The purpose of this call for expressions of interest is to identify an experienced team of two experts for an evaluation of the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020 (NCD-GAP).
Context
The mandate to conduct the mid-point evaluation of the progress achieved in the implementation of the NCD-GAP derives from paragraph 1.1 of resolution WHA66.10 (2013), which endorsed the Global Action Plan. Paragraph 60 of the Global Action Plan requests the WHO Secretariat to convene a group of stakeholders to conduct a mid-point evaluation. As stated in paragraphs 26 of document A72/19 and 25 of document EB145/6, the mid-point evaluation has been delayed due to financial constraints. During discussions at 145th session of the Executive Board, Member States reiterated the relevance and urgency of conducting this evaluation.
Background
NCDs are the leading cause of death in the world. The four main noncommunicable diseases -cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes - kill three in five people worldwide. Premature deaths from NCDs, however, can be prevented by changing policies and actively engaging not only the health sector, but also sectors beyond health that have a bearing on NCDs.
To strengthen national efforts to address the burden of NCDs and attain the nine global targets for NCDs, the Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly endorsed the NCD-GAP, which includes six key objectives as follows:
- Objective 1: to raise the priority accorded to the prevention and control of NCDs in global, regional and national agendas and internationally agreed development goals, through strengthened international cooperation and advocacy
- Objective 2: to strengthen national capacity, leadership, governance, multisectoral action and partnerships to accelerate country response for the prevention and control of NCDs
- Objective 3: to reduce modifiable risk factors for NCDs and underlying social determinants through creation of health-promoting environments
- Objective 4: to strengthen and orient health systems to address the prevention and control of NCDs and the underlying social determinants through people-centred primary health care and universal health coverage
- Objective 5: to promote and support national capacity for high-quality research and development for the prevention and control of NCDs
- Objective 6: to monitor the trends and determinants of NCDs and evaluate progress in their prevention and control.
The NCD-GAP follows on from commitments made by Heads of State and Government in the United Nations Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of NCDs, recognizing the primary role and responsibility of Governments in responding to the challenge of NCDs and the important role of international cooperation to support national efforts.
The NCD-GAP provides a road map and a menu of policy options for all Member States and other stakeholders, to take coordinated and coherent action, at all levels, local to global, to attain the nine voluntary global targets, including that of a 25% relative reduction in premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases by 2025.
In May 2019, the Seventy-second World Health Assembly confirmed the objectives of the NCD-GAP as a contribution towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4 (by 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and wellbeing) and other noncommunicable disease-related goals and targets, and extended the period of the action plans to 2030 in order to ensure their alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Objectives
The purpose of the mid-point evaluation is to assess the accomplishments of the six objectives of the NCD-GAP, as well as the lessons learned throughout implementation of the NCD-GAP in Member States, by international partners, and at the three levels of the Organization.
The objective is as follows:
a) To document successes, challenges and gaps in the implementation of the NCD-GAP since 2013;
b) To provide lessons learned and strategic recommendations to improve the implementation of the NCD-GAP until 2030, in particular within the context of the implementation of the 13th WHO General Programme of Work (2019-2023), WHO Programme Budget 2020-2021, the commitments included in the three UNGA Political Declarations on NCDs, the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, in particular SDG target 3.4, and the Global Action Plan of UN organizations for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All;
c) To provide inputs for the next WHO Global Status Report on NCDs (pending since 2016), as well as other reports, including on contributions to reducing premature mortality from NCDs by promoting mental health, reducing air pollution, and strengthening health systems.
Scope
The scope of the NCD-GAP endorsed in 2013 includes: 1) four types of noncommunicable diseases —cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes—which make the largest contribution to morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases, and 2) four shared behavioural risk factors—tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol.
Deliverables and Timeline
It is envisaged that this exercise will require 80 working days (around 40 days per expert) for the selected team of experts during the period November 2019 to April 2020. An inception phase will start as early as possible, with an inception report to be produced in November 2019. Data collection, which will include a desk review of available technical and financial reports, documents and tools, and key informant interviews, will take place from December 2019 to February 2020. Data analysis and report drafting will occur in February-March 2020 with a final report presented to WHO by early April 2020.
Consultant Profile
The WHO Evaluation Office is looking for an experienced team of two experts (either two senior experts or a team of one senior expert and one mid-level expert) with the following experience, knowledge and skills:
A-Evaluation expert
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in the design, management and conduct of strategic evaluations in the areas of global policy, public health and/or international development
- Experience in evaluation/review of the subjects in line with the scope and focus of the NCD-GAP would be an advantage;
- Prior experience designing and conducting complex reviews, assessments and evaluations of WHO or other UN agencies an advantage;
- Excellent communication, facilitation and writing skills; and
- Fluency in English (oral and written), with a demonstrated track record delivering high-quality written reports under tight timelines.
- WHO daily fees for evaluation experts range from US$ 500 to US$ 625 - rates will be offered based on candidate expertise and complexity of the assignment
B-Evaluation specialist (mid-level)
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in the design and conduct of complex evaluations in the areas of global policy, public health and/or international development
- Experience in evaluation/review of the subjects in line with the scope and focus of the NCD-GAP would be an advantage;
- Prior experience designing and conducting complex reviews, assessments and evaluations of WHO or other UN agencies an advantage;
- Excellent communication, facilitation and writing skills; and
- Fluency in English (oral and written), with a demonstrated track record delivering high-quality written reports under tight timelines.
- WHO daily fees for evaluation specialists range from US$ 350 to US$ 499 - rates will be offered based on candidate expertise and complexity of the assignment
Other
The team of experts will report to an evaluation manager identified by the WHO Internal Horizontal Network for Collective Action towards the NCD-related SDG targets in the day-to-day conduct of their work. The WHO Evaluation Office will provide technical backstopping and quality assurance for this evaluation.
Travel to/per diem in Geneva will be covered by WHO.
How to apply
Interested bidders should submit an expression of interest to [email protected] by end of day Tuesday, 22 October 2019. Please specify “Expression of Interest – mid-point evaluation of the WHO NCD-GAP” in the email subject line.
The expression of interest should include:
- A cover letter or cover email;
- A recent CV(s);
- Examples of recent, relevant engagements (up to 5); and
- An indication of availability from November 2019-April 2020.
Short-listed bidders will be invited to a short telephone/Skype interview as part of the final selection process.
