International Consultant - Support Integration of Noncommunicable Disease in Humanitarian Settings

Purpose of consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to support WHO regional and country offices in strengthening the integration of NCDs into emergency preparedness and response frameworks and in building resilient primary health care systems capable of delivering NCD care in both stable and crisis contexts, in line with the regional framework for action on addressing NCDs in emergencies.

Background

People living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are particularly vulnerable during humanitarian emergencies, where continuity of essential health services is often disrupted. Recognizing this, the WHO Global NCD Action Plan (2013–2030) emphasizes the need for Member States to ensure sustained access to life-saving technologies and essential medicines for NCD patients in crisis settings. The 2018 UN Political Declaration further highlighted the urgent requirement to strengthen health services and infrastructure to support people with NCDs before, during, and after emergencies.

In response, WHO has developed policy recommendations to guide the integration of NCD care into humanitarian preparedness and response, reinforced by mandates from the World Health Assembly in 2022 (WHA/A75/10, Annex 4). These frameworks empower WHO to support Member States in embedding NCD services within emergency health systems to enhance resilience and continuity of care.

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office developed a regional framework for action (RFA) on addressing NCDs in emergencies to support countries in their efforts to manage NCDs in crises, which was endorsed by Member States in resolution EM/RC70/R.2at the 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in October 2023. The collective endorsement reflects the commitment of Member States to actively address NCDs and safeguard their populations’ health and well-being during crises. This marks a significant advancement in enhancing regional resilience to emergencies, ensuring prioritized NCD care in challenging situations. The resolution urged Member States, with support from WHO, to implement a set of strategic interventions and priority actions for addressing NCDs in emergencies as an integral part of efforts to ensure the continuity of all essential health services.

Building on this momentum, WHO is advancing efforts through the NCD-WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) joint workplan to strengthen the integration of NCD services within humanitarian and fragile settings. The aim is to enhance national capacities and health systems in countries affected by emergencies, ensuring that NCD prevention, management, and care are effectively incorporated into national plans including emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans.

This consultancy seeks to engage a regional consultant to oversee and support the effective implementation of the project, including the joint workplan, by providing technical assistance, project management, and both regional and country-level support. The consultant will play a pivotal role in ensuring that NCD prevention, management, and care are fully integrated into emergency preparedness, response, and recovery plans across the region.

Deliverables

The consultant will report to the Regional Advisor NCD Prevention and HealthCare and collaborate closely with the Emergency Operations focal point in the WHE team, WHO Country Offices, national counterparts, and HQ NCD colleagues. The consultant will deliver the following:

Objective 1: Provide technical support and strategic planning and implementation of NCD services in emergencies

1.1Support WHO Country Offices in integrating NCDs in national Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPHS).

1.2Collaborate with country offices to enhance national health workforce capacity by identifying relevant training materials and supporting the planning and delivery of tailored training programmes for health professionals and community health workers responding to NCDs in emergency and humanitarian settings.

1.3Review existing emergency health plans and identify entry points for including NCD services.

1.4Provide support with the inclusion of key care components for core NCDs in the EPHS and their implementation at the primary level to cover the full continuum of care, from prevention to treatment and palliation to be maintained during emergencies, based on countries’ contexts.

1.5Draft recommendations on how PHC systems can be strengthened to ensure continuity of care for NCDs during crises, based on WHO HEARTS and PEN packages.

1.6Support adaptation and development of emergency-specific NCD protocols, tools, and guidelines for use in disrupted settings.

1.7Contribute to the design of essential service packages and referral mechanisms for NCDs during emergencies, ensuring alignment with national health systems.

1.8Provide regional representation on NCDs in level 2 IMSTs as needed and provide technical inputs including forecasting, procurement and deployment of NCD emergency kits and specialized care supplies on behalf of NCD department.

1.9Facilitate coordination and provide technical support to implementing partners.

Deliverable 1.1: Draft atechnical report outlining priority actions for integrating NCDs into emergency response at regional level and per county supported.

Objective 2: Support the implementation and documentation of operational reviews, or post-review action plans, to improve appropriateness and performance of NCD service delivery in humanitarian settings

2.1Provide technical input to the design and implementation of operational reviews, including tools, frameworks and reports.

