Purpose of Consultancy

The Innovation and Research Unit (INR) under the Data, Strategy and Innovations (DSI) group at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is seeking a consultant to provide technical support and input on the team’s implementation of the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA75.8 on “Strengthening clinical trials to provide high quality evidence on health interventions and to improve research quality and coordination”.

Background

At the Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly in May 2022, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the resolution WHA75.8 on strengthening clinical trials to provide high-quality evidence on health interventions and improve research quality and coordination. The resolution acknowledges the importance of reinforcing global, regional, and national clinical trial ecosystems to advance equitable capacity development, enhance health outcomes for endemic diseases at the national and regional levels and ensure functional capacities that can pivot during emergencies.

In November 2023, WHO HQ organized a global clinical trials forum which agreed to develop a framework for clinical trials ecosystem strengthening to enable capacity development of clinical researchers, research institutions, of research ethics committees, and of national regulatory authorities regarding clinical trials oversight. In March 2024, WPRO convened an expert consultation on strengthening clinical trials in the Western Pacific, which identified priority actions and principles to implement the resolution in the region. Those were: putting equity at the center of developing and conducting clinical trials, building local ecosystem for clinical trials through equitable international partnerships, integrating clinical trials into public health systems to pragmatically extend their reach, and leveraging and developing registries as a vehicle to strengthen data governance and promote research integrity. In June 2024, WHO HQ convened stakeholders on clinical trial ecosystem strengthening.
Following this series of consultation, WHO HQ is leading the development of tools for assessing the maturity of clinical trial unit and capacity-building. Each region is now tasked with assessing clinical trial ecosystem capacity, mapping country needs for technical support in strengthening clinical trial ecosystems, and piloting tools in selected countries.

The consultant will support the preparation of baseline information through clinical trial stakeholder mapping, analysis of clinical trial registry data, and supporting a regional technical working group to address clinical trial challenges through coordination and strategic planning.

Deliverables

Output 1:  Develop a clinical trial stakeholder map and engagement plan

Deliverable 1.1:  Develop a detailed stakeholder map identifying key networks, partners, institutions and other stakeholders relevant to clinical trials and clinical research in the Region
Deliverable 1.2:  Create and implement an engagement plan for sustained collaboration with identified stakeholders, such as technical support package for member states

Output 2:  Support the coordination of a regional technical working group (TWG) to address systemic challenges in clinical trial ecosystems

Deliverable 3.1:  Submit monthly discussion topics with meeting agendas and minutes, including clear action points and deadlines
Deliverable 3.2:  Identify a specific output for the TGW, as agreed by the members
Deliverable 3.3:  Report on the facilitated exchange of best practices and lessons learned from clinical trial initiatives (such as efficient regulatory approvals) within and outside the Region
Deliverable 3.4:  Develop a strategy document/ action tracker guiding the plans and recommendations for future work in the Region

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational qualifications

Essential: First university degree in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, health sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of research or work experience in public health or health science. Experience in engaging research institutions to gather data and insight

Skills/Knowledge

• Strong writing skills
• Research and Analytical Skills
• Communication and Reporting Skills

Languages and level required

Essential:   Excellent written and spoken proficiency of the English language.

Location

Offsite:  The contractor will perform the work from his/her office and communications will be thru phone calls, exchange of emails and online meetings.

Travel

The consultant is not expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget

Rate:   Pay band Level A, USD 300 (daily)
Work schedule: Part time (5 working days per month)
Duration:  6 January 2025 to 30 June 202

Additional Information:

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