The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to frameworks, guidance, and research on engaging Open-Source communities. The consultant will provide expertise in Open-Source community building and management within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

Background  

The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence (the Hub) is working on empowering countries and communities to minimise the impact of pandemic and epidemic threats through collaborative surveillance. Collaborative surveillance facilitates the systematic strengthening of capacity and collaboration among diverse stakeholders globally to enhance public health intelligence and improve evidence for decision making. Open-Source practices and principles contribute to this effort by providing proven successful models to collaborate in the creation of tools for pandemic and epidemic intelligence.

The Open-Source Programme Office (OSPO), a team and function within the Hub, is a centre of competency for Open-Source related efforts. It promotes collaboration and open innovation practices by defining Open-Source strategies, policies, and best practices for the Hub and its partners. The OSPO requires an Open-Source engagement expert who will develop and improve frameworks and guidance to help engage Open-Source communities that will contribute to the improvement of these models for collaboration and open innovation.

Deliverables

• Develop and maintain guidance and best practices for creating engaged, inclusive, and respectful Open-Source communities.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.
• Facilitate monthly coaching and training for Open-Source community managers.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.
• Develop concepts and contribute to content for country and regional cross-learning on the adoption, development, maintenance, and sustainability of Open-Source digital public goods for pandemic and epidemic intelligence.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.
• Develop a framework that will guide project teams in setting up governance structures for their Open-Source work and make it available within WHO.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.
• Analyze and share gaps and opportunities for WHO Open-Source projects that can be addressed by contributions from Open-Source communities.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.
• Manage and coordinate networks of contributors from partner institutions for Open-Source innovations for pandemic and epidemic intelligence.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.
• Develop and maintain an opportunity pipeline to explore collaborations with public and private sector entities and institutions working on relevant Open-Source projects.
  Expected by June 30, 2025.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

Minimum first university degree in Computer Science, or related fields.

Experience:  

Essential:

5 – 10 years of relevant experience working in Open-Source technology.

Experience managing Open-Source contributor communities.

Skills:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of Open-Source communities and expertise building communities.

Ability to plan both online and in-person community events and engagements.

Good understanding of software developers, architects, and other technologists and how they work.

Knowledge of public health technologies and communities or practice around global health.

Proactive identification, reporting and resolution/mitigation of issues and risks.

Political acumen and ability to drive change and improvements in challenging, inter-cultural and complex environments.

Excellent communication skills.

Languages required:

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.