International Consultant - Research Ethics And Governance, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines

Organizational Context

The Research, Ethics and Innovation (REI) unit within WHO's Data Strategy and Innovation Division supports ethical health research in the Western Pacific Region. The WPRO Ethics Review Committee (WPRO-ERC) independently reviews research involving human participants under WHO's auspices. This role addresses evolving research methodologies, including AI, and aims to enhance efficiency, consistency, and expertise in ethics review processes.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to strengthen the governance, review quality, and operational effectiveness of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office Ethics Review Committee (WPRO-ERC). It also focuses on developing practical AI-powered support tools and resources for research ethics review and governance. The role will contribute to improving the efficiency and quality of ethics reviews, analyzing international best practices for AI in research ethics, and developing guidance and training materials to ensure the responsible use of AI in health research and governance across the region.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include screening research proposals and preparing assessments and recommendations for the WPRO-ERC. The consultant will develop a repository of ERC review outcomes and feedback to improve submission quality and review efficiency. Updating operational resources for the WPRO-ERC, such as reviewer guidance and templates, is also required. Additionally, the consultant will prepare an annual analytical report on ERC activities and trends. A significant part of the role involves analyzing international practices for AI in research ethics, contributing to guidance frameworks for AI use, and designing/testing AI-enabled tools to support ethics review processes. Developing and delivering training on AI in research ethics is also a core duty.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum three years of professional experience in research ethics, research governance, health research management, or ethics committee operations. Experience in developing technical reports, guidance documents, or training materials. Desirable: Experience with WHO or international organizations, applying AI/digital technologies in research/governance, and designing/delivering capacity-building activities.

Skills

Strong knowledge of international research ethics standards and governance frameworks. Knowledge of ethical issues related to AI, health data, and digital technologies. Strong technical writing, analysis, and document development skills. Ability to synthesize complex information into practical guidance. Familiarity with WHO ethics review processes and governance frameworks is desirable. Knowledge of AI-assisted workflow tools is also desirable. Expert knowledge of English is required.

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