Consultant- Ear and hearing care

Purpose of consultancy

To contribute to WHO’s work for the development of a package of ear and hearing care interventions through:

• Assisting in the data collection and management for the package
• Undertaking literature review/s as required for the interventions
• Preparation of a publication for a peer-reviewed journal and facilitating the publication process.
• Develop a draft strategic plan for the launch and implementation of the package
• Organize a technical working group to contribute to the development of the package and related products

Background

Prevention of deafness and hearing loss and promotion of ear and hearing care was highlighted in 2015 and a resolution (WHA70.13) was unanimously adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2017. This resolution calls upon WHO to develop a toolkit of technical support to Member States for integration of ear and hearing care within national health systems.

Towards this end WHO is developing technical tools that can assist Member States in planning and implementing ear and hearing care (EHC) services. As part of this work, WHO is currently working on an evidence-based package of ear and hearing care interventions which will form the basis for countries to integrate EHC within the continuum of care.

The development of these resources will be undertaken in close collaboration with experts in the field of audiology, acoustic and communication; regional and country office staff; and other partners (such as the World Hearing Forum).

The Department for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) is looking for a consultant to undertake a 11-month contract to contribute to its work on ear and hearing care.

Deliverables

• Deliverable 1. A background paper outlining the methodology for development

Expected by: 30 September 2024

• Deliverable 2. Summary of literature reviews and findings

Expected by: 31 January 2025

• Deliverable 3: Draft package of EHC interventions

Expected by: 30 April 2025

• Deliverable 4: A series of peer reviewed publications in public health/hearing care journals

Expected by: 15 June 2025

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• University degree in audiology

Desirable:

• Doctoral degree in audiology or related field or public health degree.

Experience

Essential:

• At least five years’ experience of working on topics related to global hearing health.
• Experience in undertaking literature reviews.

Desirable:

• Over 10 publications in peer reviewed journals, at least 5 of which are in public health journals

Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of literature reviews methodologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

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

Essential:

Location

Off site: Home based.

Travel

The consultant is not expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level B, USD 350-499 per day

Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):

N/A

Expected duration of contract:

11 months (5 days per month)

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.
• 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.
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• 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 each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html