Strategic foresight for future-ready health systems in the Western Pacific Region

The consultant will provide technical support to raise awareness and build capacity to use strategic foresight as well as facilitate its adoption for planning, decision making and implementation for health across the Region.  

The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region has adopted a new vision for WHO and Member States’ work over the next four years.

The new vision, Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives, has been endorsed by Member States in October 2024. The vision centres on the analogy of the weaving of a mat − a traditional activity across Asia and the Pacific – symbolizing the collaborative efforts required by WHO, governments and partners to improve the health and well-being of the people of the Region. The vision comprises five vertical strands of action led by governments, interwoven with three horizontal strands of action by WHO over the coming five years.

The five vertical strands of action led by governments, working with WHO and other stakeholders, include:

• Transformative primary health care for universal health coverage
• Climate-resilient health systems
• Resilient communities, societies and systems for health security
• Healthier people throughout the life course
• Technology and innovation for future health equity.

The three horizontal strands of action by WHO are:

• Country offices equipped with skills for scaling up and innovation
• Nimble support teams in the Regional Office
• Effective communication for public health.

Within WPRO, the Data, Strategy, and Innovation (DSI) division supports Member States in leveraging data, digital technology, strategic foresight, science, research, and innovation. It also offers capacity building and leadership development for future-ready health systems. In DSI, the Strategic Dialogue (DIA) unit specifically focuses on building future-ready health systems through strategic foresight by: 

• Promoting futures-thinking and strategic foresight awareness
• Building strategic foresight capacity
• Embedding foresight practices into health planning, decision-making, and implementation across the Region.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages:

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Master’s degree in public health, business administration, political science, international relations, strategic management or social sciences.

Experience

Essential:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible work experience in strategic planning, strategy design or strategic foresight and designing and facilitating foresight exercises is required.
• Experience in designing and organizing consultative processes in the public health area or in other public sectors.
• Relevant experience at the international level.
• Experience in effectively engaging with senior government levels and senior international experts.

Skills/Knowledge: 

Essential:

• Excellent project management skills; Good knowledge of the dynamics of the international public health work. Expert knowledge of international futures and foresight best practices; Ability to provide technical support at government level; Ability to work harmoniously as a member of the team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Languages and level required:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2408951