Purpose of the consultancy

 

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the development of health equity policy recommendations, implementation, guidance, and review related to SDH and health inequities in the region and individual countries, as well as provide technical assistance to advance lifelong health promotion through healthy settings and the integration of health and social services at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level in the Western Pacific Region.

 

 Background

 

The social determinants of health (SDH) have a direct impact on the health outcomes and access to healthcare for individuals and communities. These determinants are complex and interrelated, with inequalities in health outcomes often linked to multiple social determinants. The marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, are particularly affected by these health inequities.

 

Improving health equity and reducing health disparities in the Western Pacific Region requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social and economic determinants of health. Effective policies and interventions aimed at improving education, employment, income, housing, social support, and access to clean water and sanitation can create more inclusive and equitable societies, where everyone has an opportunity to achieve their full health potential. By addressing SDH, the Western Pacific Region can promote health equity and social justice and ensure that all individuals and communities have access to high-quality healthcare and the resources they need to thrive.

 

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

 

·            Estimated start date: 15 January 2024

 

·            Duration: 11 months, full-time, off-site

 

Work to be performed

 

    By working closely with the WCO and WPRO technical units and under the supervision of the HES Coordinator, the consultant will perform the following activities:

 

Output 1: Support health equity policy implementation, guidance, and review, as well as the documentation and cross-country and cross-regional sharing of good practices.

 

Deliverables:

 

1.       Facilitate documentation and communication about good practices in SDH and health equity policy and facilitate cross country and cross regional sharing of good practices.

 

2.       Analyze data and information on how sectors outside of health such as, housing, education, and employment impact health inequities.

 

3.      Implement national policy dialogues on SDH and health equity.

 

Output 2: Support for the integration of Health and Social Services at PHC by building capacity for community engagement, optimizing the role of community health workers, multisectoral collaboration, and strengthening health sector response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

 

Deliverables:

 

1.       Collaborate with Country Offices to support strengthening PHC by using community engagement approaches to improve RMNCAH services and health sector response to SGBV.

 

2.       Assist in strengthening integration of service delivery, including surveillance and retention, targeted to high priority diseases and health emergencies through health equity monitoring and the application of community engagement and gender, equity, and human rights approaches.

 

Output 3: Support reducing vulnerabilities by strengthening healthy settings, including health promoting schools and healthy work environments, using a SDH approach.

 

Deliverables:

 

1.       Showcasing and expanding model of integration of schools and PHC across the Western Pacific Region. 

 

2.       Building capacity for equity analysis in school-based assessment tools and the design and implementation of a barriers assessment or vulnerability assessment.

 

3.       Revision of health promoting schools guidelines and integration of SGBV prevention and response.

 

4.       Integration and implementation of parenting support into primary healthcare services, health promoting schools guidelines and other services.

 

Note:

 

·         Upon finalization of the contract, the intellectual property of content and products shall revert to WHO.

 

·         Any data or results may not be shared or distributed without approval of the responsible officer in WHO.

 

Qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge, and languages

 

 

 

Education required:  

 

 

 

 

An advanced university degree in a public health, social sciences or related field.

 

 

 

 

      Experience required:

 

 

 

 

       Five to 10 years of combined national and international experience working in community engagement, sexual and gender-based violence, health research, social determinants of health, and global health.

 

 

 

 

      Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

 

 

 

 

        Facilitation, research and report writing.

 

 

 

 

       Language requirements:

 

 

 

 

        Written and spoken fluency in English

Location

The consultant will be based virtually. Through video conferencing or other technologies, the Consultant will actively participate in DHP and SDH regular meetings and important meetings with WPRO staff and/or partners as assigned.

Travel

The contractual partner will be required to travel to sites for relevant activities (consultations, information gathering, programme reviews, training etc,) where necessary.

Additional Information

This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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