The Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) is in the process of developing a guidance document entitled ‘Strategies for scaling-up Postpregnancy Family Planning’. This document aims to offer strategies for scaling and sustaining the implementation of postpartum and post-abortion family planning, addressing the requests from countries, partners, and the scientific community for the WHO to provide guidance on successful strategies for scaling up PPFP.
We are seeking expressions of interest from individual subject matter experts to join the PPFP Steering Committee to provide technical and strategic guidance and oversight throughout the process. 10-12 technical experts with extensive experience in FP/contraception/postpregnancy family planning (PPFP) will comprise the SC. Country-level experience will be particularly valued.
The PPFP Steering Committee will be responsible for providing technical input into the development of the ‘Strategies for scaling-up Postpregnancy Family Planning’ guidance document. The Steering Committee’s role will include:
- To provide expertise on the development of the guidance document and provide timely feedback.
- Critically review the proposed outline, including chapters, and recommend if and where additional data are required.
- Approve the content of the final version of the document.
- Select Steering Committee members may also contribute to developing the text of the guidance.
The Steering Committee will be dissolved upon completion of the drafting of the guidance document. Members of the Steering Committee participate in an individual capacity and not as representatives of their institution or country. They are expected to fully comply with the Code of Conduct for WHO Experts.
The PPFP External Review Group (ERG), consisting of 8-10 technical experts with extensive experience in FP/contraception/postpregnancy family planning (PPFP) will be formed to review the guidance document. The role of the External Review Group will include:
- To review the final document to identify any errors of fact.
- To comment on the clarity of the language, contextual issues, and implications for implementation.
- To ensure that the document has considered and incorporated the contextual values and preferences of individuals affected by the recommendations, including women, men, adolescents, healthcare professionals and policymakers.
Members will be selected while ensuring geographical and gender balance and no known conflicts of interest. Members will not be remunerated for their services in relation to the activities of the panel or otherwise. Travel and accommodation expenses to participate in meetings will be covered by WHO in accordance with its applicable policies, rules, and procedures.
Selection criteria
The following criteria will be used to assess applications:
- professional experience in sexual and reproductive health and/or rights with emphasis on family planning.
- Strength of track record within areas of expertise, including scientific publications.
- work experience with or in low- and middle-income countries.
Applications from any qualified candidate would be welcomed. Candidates are kindly requested to state on their application their preference to be a member of the Steering Committee or External Review Group. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in the next meeting of the group to serve as Temporary Advisers.
Candidates with a current or recent membership of another WHO advisory group are kindly requested to state this on their application.
Applications
A brief letter or email of interest indicating the potential contribution of the nominee to the field of postpartum family planning (maximum one page), plus a Curriculum Vitae and publication list, should be submitted by email to srhcfc@who.int with “FP Expression of Interest” in the Subject Line noting application for either SC or ERG. Self-nominations would be welcomed.
The deadline for applications is 30 May 2024.