Contract Duration: 12 months, Full-time
Closing Date/Time for applications: 11th September 2020 at 17.00 CET (Geneva time)
There are effective interventions covering the continuum of care that address the needs associated with eye conditions and vision impairment; some are among the most cost-effective and feasible of all health care interventions to implement. Despite this, persistent inequities in access to these interventions exist. These inequities are often far greater in low- and middle-income countries and underserved populations, such as people living in rural areas, those with low incomes, women, older people, people with certain kinds of disability, indigenous populations and ethnic minorities.
In October 2019, the WHO launched the first World report on vision to draw attention to the increasing need for eye care and calling for coordinated and concerted global action towards strengthening eye care in health systems. A key recommendation of the report was to make eye care an integral part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in order to address the inequities in access to, and provision of, eye care services across the population.
To facilitate the integration of eye care into UHC, the WHO will develop a priority package of evidence-based eye care interventions to be used by countries to decide on which interventions to prioritize, how these can be budgeted, and then integrated into national health services packages and policies.
The Vision Programme is looking for a consultant to undertake a 12-month contract to support the development and implementation of a package of eye care interventions.
The scope of work for this contract consists of coordinating the following tasks:
- Identify evidence on eye care interventions;
- Define the workforce and health product requirements for the provision of the eye care interventions that are selected for inclusion in the package;
- Pilot the package in selected countries.
The consultant will be expected to work closely with members of the WHO Vision Programme and members of other relevant WHO departments.
The WHO Headquarters Office in Geneva is now inviting eligible individuals to indicate their interest in undertaking this work. Interested parties must provide information indicating why they are qualified to perform the described tasks, including CV and description of similar assignments and related experience. Examples of relevant reports or publications should also be provided. The contracting party will be selected through a competitive process in accordance with WHO’s operating policies and procedures on procurement of services.
The expected start date is 25th of September 2020 (or as soon as reasonably possible after that date).
Qualifications and experiences required:
- University degree in one of the specialties of eye care;
- Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology or a related field;
- Demonstrated experience in writing technical documents;
- Demonstrated experience in project management and collaboration;
- Experience working in low- or middle-income countries on implementation of projects/programmes related to eye care or public health is desirable.
- Skills in evidence synthesis and appraisal;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; and
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
This position will be an outstation consultancy however the consultant may be expected to visit the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland intermittently in order to facilitate close working with other WHO teams and external partners. The consultant may be expected to travel to the countries involved in project piloting and implementation (travel would be arranged by WHO). Locations/dates to be confirmed.
Expressions of interest must be received no later than 17.00 CET (Geneva time) on 11th of September 2020. Please include a copy of your CV as well as a description of similar work undertaken. The expressions of interest are to be delivered electronically to Dr Stuart Keel at the following email address: keels@who.int.