Purpose of consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to support WHO/HRP in sexual and reproductive health and rights research governance and capacity strengthening. HRP is seeking applicants on a competitive basis for a 6-month consultancy.
The information you provide will be used to assess your eligibility and qualifications for the role. Note that only individual consultants are eligible to apply (not consulting firms).
Background
The UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR); for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and SRHR programmes. The Special Programme draws on research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
HRP’s standards, systems and processes ensure that its research activities are of the highest possible quality while also advancing its mandate of strengthening SRHR research capacity, particularly in low- and lower-middle income countries. HRP is governed by several independent scientific bodies, including an independent research project review panel (known as “RP2”) that provides critical, impartial and constructive scientific and budget review of all research protocols. This mechanism assists HRP and its collaborators to uphold good research practice and protect the health and rights of individuals across diverse social and cultural settings. Likewise, research capacity strengthening (RCS) is integrated into all the research that HRP helps convene, coordinate and lead. The HRP Secretariat hosts both the Secretariat for RP2 and for the work in RCS.
The purpose of this consultancy is to support HRP in broad research governance and capacity strengthening activities. This includes the following tasks:
- Coordinate and support the implementation of the RCS strategy launched in 2026.
- Coordinate activities relating to the RP2 review process and research governance, design and quality.
Deliverables
Deliverable 1: Coordinate activities relating to the implementation of the research capacity strengthening strategy
- Activity 1.1: Develop, manage and coordinate an RCS SRHR community of practice in close collaboration with the IBP network
- Activity 1.2: Coordinate the HRP working group on research capacity strengthening, including organizing regular meetings, developing the agenda, and following up with items as relevan
- Activity 1.3: Coordinate the RCS strategy project management and implementation, including the monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework as well as incorporating any relevant changes based on needs
- Activity 1.4: Draft reports, case studies and briefs for donors, partners, and broad audiences on the work and achievements of the RCS strategy
Deliverable 2: Coordinate activities relating to the RP2 review process and research governance, design and quality
- Activity 2.1: Coordinate the RP2 review workflow, including tracking review progress, following up with reviewers and responsible officers, and managing review timelines and logistics
- Activity 2.2: Maintain and update RP2 documentation and systems, including the reviewer database, templates, timeline trackers, webpage, and reviewer resource hub
- Activity 2.3: advance the development of research governance SOPs led by the RP2 secretariat
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential: First university degree in global/ international or public health, social sciences or other relevant health sciences.
Desirable: An advanced university degree in public health or related field and Project management certification.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of international experience in sexual and reproductive health research and research governance. Demonstrated experience in developing research SOPs, quality assurance systems, tools and review frameworks and research methodology development. Experience of coordinating international stakeholders, including engagement with government, civil society, academia, multilateral and private sector. Experience in designing, implementing and evaluating research capacity strengthening. Experience in managing large networks and communities of practice.
Skills/Knowledge:
Essential:
- Excellent communication skills including writing skills (demonstrated journal article publications, reports, or other pieces of work synthesizing large ideas into digestible formats).
- Strong knowledge of research capacity strengthening, research governance and community engagement in research in sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Ability to design clear, structured, audit-ready research SOPs, checklists, and templates
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage projects in a dynamic and rapidly evolving context
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong sense of accountability and ability to deliver to agreed timelines
- Constructive communication and collaborative working style
- Ability to meet deadlines for both long and short-term.
- Familiarity with responsible AI use and data governance in research
Desirable:
Comfortable using project management applications and willingness to learn new tools including engagement with AI agents and LLMs
Languages and level required
Essential: Expert knowledge of English
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French or Spanish
Location
Off site: Home-based
Travel
The consultant may be expected to travel to attend meetings. All travel costs will be borne by WHO. Full medical clearance will be requested from the consultant.
All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.
Applications must be submitted by 8 September 2026 by 23:59 CEST