Consultant - Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group

WHO; Manila; On-site; PHP 700,000 - 1,100,000; Part time

Job summary

WHO in Manila, Philippines is seeking a consultant to support the operationalization of the transformed RITAG and strengthen National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) across the Western Pacific Region.

The consultant will facilitate establishment of RITAG subgroups, enhance governance, and help develop regional strengthening roadmaps through capacity-building activities and regular meetings.

Qualifications

• Strong, proven skills in managing advisory mechanisms or networks.
• Professional knowledge of NITAG or TAG.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the establishment and operationalization of transformed RITAG and its subgroups.
• Draft technical documents and review nominations for leadership positions.
• Develop work plans and meeting frameworks and organize quarterly meetings.

Skills

Advisory mechanisms

NITAG/TAG knowledge

Written and spoken English

Education

MD/MPH or life sciences degree

Master’s in public health (desirable)

Job description

Organizational context: The Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) is WHO's primary advisory body for vaccine-preventable diseases in the Western Pacific Region. It guides Member States on immunization policies and initiatives. Recognizing the evolving landscape and need for stronger national advisory groups (NITAGs), RITAG has been transformed into a network of NITAGs to enhance regional collaboration, peer learning, and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring alignment between global recommendations and country needs.

Job purpose: This consultancy aims to support the operationalization of the transformed RITAG and strengthen National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) across the WHO Western Pacific Region. The consultant will facilitate the establishment of RITAG's technical area subgroups and enhance the functionality and capacity of NITAGs in priority countries. This role is crucial for improving evidence-based decision-making, strengthening immunization programs, and ensuring effective technical support to National Immunization Programmes and Ministries of Health, ultimately contributing to better immunization coverage and disease control within the region.

Responsibilities: Coordinate the establishment and operationalization of the transformed RITAG and its technical area subgroups. This includes drafting technical documents, reviewing nominations for leadership positions, and developing work plans and meeting frameworks. Facilitate the establishment of coordination and reporting mechanisms between RITAG, its subgroups, and NITAGs. Organize quarterly meetings and consultations for these groups and establish peer-learning and networking activities. Conduct situational analyses of NITAG functionality in priority countries using NMAT, identify gaps, and develop a regional strengthening roadmap. Facilitate NITAGs and their secretariats in improving governance, evidence review processes, and recommendation development through regular meetings and capacity-building activities.

Education: Essential: University degree in medicine, public health, or a related life science field. Desirable: Post-graduate studies or a Master's degree in public health.

Work experience: Essential: Minimum of five years of experience in an immunization program at the international level. Desirable: Experience managing advisory mechanisms such as NITAGs, similar advisory bodies, or professional networks.

Skills: Essential: Strong, proven skills in managing advisory mechanisms or networks. Desirable: Professional knowledge of NITAG or TAG. Proficient in written and spoken English.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: