Purpose of the Consultancy
The Management of Noncommunicable Diseases (MND), Division of Programmes for Disease Control (DDC) would like to get an expert to provide technical support for the acceleration of diabetes prevention and control in the Western Pacific Region.
Primary implementing partners will be the WHO country offices and ministries of health. Some activities will be carried out in collaboration with technical partners and academic institutions.
Background
The WHO aims to achieve control of noncommunicable diseases throughout the Western Pacific Region by targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such conditions and diseases, including Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The Division supports integrated people-centered care approaches by strengthening primary health care services for prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment of target diseases and conditions along the life-course while ensuring to reach the unreached and achieving universal health coverage.
The Western Pacific Region (WPR) bears a disproportionate burden from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). These include cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, cancers and diabetes. In 2019, NCDs accounted for 12 million deaths, representing 87% of all deaths in the Region. Unfortunately, despite being largely preventable, NCDs continue to be the leading causes of death and disability in WPR. Addressing NCDs requires a comprehensive approach that considers social, cultural, behavioural, and environmental factors at national, subnational, and community levels. An effective whole-of-society approach to the NCD response requires the active participation of and contribution by the civil society.
In October 2022, Member States in the Western Pacific Region adopted the Regional Action Framework for Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control (NCD RAF) during the Seventy-third session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. This framework encourages Member States to transform the current disease treatment-focused “sick system” into a “healthy system” in which social and health systems support individuals to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. This transformation is an essential driver for the overall achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Region. To do so, cross-sectoral coordination, sustainable financing, evidence-based policy, and community engagement are essential and should be tailored to each Member State’s unique context.
The Global Diabetes Compact (GDC), launched by the WHO in April 2021, aims to reduce the risk of diabetes and ensure that all people living with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, and quality treatment and care. The GDC operates through six workstreams: access to essential medicines and health technologies, technical products, prevention and health promotion, country support, research and innovation, and governance and partnerships. Major achievements include the adoption of global coverage targets for diabetes, regional initiatives, national spotlight meetings in Uganda and Ghana, and private sector dialogues on diabetes.
By 2030, the GDC aims to achieve several global coverage targets: diagnosing 80% of people with diabetes, ensuring 80% of diagnosed individuals have good control of glycaemia and blood pressure, providing statins to 60% of people with diabetes aged 40 years or older, and guaranteeing 100% access to affordable insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring for people with type 1 diabetes. The initiative is grounded by resolution WHA 74.4 and supports Member States in reaching these targets.
Diabetes is a significant health concern in the WHO Western Pacific Region. The region accounts for over a quarter of the total number of adults living with diabetes globally. In 2024, an estimated 206 million people in the region were living with diabetes and over half of adults with diabetes in the region are undiagnosed. In 2021, diabetes was responsible for 2.3 million deaths.
Diabetes is a major health challenge in the Pacific Islands, with prevalence rates significantly higher than the global average. The rising prevalence of diabetes is linked to factors such as obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies, including promoting healthy lifestyles, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring access to effective treatment and care. Therefore, a consultant for diabetes is required at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
Deliverables
Under the supervision and guidance of the Technical Coordinator of the Management of Noncommunicable Diseases (MND) unit of the Division of Programmes Disease Control (DDC), in coordination with relevant country national focal points, WHO Country Offices, Health Ministries in the Western Pacific Region, and other relevant partners, the consultant will perform the following activities:
Specific terms of reference include:
- Provide technical input to the work program in the area of integrating diabetes prevention and control into primary healthcare. Attend meetings with HQ, GDC Team, RO NCD Team to align ongoing and prospective actions.
- Serve as a technical resource at the counterpart level concerning DM in the countries; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.
- Develop a country case study on diabetes management.
- Support the planning and execution of a regional meeting on DM prevention and control strategies, including development of communication materials and meeting reports.
- Support activities of the unit toward the implementation of the Regional Action Framework for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.
Methods to carry out the activity
- Meetings with experts, collaborating centers, member state representatives and WHO colleagues
- Prepare the background and key documents, and compile relevant data
- Produce high-quality reports on diabetes initiatives
Outputs
- An updated report and situational analysis on the status of diabetes and ongoing initiatives in the Region.
- Health promotional materials on diabetes, presentations and meeting reports.
- A country case study on diabetes management.
- A meeting of country focal points from the Western Pacific Region on diabetes prevention and control strategies to coincide with World Diabetes Day.
- Monthly Progress Report on the activities covering support in advocating the implementation of the Global Diabetes Compact in the Western pacific region.
Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages
Qualifications required
Essential: Bachelor’s degree in public health or any health-related field from a recognized institution or university.
Desirable: Postgraduate (master's level) in the fields related to public health, noncommunicable disease and cardiometabolic disease.
Experience required
Essential: Minimum five years' relevant work experience in control of noncommunicable diseases, including but not limited to public health measures to prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases including exposure to international level.
Desirable: Experience in managing large teams at national and international levels; relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, or relevant nongovernmental organizations in the Western Pacific Region.
Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:
- Broad knowledge of concepts and strategies related to NCD prevention and control.
- Skills in planning, training, monitoring, and evaluation of interventions, and the development of locally adapted tools and instruments.
- Good communication skills, ability to synthesize knowledge and effectively express ideas in writing.
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.
Language requirements
Expert level of English is essential (Read-Write-Speak). Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
Location
The consultant will be based in Manila.
Travel
The consultant maybe required to travel to sites for relevant activities (consultations, information gathering, programme reviews, training, etc.).
Remuneration and budget
Remuneration: Band level A
Expected duration of contract: 6 months, June to December 2025
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. For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
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