PHI Tool Development Consultant

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Area of expertise: PHI Tool Development

Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the continued implementation of the Public Health Intelligence (PHI) initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The consultant will support follow‑up activities from Phase 1 of the PHI project, operationalize the regional PHI Community of Practice, and facilitate the expansion of PHI implementation to additional countries, including deployment of Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS).

Background

Following the successful completion of Phase 1 of the PHI initiative and the PHI Regional Engagement Meeting, Member States expressed interest in maintaining technical collaboration and knowledge exchange on PHI implementation. Phase 1 supported the operationalization of PHI approaches and the deployment of EIOS in several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Djibouti. To build on this progress, it was recommended to establish a regional PHI Community of Practice to facilitate structured peer exchange, support implementation in Phase 1 countries, and expand PHI activities to additional countries. This consultancy will support consolidation of the PHI workstream, ensure continuity of technical support, and assist with expansion of PHI implementation.

Deliverables

Output 1: Support and enhance the Regional Public Health Intelligence (PHI) Community of Practice
Deliverable 1.1: Update and implement a simple workplan for the PHI Community of Practice, including priority topics and planned engagements.
Deliverable 1.2: Organize regular virtual sessions with PHI focal points to exchange updates, challenges, and good practices.
Deliverable 1.3: Develop short summary notes after key sessions, including agreed actions and next steps.

Output 2: Provide continued technical guidance to PHI implementation in Phase 1 countries and facilitate its gradual expansion to additional countries.
Deliverable 2.1: Provide continued technical follow-up to Phase 1 countries on PHI implementation and use of EIOS.
Deliverable 2.2: Provide technical guidance for the orientation, ePHEM training, and initial implementation steps for additional countries interested in PHI and EIOS.
Deliverable 2.3: Ensure proper documentation of the progress, key achievements, challenges, and practical recommendations to guide further PHI scale-up.

Output 3: Facilitate partnership coordination and stakeholder engagement for PHI implementation.
Deliverable 3.1: Develop and update partnership documents, workplans, and simple coordination materials related to PHI.
Deliverable 3.2: Coordinate and ensure documentation of engagement meetings with key partners and stakeholders.
Deliverable 3.3: Coordinate preparation for regional or country-level PHI engagement activities, including agendas, meeting materials, and brief outcome notes.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:
Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in Health Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, or related field.

Experience
5 to 10 years of professional experience in public health, epidemiology, with specific expertise in disease surveillance systems.
Demonstrated experience in implementing or managing health surveillance systems in humanitarian or resource-limited settings.
Previous experience working with the United Nations system or other international organizations, including assignments outside the candidate’s home country.

Skills/Knowledge:
Strong knowledge of PHI, disease surveillance frameworks, and familiarity with WHO guidelines for public health emergencies.
Skilled in stakeholder engagement, conducting needs assessments, and integrating user feedback into digital health solutions.
Technical writing skills, particularly in documenting technical specifications and user guides.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):
Proficiency in English (Read - Write - Speak: Expert level) is required for effective communication, report writing, and training delivery.
Proficiency in Arabic (Read - Write - Speak: Intermediate or higher) is desirable due to the potential regional application of EWARN systems in humanitarian settings.

Location

The consultant is expected to work remotely (off site).

Travel

The Consultant is not expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

a. Remuneration: Band level B

b. Expected duration of contract: 5 months

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