Purpose of contract
Within the WHO Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing: Advancing Life Course Health and Reproduction (LHR), the unit of Child, Adolescent and Older People Health (CAO) provides strategic and technical leadership for WHO’s global agenda on child, adolescent, and older people’s health, ensuring coherence across relevant programmes at all levels of the Organization. The unit is hiring a consultant to assist in the evidence synthesis and coordination of the Global Initiative on Adolescent Hypertension.
Background
Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are among the top causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While adult hypertension has been extensively studied and managed through established guidelines, hypertension in adolescents remains underrecognized and insufficiently addressed. In 2026/27, WHO will be developing new guidelines for the measurement and management of hypertension in adolescents.
Objectives of the assignment
Objective 1: Evidence reviews and support for guideline development and GDG processes on screening, diagnosis and care for adolescent hypertension
Objective 2: Development of methodology and a standardized case study template of implementation models, system performance, and opportunities for strengthening screening, diagnosis, and care
Objective 3: Monitoring, evaluation (M&E), coordination and communications for the Global Initiative
Please consult the Terms of Reference to see the outputs and deliverables under each objective .
Educational qualifications
Essential: An advanced university degree in public health and/or a related discipline, with training in related research methods relevant to the project themes relating to adolescents and/or cardiovascular disease or noncommunicable diseases more broadly.
Experience
Essential:
10 years or more of experience in at least one of the project areas (adolescent health, NCDs), including in-depth technical analysis and writing.
Demonstrated experience with evidence synthesis and systematic reviews
A proven ability to translate knowledge into publications for both expert and lay audiences, representing technical tasks of high complexity
Demonstrated experience in writing policy and research publications and working in an environment that supports research to practice
Experience communicating and engaging with stakeholders and high-level experts from different backgrounds
Experience in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment
Skills/Knowledge:
Knowledge of current literature, debates and concerns in relation to NCDs, CVD, and adolescent health
Demonstrated ability to review and synthesize data and evidence
Skills in stakeholder outreach, writing communications with researchers and policymakers, and conducting interviews/discussions
Excellent organizational and programme management skills
Excellent written (English) and very good (English) verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated ability to think laterally and integrate knowledge from different disciplines, approaches and viewpoints, and align with WHO’s mandate
Ability to function effectively in team settings in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural environments
Willingness to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize
Languages:
English (Read - Write - Speak/ Expert)
At least one other UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an asset
Location: Off-site
Estimated dates: Start date (TBC): 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027
Deadline for application: 31 July 2026
Candidates who are shortlisted will receive an email.