Consultant for WHO-Kanagawa Partnership on Healthy Ageing and NCDs

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's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working to combat diseases, improve health systems, and promote healthy lifestyles globally. The organization focuses on various health issues, including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening, among others.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Division of Data, Strategy, Innovation (DSI) in advancing the WHO-Kanagawa Partnership on Healthy Ageing and Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) in the Western Pacific. This position involves providing secretariat functions for the partnership and contributing to the development of WHO’s initiatives on AI-assisted age-friendly environments. The consultant will be tasked with translating conceptual frameworks into practical guidance, research questions, and pilot-ready options that are relevant to countries in the region. The overarching goal is to strengthen prevention-centered, integrated approaches to health and well-being, moving away from treatment-heavy systems towards community-enabled health solutions. The consultant's work will be instrumental in addressing the urgent need for innovative strategies to manage the rapidly aging population in the Western Pacific, where the number of individuals aged 65 and above is expected to double by 2050.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing secretariat support to the WHO-Kanagawa Partnership on Healthy Ageing and NCDs, which includes preparing technical notes, meeting materials, and documentation related to partnership functions.
• Conducting a regional gap analysis on healthy ageing, NCDs, and age-friendly communities, which involves literature reviews, evidence mapping, and horizon scanning for emerging technologies and service models.
• Developing practical, country-relevant guidance on AI-enabled age-friendly environments by translating conceptual frameworks into actionable research questions and supporting pilot design.
• Producing evidence briefs and analytical products that align with the Division's strategic agenda, including contributions to research calls and policy options for Member States.
• Engaging in internal knowledge exchange activities to promote understanding and uptake of AI-enabled approaches within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in natural or social sciences, with a strong academic background. A master's degree or doctorate in a relevant field is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least two years of experience in public health or data analysis, with a preference for candidates who have experience in management consulting, coordinating diverse teams, and managing research projects. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication, analytical, planning, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and under pressure.

Educational Background:
A university degree in natural or social sciences is essential, with a strong academic background. A master's level university degree or doctorate in a relevant field is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in public health and data analysis.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant work experience in public health, particularly in qualitative or quantitative data analysis. Experience in management consulting, coordinating with diverse teams, and managing research projects is highly desirable, as it indicates the ability to navigate complex environments and deliver results effectively.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Intermediate knowledge of Chinese or French is desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be working on-site at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The contract is for a duration of 11 months, with a pay band level A at USD 300 daily, totaling USD 6,000 per month, along with living expenses of USD 2,100 per month. The consultant is expected to undertake no travel as part of this assignment, and travel arrangements to and from Manila will be managed by WHO. Candidates should be aware that WHO has specific requirements regarding vaccination and ethical standards, and they must fulfill visa requirements independently.