incorporate support for the economic methodology for digital health interventions modules for national investment cases and training of health economists and digital health specialists.
- Support the development of investment case reports that outlines a clear, compelling, and evidence-based theory of change focusing on the ways in which digital solutions may contribute to advancing NCDs, mental health and UHC and achieving the highest attainable standard of health for disadvantaged and vulnerable.
- Support preparation of investment case-related advocacy products, i.e. infographics, presentations, web stories, op-eds, etc.
- Support organization of multi-sectoral forums and launch events in countries where investment cases are being developed, including liaising with WHO Country/Regional Offices to agree on appropriate lists of participants, agendas and development of background documents and presentations for these meetings.
Support development of NCD and mental health investment cases
- Support finalization of investment case reports – drafting specific sections of reports, ensuring they are in line with previous reports.
- Support preparation of investment case-related advocacy products, i.e. infographics, presentations, web stories, video visualizations, etc.
- Support preparations of multi-sectoral forums and launch events in countries where investment cases are being developed.
- Liaise with WHO Country/Regional Offices to agree on appropriate lists of participants and agendas for these meetings.
- Support development of background documents and presentations for these meetings.
The expected start is October 2022. The contractual parties will be remunerated at a rate that is commensurate with their experience.
Qualifications and Experiences required
- University degree in global health, international relations, political science or a related field;
- At least 4 years of administrative professional experience;
- Demonstrated experience with writing policy briefs and policy reports;
- Experience with organizing multi-stakeholder meetings would be an asset;
- An understanding of the work of the Task Force and NCDs and mental health more broadly;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; any other UN language would be an asset ;
- Knowledge and understanding of health economics would be an advantage.
Expressions of interest/proposal, together with your CV are to be delivered to Rita Appiah, johnsonr@who.int, no later than 17:00 CET (Geneva time) on Wednesday 28 September 2022.