The mission of the Antimicrobial Resistance Division is to define, advance, promote and monitor comprehensive policies and strategies that prevent, reduce, and mitigate drug-resistant infections and the overall impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally based on the Global Action Plan on AMR and the 13th Global Programme of Work of WHO and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Impact Initiatives and Research Coordination (IRC) unit is responsible for priority-setting, coordination of research and development across the One Health spectrum and facilitating access to AMR-related health products. It develops and supports global initiatives, innovative partnerships and targeted instruments to enhance the global AMR response, in close collaboration with bilateral and multilateral institutions and other stakeholders. IRC is currently collaborating with GARDP on SECURE, an initiative to improve equitable access to new and existing antibiotics. This includes leading the development of WHO country operational guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics. A consultant is required to support activities related to SECURE, including the operational guidance being developed through a WHO Task Force.
Deliverables
- Deliverable 1: Develop draft of WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics based on inputs received during a technical consultation of experts and stakeholders.
Provide technical input into the development and implementation of the SECURE Initiative:- Refine SECURE proof-of-concept based on feedback received from stakeholders.
- Adapt methodology and analysis for SECURE product selection and refine product shortlist, as needed. Support regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc, including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Deliverable 2: Develop checklist and costing tool to accompany WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics. Convene WHO Task Force to refine operational guidance and provide feedback on tools, and incorporate feedback from Task Force into guidance document and tools.
Provide technical input into the development and implementation of the SECURE Initiative:- Develop costed operational plans for SECURE Proof-of-concept, including regional/country activities. Provide technical input into regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc., including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Coordinate planning and hold the Reserve+ Antibiotic Market Working Group.
- Deliverable 3: Coordinate internal and external peer review of draft WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics – identify and engage reviewers, manage inputs and incorporate feedback into guidance document.
Provide technical input into the development and implementation of the SECURE Initiative:- Develop costed operational plans for SECURE Proof-of-concept, including regional/country activities. Provide technical input into regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc., including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Coordinate planning and hold the Reserve+ Antibiotic Market Working group.
- Deliverable 4: Finalize WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics by incorporating final feedback from peer reviewers and WHO Task Force.
Support the development and implementation the SECURE Initiative:- Support the development of costed operational plans for SECURE Proof-of-concept, including regional/country activities. Support regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc, including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Support follow-up actions from the Reserve+ Antibiotic Market Working group.
- Deliverable 5: Coordinate publication of WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics. Develop launch and dissemination plans; draft web content and communications materials, and support the planning of a technical webinar.
Provide technical input into the development and implementation of the SECURE Initiative:- Develop costed operational plans for SECURE Proof-of-concept, including regional/country activities. Provide technical input into regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc., including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Support follow-up actions from the Reserve+ Antibiotic Market Working group.
- Deliverable 6: Develop a costed plan for country pilot testing of the WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics.
Provide technical input into the development and implementation of the SECURE Initiative:- Provide technical oversight and coordination support for proof-of concept activities.
- Support regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc, including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- Deliverable 7: Coordinate launch of WHO Operational Guidance on the introduction and preservation of new antibiotics and undertake early dissemination activities. Consult with stakeholders, including WHO regional and country offices, on costed plan for pilot testing of the operational guidance and refine plan based on inputs received.
Provide technical input into the development and implementation of the SECURE Initiative:- Provide technical oversight and coordination support for proof-of concept activities.
- Support regional and/or country drug selection processes.
- Contribute to discussions with stakeholders/partners, including countries, suppliers, donors, etc, including preparation of presentations and briefing documents and following-up on action points.
- Provide technical input into SECURE tools/activities, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:
- An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in pharmacy, medicine, public health or international development.
Experience:
Essential:
- Over 10 years of professional experience focused on improving access to medicines;
- Experience working on issues related to antimicrobial resistance;
- Experience designing/implementing introduction strategies for new health products;
- Over 10 years’ experience in health product analysis, including market analysis and forecasting; and
- Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies.
Desirable:
- Experience coordinating WHO/UN Task Forces;
- Experience working with product development partnerships; and
- Experience working with/in the pharmaceutical sector.
Skills:
- Knowledge of policies and practices for the control of antimicrobial resistance;
- Knowledge of strategies to improve access to medicines, including new product introduction;
- Ability to conduct research and analyze results, including conducting health product market analysis;
- Excellent writing and communications skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts for diverse audiences;
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside WHO;
- Ability to work efficiently under time pressure.
Languages required:
Essential:
- Expert knowledge of English.
Location
Off site: Home-based.
Travel
The consultant is expected to travel.
Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):
Remuneration:
Band level C – USD 10,000 – 12,500 per month.
Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited):
N/A
Expected duration of contract:
7 months.
