Consultant - Innovation and Research

The purpose of this project is to provide technical support to the implementation of the recently endorsed Regional Health Innovation Strategy for the Western Pacific, specifically:

• support the development of case studies and other forms of knowledge products for dissemination
• support the development of partnerships and engagement activities with government health innovation agencies
• support the development of health innovation capacity building toolkits and facilitate capacity building activities in Member States
• support on other related activities that may be pertinent to these terms of reference

The Data, Strategy and Innovation (DSI) Group was set up in 2019 in the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) with focuses on innovation, data and strategic engagement with countries on health systems transformation. The Innovation and Research unit (INR) under DSI is mandated to provide support to Member States in harnessing innovation to develop future-proof health systems.

A Regional Health Innovation Strategy for the Western Pacific Region was endorsed at the 74th Regional Committee Meeting. The Strategy advocates for governments to take key actions in governance, capacity building, financing and measurement, play a more proactive leader and enabler role in health innovation ecosystems, and unleash more and better health innovation that achieve better health outcomes and equity.

To implement the Strategy, the INR unit will develop knowledge products, capacity building programs and training, as well as partnerships and Member State meetings. The consultant is expected to provide support for all implementation activities.

Start date: 2 January 2024

End date: 31 July 2024

The consultancy service provider is required to:

1. Conduct research and needs assessment to develop the content of a standard health innovation capacity building program
2. Facilitate health innovation capacity building workshops in WHO country offices and Member States
3. Gather feedback and data on the relevance and effectiveness of the capacity building program for improvement.
4. Develop routine monitoring and evaluation on the capacity development programme submitted and recommendations for programme improvement integrated
5. Conduct background research, choose methodologies for data collection and analysis to develop knowledge products (including but not limited to case studies), support the
   development and dissemination of knowledge products
6. Assist the communication and engagement of external partners involved in implementing the regional health innovation strategy established

Deliverable 2.1 Conduct research to identify relevant government innovation agencies at the national, state, or local level. Research their missions, priorities, and ongoing initiatives to
ensure alignment with the Regional Health Innovation Strategy and the mandate of INR unit.

Deliverable 2.2 Assist the establishment of relationships with key focal points within government innovation agencies. Identify and attend relevant conferences, meetings, and networking
events to nurture the network.

Deliverable 2.3 Assist the organization of meetings and forums that engage government innovation agencies to collaborate with WHO in implementing the Regional Health Innovation Strategy
in Member States.

Deliverable 2.3 Develop concrete project collaboration proposals or ideas that can accelerate the adoption of the Regional Health Innovation Strategy amongst government innovation
agencies and accelerate the implementation.

Deliverable 3.1 Background research, needs assessment, content development, feedback collection and improvement of the capacity building program for health innovation completed

Deliverable 3.2 Planned training workshops with country offices and Member State counterparts undertaken in accordance with the health innovation capacity building program

Deliverable 3.3 Routine monitoring and evaluation report on the capacity development programme with recommendations for improvement, to be done within the contract duration.

Output 5: Support relevant meetings and consultations pertinent to the implementation of the Regional Innovation Strategy

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Essential: The applicant should have a master's degree in public health or other relevant field from a recognized university.

Essential: A least five years of experience in health innovation project management

Desirable: Experience working in government agencies in WPR Member States
Experience working in UN agencies at the regional or country level in the role of innovation

Demonstrated experience working with innovation agencies in specific health areas in WPR Member States

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.

Proven ability to design, conduct, and manage analytical work

Demonstrated ability to work as part of a small team to deliver high impact results

Expert knowledge of English

This is a hybrid project that involves off-site and on-site consultancy. The supplier/contractor may be required to travel to WHO-WPRO in Manila, Philippines for tasks that require in-person communication.

The supplier/contractor may be required to travel occasionally for tasks that require in-person communication.

This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

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