WHO Roster of Consultants - Regulatory Systems Strengthening & Local Production Ecosystems

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. It operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's work includes coordinating international health responses, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries.

Job Overview:
The consultancy roster aims to support Member States in enhancing their regulatory systems and local production capabilities for health technologies. The roster will facilitate the rapid deployment of qualified experts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, advance harmonization and institutional development, and support technology transfer pathways. The consultants will work collaboratively with various partners, including Africa CDC and AUDA NEPAD, to develop national and regional strategies and policies that align with WHO standards. The roles are categorized into regulatory systems strengthening and local production ecosystem strengthening, each requiring specific expertise and experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Consultants will be responsible for a variety of tasks depending on their specialization. For regulatory systems strengthening, duties may include reviewing and updating health technology laws, conducting Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, implementing quality management systems, and training regulatory authority staff. For local production ecosystem strengthening, responsibilities may involve leading technical assistance coordination, conducting ecosystem assessments, developing costed roadmaps, and facilitating stakeholder consultations. Deliverables will be engagement-specific and include reports, assessments, and strategic documents that contribute to the overall goals of strengthening health systems in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and facilitation skills, with a deep understanding of WHO quality assurance standards. They should have the ability to engage effectively with governments, regulatory authorities, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. Excellent communication skills are essential, as is the capacity to work collaboratively in diverse environments. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and health technology standards is crucial for success in these roles.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Master's degree in pharmacy, medicine, law, regulatory affairs, public health, biomedical engineering, IT, or a related field is essential. An advanced degree or PhD in one of these areas is desirable and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience for technical specialists and 10 years for senior coordination experts. Experience should include work in regulatory systems, local production, and technical assistance coordination within the health sector, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, while working knowledge of French or Portuguese is desirable. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial depending on the specific context of the consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based but may require travel to Member States as needed. The contract duration is a minimum of three months, with remuneration varying based on the level of expertise, ranging from USD 7,000 to USD 12,500 per month. The WHO emphasizes diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that a written test may be part of the selection process, and successful candidates will be placed on a roster for future consultancy opportunities.