Consultant on mHealth, Tobacco-free Initiative and on Communications for Division of NCDs and Health through the Life-Course

Item Description:

Background and justification

The Tobacco-free Initiative (TFI) programme of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific is mandated to assist Member States in the full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in order to reduce tobacco use and protect people from second hand smoke exposure and thereby prevent and mitigate tobacco-related diseases and premature deaths. Two important initiatives require further support by a consultant:

• The Regional Action Plan (RAP) for TFI in the Western Pacific 2015-2019, which laid out priority activities for WHO and Member States in the Region to address various aspects of tobacco epidemic. The RAP is due for midterm review in 2017.
• TFI is supporting countries in the Region to introduce new and innovated approaches to reduce tobacco use such as mHealth.

Purpose/Specific Objective of the Activity

To support and/or coordinate various tobacco-related activities, the roll-out and follow-up of communication plans as well as the creation of regional advocacy materials.

Description of activities to be carried out

The incumbent will provide technical guidance and support in the following activities:

• midterm review of the TFI RAP,
• implementation of mHealth for tobacco cessation
• advocacy and communication.

Under the supervision of the Acting Coordinator, Tobacco-free Initiative, and the guidance of the Director, Division of NCD and Health through the Life Course (DNH), the incumbent will perform the following functions:

1.  Assist with the preparation of the regional meeting to review progress on the Regional Action Plan for the Tobacco Free Initiative (2015-2019);

2.  Perform part-time role as Project Liaison Officer for the WHO-ITU mHealth project on tobacco cessation working closely with mHealth project focal point in WHO Headquarters and interested countries including but not limited to the Philippines, Mongolia and others. This includes:

• Coordinate activities, strategic planning and execution of WHO’s mHealth programme on  tobacco cessation;
• Facilitate and coordinate communication among partner organizations;
• Provide managerial and administrative support in relation to project planning, design and implementation of mHealth in the Western Pacific Region;

3.  Prepare and coordinate the execution of communication activities related to:

• Smoke-Free activities, including campaigns at the regional and country levels
• Preparation and planning for the World No Tobacco Day
• Planning and execution of regional infographics on the SDGs, tobacco taxation, tobacco industry interference

4.  Support communication activities of DNH by organizing media events, drafting press statements, speeches and in close collaboration with relevant technical units, particularly the TFI, Health and Environment and Violence and Injury Prevention Units, and WPRO’s Public Information Office.

5. Attend internal and external meetings, including duty travels (domestic or international), to support implementation of technical programmes as required.

Education

University degree in medicine, public health or social sciences, preferably with knowledge of psychology, behavioural science, sociology and/or health promotion.

Experience

• Minimum five-years work experience in public health, psychology, behavioural science and/or communications in the Western Pacific Region. Experience in drafting speeches and press statements
• Proven experience and/or knowledge in mHealth

Desirable: Experience with the UN system or international organizations, particularly with WHO

Skills

• Ability to develop and facilitate workshops
• Ability to coordinate with external partners as well as work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Languages

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential.  Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Competencies

1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Producing results
3. Knowing and managing yourself
4. Moving forward in a changing environment
5. Fostering integration and teamwork

Interested should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer (WPRO) at wprosao@who.int by 9 January 2017. Please use Tender Notice No. 52835 as subject to all submissions. Contract start date 23 January 2017 with duration of 2 months.

• Expression of interest (cover letter) that includes proposed consultancy fee (in US Dollars per day) and availability
• WHO personal history form or CV

Please note that the application may be closed before the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Only the successful candidates will be contacted