Technical support in the development of the web-based communications

REQUEST FOR SERVICES

Technical support to the World Health Organization in the development of the web-based communications strategy for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and ageing and the support of the 2020 preterm birth estimates exercise.

Unit: Newborn Health (NBH)

Department: Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing (MCA)

Purpose

The purpose of this engagement is to provide technical support to the development and implementation of the web-based communications strategy for improved dissemination of guidelines and research findings in maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and ageing, and the undertaking of the 2020 preterm birth estimates exercise.

Background

The Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing (MCA) has developed a large portfolio of research activities under Output 4.1.3 of the 13th General Programme of Work across a variety of topics (neonatal survival, child health, nutrition, adolescent well-being, preterm births, etc.) involving multiple major donors (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), etc.) and across a wide scope of stakeholder groups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became more apparent than ever the importance of the availability and accessibility of timely guidance and recommendations. Following the timing of the corporate transformation along with the digital transformation, MCA is seeking to engage a supplier for further development of its communications strategy for improved dissemination of guidelines and research findings, which includes the website update for the COVID-19 research network, the departmental webpage, the research webpage and the annual update of research publications. In parallel, progress for children is under threat, including pandemics, economic crisis and climate change. It is estimated that 70% of all neonatal deaths occur in low birth weight babies. Low birth weight is the result of preterm birth and inter-uterine growth restriction which results in small for gestational age. Currently, preterm birth is the largest single cause of under-five mortality, and small for gestational age contributes to neonatal, infant, and child mortality, morbidity and poor development. Identifying vulnerable newborns and investing to improve their outcomes is critical to improving progress for children. WHO will initiate the process of updating national estimates and trends for low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth rates to the year 2020 and generate the first ever multi-country data on the combined phenotypes to enable the first national estimates of the various types of vulnerable newborns and the consequent morbidity risks and mortality.

Tasks

Support MCA web-based communications:
- Provide technical input towards departmental communications strategy and develop unit and technical thematic sites
- Populate and organize the departmental content in line with the 13^th General Programme of Work, the Global Public Health Goods and key partnerships and initiatives
- Devise and update departmental research webpages as per agreed themes
- Draft and organize updates and communications for the MNCAH COVID-19 Research network.
Support WHO in the collection of data towards the 2020 preterm birth estimates:

Collect and synthesize feedback from stakeholders
Prepare/draft documentation and reports for the technical review, strategies and recommendations consultations.

Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work on the supervision of Ayesha De Costa, and Rajiv Bahl of the Newborn Health Unit.

Place of assignment

The supplier will be home-based.

Planned timelines

(subject to confirmation)

Start date: 01 April 2021
End date: 31 August 2021

Qualifications

Advanced University degree in Business Administration, Marketing or Communications

Experience required

At least 10 years of work experience in public health, communications, marketing or business branding/administration
Excellent project management skills and experience working in complex environments
Knowledge of regulatory processes and compliance functions
Prior experience with, and demonstrated understanding of, research protocol and the guideline development process in maternal, newborn or child health projects

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with multiple staff members, stakeholders and project sites
Prior experience with, and demonstrated understanding of, internal and external WHO stakeholders, rules and procedures

Language requirements

Excellent English writing skills
Knowledge of French would be an asset

Interested candidates are expected to send a cover letter and an up-to-date detailed Curriculum Vitae to cchuhupka@who.int by Friday, 19 March 2021 at 12h00 Geneva time.