Consultant for World Code Against Cancer Framework

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's initiatives include addressing global health issues, providing leadership on health matters, shaping the health research agenda, and setting norms and standards. The organization is committed to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that all people can access essential health services without facing financial hardship.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in positioning the World Code Against Cancer Framework (WCACF) as a globally recognized and influential roadmap for cancer prevention. This involves transitioning the framework from a project-based model to a programmatic approach, which will facilitate the planning, financing, and development of multiple Regional Codes as distinct yet coherent program components. The consultant will also optimize planning and development processes by utilizing innovative, low-cost AI solutions to accelerate future Code development and enhance scientific quality. Additionally, the consultant will develop strategies to strengthen mechanisms that enable the Codes to trigger policy action at both regional and national levels, mobilizing stakeholders and reinforcing their role in embedding prevention within national cancer control strategies. The work is funded through extra-budgetary sources, emphasizing the importance of effective resource management and strategic planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key outputs, including: 1) Developing a multi-year programmatic model that clarifies phases, governance, interdependencies, expected outputs, stakeholder structures, and quality-assurance mechanisms for each Code, along with monitoring and evaluation frameworks. 2) Designing a budgeting tool that encompasses the entire lifecycle of each Code, from preparatory work to development, scoping tools, scientific review, stakeholder engagement, publication, dissemination, and impact evaluation. 3) Recommending mechanisms for program continuity to ensure that expertise, data, and methodological learnings are retained and transferred across successive Codes. 4) Shaping a donor-facing structure that presents Codes as standalone yet harmonized elements of a global Framework, enhancing visibility and alignment with long-term investment strategies. 5) Identifying and documenting strategic opportunities to position the Framework as a unified roadmap for cancer prevention. 6) Reviewing the WCACF methodology to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement through process redesign. 7) Developing AI-enabled approaches to support preparatory steps for expert deliberations and decision-making on systematic reviews. 8) Establishing evaluation criteria to ensure that all AI technologies used are low-cost, ethical, transparent, and scientifically sound. 9) Producing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to document improved workflows and quality-control checkpoints. 10) Providing internal capacity-building support on how to operationalize AI-supported steps safely and effectively. 11) Assessing and mapping policy influence pathways to clarify how the Framework links scientific evidence with policy and societal needs. 12) Strengthening uptake and relevance by recommending targeted communication strategies and mechanisms to mobilize stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced degree (MPH, MSc, MD, or equivalent) in public health, global health, epidemiology, or health policy. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in global health strategy or large-scale prevention programs, along with demonstrated knowledge in scientific evidence review for guideline development and an understanding of research quality and its translation into policy recommendations. Practical familiarity with AI-supported tools for literature review, synthesis, or workflow optimization is also essential. Excellent analytical and writing skills are required to effectively communicate complex information.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, global health, epidemiology, or health policy. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of global health issues and the scientific basis for cancer prevention strategies.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in global health strategy or large-scale prevention programs is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with scientific evidence and translating it into actionable policy recommendations. Experience in mobilizing partners or donors for public health initiatives, as well as familiarity with multi-regional or multi-stakeholder initiatives, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of multilingual dissemination materials and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is 8.5 months, and the position is remote. The remuneration is set at Payband level B, with a monthly salary of EUR 7,980 or EUR 399 per day, depending on qualifications and experience. Candidates should be aware that this vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. Candidates selected for an interview will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to promote a safe and respectful workplace.