Purpose of Consultancy

• The Innovation and Research Unit (INR) under the Data, Strategy and Innovations (DSI) group at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is seeking a consultant to provide technical support for the research and innovation functions of the unit on a part-time basis.

Background  

• The Data, Strategy and Innovation (DSI) Group was set up in 2019 in the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) with a focus to support Member States to harness the power of data, digital technology, science and innovation; and accelerate health systems transformation and futureproofing towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC).   
• The INR team aims to leverage advances in technology and progress in social innovation to promote health equity in the Western Pacific Region. This goal is achieved by employing various methodologies to enhance the adoption of evidence-based solutions, using sandboxing and experimentation to discover new approaches for problem-solving, and facilitating regional networks to provide resources and expertise to Member States. This support helps in building local capacity for finding innovative solutions to chronic problems. 
• In 2023, the Regional Health Innovation Strategy for the Western Pacific was endorsed at the 74th session of the Regional Committee Meeting. Starting this year, a series of activities have been planned to implement the Strategy in key areas of action, including strengthening governance and financing, developing innovation capacity, and evaluation of health innovation. Activities included in this Terms of Reference are intended to support countries in developing project-based innovation capacity.

Deliverables

• Output 1: Engage stakeholders, identify entry points for an innovation sand box in selected Member States.
• Deliverable 1.1: Stakeholder engagement completed with at least 1 Member State to raise awareness on the principles of innovation sandbox. 
• Deliverable 1.2: One identified entry point utilized to create innovation sandbox innovation in one member state. 
• Output 2: Develop a proposal for further scaling up the innovation sandbox and share with funding agencies. 
• Deliverable 2.1: Funding agencies with interest in the proposed innovation sandbox identified 
• Deliverable 2.2: Grant proposals on research and innovation capacity building developed and disseminated for funding consideration
• Output 3: Develop the outline for a case study based on the innovation sandbox.
• Deliverable 3.1: Outline for the case study on the innovation sandbox developed.

Educational Qualifications

• Essential: First University Degree in Social Science or Public Health from a recognized institution 
• Desirable: Advanced university degree in social science, public health or epidemiology 

Experience:
Essential:

• At least five years of work experience in designing, developing, and deploying healthcare technology innovation
• Experience in engaging public sector research institutions in the Region to gather data and insight
• Experience working in the government sector in WPR Member States
• Experience in developing innovation sandbox in developing country contexts with both state and non-state actors

Desirable:

• Previous work experience with WHO, other international organizations and/or major institutions in the field of public health innovation

Skills/Knowledge:
Essential:

• Product design and development
• Strong project management skills
• Strong writing skills
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Communication and Reporting Skills

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the regional funding landscape for healthcare innovation

Languages and level required :

• Expert knowledge of English 

Remuneration

• Band level B: USD 350/day 
•  FTE: 50 days over the five-month period (50%)