Technical Advisor to the Ethics Review Committee

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 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. The WHO Ethics Review Committee in the Western Pacific Region (WPRO-ERC) was established in 2010 to ensure that all research involving human participants meets the highest ethical standards, thereby supporting WHO's commitment to responsible and ethical research practices.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is part-time and off-site, aimed at providing ethics-related support to the Ethics Review Committee at WHO in the Western Pacific region. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements. This role also involves capacity-building initiatives, including training WHO staff and Member States on ethical oversight in health-related research. The consultant will coordinate the review of research proposals, provide technical guidance for maintaining the Health Research Portal, and strengthen capacity on research ethics through educational resources and training sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a preliminary review of all submitted research proposals, ensuring they meet the required standards and liaising with the WHO Responsible Technical Officer as necessary. They will report the results of the preliminary review to the Chair through the Secretary and facilitate the research proposal review process to ensure timely outcomes. Additionally, the consultant will support the maintenance of the Health Research Portal, prepare correspondence related to ERC activities, and coordinate training sessions on clinical research ethics and the WHO Benchmarking Tool for Ethics Oversight. The consultant will also make educational materials available to WPRO-ERC members and national ERCs, ensuring that training aligns with World Health Assembly resolutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in health or medical sciences, Bioethics, Law, or a related field. Essential qualifications include at least five years of experience in health or biomedical research at an international level, along with experience in research administration roles. The consultant should have a strong knowledge of research methodologies, ethical issues in biomedical research, and relevant regulatory guidelines. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential, as well as a proven track record of delivering high-quality products in a high-level international environment.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in health or medical sciences, Bioethics, Law, or a related field is required. Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in health or biomedical research at an international level. Experience in research administration roles is also essential, indicating a strong background in managing and overseeing research projects.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is part-time, with an expected duration of five months from July to December 2025, at 50% part-time. The remuneration is set at USD 3,500 monthly. The consultant may be required to travel occasionally for tasks that necessitate in-person communication. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco. Consultants will work as independent contractors and are responsible for their own taxes and contributions.