Deadline: 21 June 2026 (24:00 CEST)
Purpose of consultancy
Provide technical and operational input to (i) the WHO Global Diagnostics Coalition (GDC) governance and operations, (ii) the development and maintenance of GDC communication products and visibility, and (iii) the implementation of an 18-month medical devices and diagnostics data programme to improve the evidence base to inform health system strengthening for improved availability and use of medical devices.
Background
The Medical Devices and Assistive Technology (MDA) team (HSD/HPS/PAM) strengthens equitable access to assistive technology and medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics. Assistive technology is needed by an estimated 2.5 billion people globally, a figure projected to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050 due to population ageing, the growing burden of noncommunicable conditions, injuries and longer survival with disability. Access to appropriate assistive products is essential for health, well-being, functioning, participation and the realization of human rights, yet profound global inequities persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Medical devices likewise form a critical component of safe, effective and resilient health systems, underpinning prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation across all levels of care; however, major gaps remain in availability, affordability, regulation and appropriate use.
The team’s work is structured across inter-related areas of action required to improve access, including supportive policy and regulatory environments, sustainable financing, product selection and procurement, effective provision and service delivery systems, and a capable and appropriately trained health and rehabilitation workforce. Amongst other core activities, the team is responsible for maintaining the WHO Essential Diagnostics List, the WHO Priority Assistive Products List, the WHO Medical Device Information System, and an online learning platform ‘Learning on TAP’ targeting the primary health care workforce. The team additionally is the Secretariat for the Global Diagnostics Coalition (GDC), a WHO-managed network designed to coordinate and accelerate global action on diagnostics through awareness, advocacy and networking. Further information about the GDC can be found here: Global Diagnostic Coalition.
This consultancy contributes to GDC operations and to the implementation of an 18-month medical devices data programme aligned with WHA76.5 (diagnostics), WHA78.13 (medical imaging), and WHA67.20 (regulatory system strengthening).
Read the full terms of reference here.
Candidates, please complete your Stellis Application here: Job Search, then download a PDF copy (user guide instructions), and send to the email: medicaldevices@who.int