Consultant for Pacific Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (P-COSI)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, and articulating evidence-based policy options. The organization works in collaboration with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and other UN agencies, to address pressing health issues worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the Pacific Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (P-COSI) is crucial in addressing the growing concern of childhood obesity in the Pacific region. The consultant will support the establishment, oversight, and expansion of P-COSI, which aims to create a standardized approach to collecting and analyzing data on childhood obesity across selected Pacific countries. This initiative is vital for informing evidence-based policies and interventions to combat childhood obesity, which has reached alarming levels in the region. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including health authorities, academic institutions, and international organizations, to implement the adapted methodology for data collection and analysis. The role involves organizing training sessions, facilitating consultations, and ensuring the effective dissemination of findings to enhance the understanding and management of childhood obesity in the Pacific.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Supporting pilot countries in implementing the adapted methodology for childhood obesity surveillance, which involves organizing training sessions, stakeholder meetings, and data collection efforts. 2) Contributing to the growth of the P-COSI network by identifying and engaging potential partners and collaborators across the region. 3) Assisting in the dissemination of pilot results and key learnings, and supporting the phased implementation of P-COSI in additional countries. 4) Organizing consultations with stakeholders to agree on P-COSI questionnaires and training plans, and facilitating outreach through presentations and reports. 5) Reviewing and adapting WHO P-COSI data collection forms to align with regional requirements. 6) Identifying necessary resources for effective implementation of P-COSI in selected countries. 7) Reviewing existing training materials and finalizing P-COSI training guides. 8) Delivering training to field workers in multiple countries. 9) Preparing manuals on data collection procedures and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. 10) Supporting data collection, analysis, and reporting efforts, including overseeing country-level data analysis and preparing detailed reports on pilot roll-out findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, health science, or public health. Essential qualifications include at least 5 years of experience working in the international context of obesity, with a strong track record in public health, surveillance, obesity prevention, and health promotion. Familiarity with WHO protocols and guidelines, particularly related to childhood obesity, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in designing and analyzing multi-country surveys and possess strong skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as biostatistics, epidemiology, health science, or public health. This foundational knowledge is essential for understanding the complexities of childhood obesity surveillance and the methodologies involved in data collection and analysis.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the field of public health, specifically related to obesity prevention and control. This experience should include working in international contexts and a proven ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions. Experience in drafting research documents and writing reports related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is also desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. A working knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with partners in French-speaking regions.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is home-based, with a contract duration of 11 months, from August 2025 to July 202

• The remuneration for this role is set at a payband level B, with a monthly salary ranging from USD 7,000 to USD 8,00
• Travel may be required for in-person training sessions within Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries, with all travel arrangements managed by WHO. Candidates should be aware that they are responsible for fulfilling visa and permit requirements for travel. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Additionally, candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with WHO's policies regarding vaccination and health safety.