Consultant - Research, Ethics and Innovation (REI) , WPRO

Purpose of the Consultancy

The general purpose of this part-time consultancy is to support the Research, Ethics and Innovation (REI) unit under the Data, Strategy and Innovations (DSI) group to engage experts and national counterparts to strengthen research ethics and responsible innovation in the Western Pacific Region. The consultant will support REI by:

a) leading and coordinating the development of a toolkit for policymakers on the implementation of human genomics for public health, building on the outcomes of the Expert Meeting on genomics held in Malaysia between 11-12 November 2024 in the toolkit, and
b) preparing for a member state meeting on Enhancing Ethical Standards in Research for Pacific Island Countries (PICs), including agenda setting, preparing technical materials, liaising with participants and partners, and development of meeting reports.

Background

This consultancy covers two separate projects, both of which involve the need for strong ethical and policy foundations and knowledge to guide and inform the work.

Toolkit for policy makers on the implementation of human genomics for public health

On 11-12 November 2024, the WHO WPRO jointly hosted a meeting with the Malaysian Ministry of Health to:

• Raise awareness of the benefits and risks of genomic technology implementation through sharing of the relevant Science Council report and initiatives in the Region;
• Develop a joint vision on accelerating access to human genomic technologies in the Region and define the roles of governments; and
• Identify the issues impeding implementation of genomic programmes, including developing a stepwise approach for WHO in the Region to coordinate actions that can accelerate access to genomic technologies.

The meeting provided valuable feedback on the proposed toolkit and proposed future directions for the work to accelerate the adoption of genomics in the Western Pacific Region. There is now a need to incorporate that feedback in the Toolkit itself and to ensure it reflects strong and agreed ethical and equity foundations.

Enhancing Ethical Standards in Research for Pacific Island Countries

Global health research projects have historically collected specimens or DNA samples from PICs, often as part of studies on genetic diversity, infectious disease susceptibility, and chronic health conditions (e.g. Human Genome Diversity Project, Infectious disease research on malaria and tuberculosis, various NIH-funded projects in collaboration with PICs to study genetic predisposition to chronic illnesses). Many of these projects were conducted at times when ethical standards for specimen collection were less rigorous than today. This legacy has led to ongoing discussions about consent, specimen ownership, and the potential return of specimens to originating communities in the Pacific.

Recognizing the value these historical specimens may hold for advancing global health knowledge, and the questions about consent, cultural sensitivity, and the ethical responsibilities of researchers and institutions, there is a need to engage with PICs to ensure:

• the handling of these historical specimens aligns with local values and priorities and is guided by an ethical framework agreed by PICs; and
• the continued use of these specimens will contribute to the capacity in health and disease research in PICs.

REI supports capacity building in research ethics through a range of internal and external mechanisms. This meeting will be organized at the end of April 2025. In addition to an open deliberation on appropriate approaches to manage these historic specimens, the meeting agenda will also include tailored training for national research/ethics/bioethics committees to strengthen local capacity.

Deliverables

Output 1: Coordinate the development of a toolkit for policy makers on the implementation of human genomics for public health

Deliverable 1.1: Finalize the outline of the toolkit that incorporates feedback from the expert working group
Deliverable 1.2: Finalize the draft toolkit

Output 2: Planning and organization of a PIC meeting on human genomics and ethics

Deliverable 2.1: Support internal planning and external coordination of the meeting
Deliverable 2.2: Prepare technical materials pertaining to the meeting topics
Deliverable 2.3: Develop the summary meeting report and final meeting report

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Minimum first university degree in a public health, public policy, epidemiology, health sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.

Experience:

Essential: At least five years of working experience in policy development, strategy development, equity, project management and/or partnership building at both national and international level. Experience in engaging research institutions in the Region to gather data and insights and to report on the results of subsequent analyses.
Desirable: Previous work experience with WHO or member state governments in a science policy domain and/or on relevant member state policies.

Skills/Knowledge:

Strong and demonstrated writing, research and analytical skills
Communication and Reporting Skill
Demonstrated competence working across multiple cultures, ideally within the Western Pacific region.

Languages and level required:

Excellent written and spoken proficiency of the English language

Location

The consultant will perform the work from his/her office and communications will be through phone calls, exchange of emails and online meetings with the responsible officer, other relevant WHO staff and relevant stakeholders.

Travel

There will be possible duty travels to Nadi, Fiji for the organization of the planned meeting on human genomics and ethics at the end of April.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Pay band Level B, USD 8,000 (monthly)
Duration: 5 months, February to June 2025

Additional Information:

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