2.2Participate in country-level missions to evaluate strengths, challenges, and gaps in the current NCD response during emergencies.

2.3Support drafting and implementation of country-specific roadmaps for strengthening the integration of NCD services in emergency contexts; in line with the regional frameworks for addressing NCDs in emergencies.

2.4Facilitate systematic documentation and support publication of review findings to inform policy and strategy development.

Deliverable 2: review reports (or post-review action plan / action framework), with practical recommendations and timelines for selected 3 countries.

Objective 3: Facilitate stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and knowledge exchange for NCD integration in emergencies

3.1Organize regional and national consultative meetings with Ministries of Health, UN agencies, and implementing partners, in line with the operational reviews.

3.2Co-lead a Community of Practice in NCDs in emergencies, to share progress with national and regional counterparts, facilitate dialogue on work progress, challenges, and opportunities for NCD integration in emergencies.

3.3Support documentation of meeting including background papers, talking points, and summary reports.

3.4Provide technical inputs to regional and global advocacy events, including donor briefings and UNHLM processes.

3.5Monitor the regional impact of funding cuts and disruptions to NCD services and support advocacy with evidence.

3.6Develop case studies showcasing best practices and scalable models from countries

3.7Facilitate and coordinate the development of regional expert networks on specific NCDs (e.g. Diabetes, Dialysis) which represent operational challenges during emergencies in the region.

Deliverable 3.1 Submit a report of consultative meetings (including agendas, presentations, minutes, and recommendations). In addition to case studies, and technical summaries of best practices for NCD care in emergencies.

Output 4: Provide project management, regional and country-level support for the activities of the WHE-NCD joint workplan on NCDs in emergencies

4.1Finalize the operational manual of the Regional Framework for Action on addressing NCDs in emergencies, in collaboration with global and regional partners.

4.2Coordinate regional and country-level implementation of workplan activities, ensuring alignment with national priorities and WHO guidance.

4.3Liaise with national counterparts and implementing partners to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions.

4.4Contribute to the development of budgets, technical documentation and reporting required for project implementation.

4.5Provide technical inputs to the development, adaptation, or revision of global and regional normative tools and operational products related to NCDs in emergencies.

Deliverable 4.1 Develop reports summarizing achievements, challenges, and mitigation measures, in coordination with country teams.

Deliverable 4.2 Finalize the operational manual for the Regional Framework for Action on addressing NCDs in emergencies, building on the existing draft version of the manual

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

Minimum first university degree for lower end of range, an advanced university degree for mid and high end of range in medicine, public health or epidemiology.

Desirable:

Master’s level or above in public health.

Experience

Essential:

Minimum of five years of relevant international experience in the prevention and management of NCDs with a particular focus on the integration of NCD services within primary health care systems.

Desirable:

·Proven experience in the design, coordination, and implementation of NCD-related projects in LMIC, particularly in fragile, conflict-affected, or emergency settings.

·Experience providing technical support to governments and partners on maintaining and scaling up NCD service delivery during acute emergencies, protracted crises, or humanitarian response operations.

Skills/Knowledge:

• ·Proven ability to independently coordinate, plan, and implement projects and activities, while also demonstrating strong collaboration and teamwork skills in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.
• ·Excellent analytical and organizational capabilities, with a track record of managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• ·Skilled in building, managing, and expanding partnerships at both regional and country levels, including with governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, to ensure effective program coordination and implementation.
• ·Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders, facilitate consensus, and contribute to strategic discussions and technical dialogues.
• ·Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of health system strengthening and primary health care delivery.
• ·Strong understanding of the regional context, including the policy environment and operational challenges associated with delivering services in crisis-affected or humanitarian settings.
• ·Demonstrated ability to operationalize WHO technical packages, such as PEN and HEARTS, within national emergency preparedness and response frameworks, including contingency planning and service continuity approaches.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

Place of Assignment:

Cairo, Egypt, with considerations for remote work as needed.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: International Pay band level (B).

Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year): 18 months.

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Hiring Unit

EM/RGO/NMH/NCD/NCP

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: https://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=

• · Teamwork
• · Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• · Communication
• · Producing results
• · Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:

Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated.

All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided.

Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.

Additional information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.