1. Purpose of the Consultancy
The Science Editor will support the development of evidence-based trauma care in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The Editor will be responsible for reviewing and editing manuscripts in preparation for publication, trauma assessments and other related medical communication material.
2. Background
There are over 133.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance globally, with 80% of that need driven by violent conflict. The Eastern Mediterranean is the most affected region, with 74.8 million in need, representing 56% of the global total.[1] These complex emergencies have also impacted neighbouring countries, either directly or indirectly. Surging migrant and refugee populations further increase the demands on emergency and trauma systems, while the political context and bureaucratic constraints applied by local authorities can constrain strategic and system planning.
Violent injury contributes a substantial disease burden in the region, especially in the on-going conflicts in Libya, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. High incidence of violent injury requires sophisticated and well-resourced response mechanisms, placing enormous strains on already under-resourced and over-burdened health systems. But traditionally, only a very small number of humanitarian agencies have developed capacities for providing trauma care in conflict settings. Most humanitarian health agencies have not prioritized injury care in conflict because of mandate issues, security concerns and capacity and resource gaps; when non-specialized agencies do engage, it is too often uncoordinated and inconsistent with international standards. But the growing burden of trauma in current-day humanitarian emergencies can no longer be ignored. In several recent major humanitarian operations, WHO therefore has stepped in to lead and coordinate the trauma response.
In spite of the demonstrated effectiveness of WHOs interventions, implementation of trauma services that apply best practice referral pathways and clinical care remains ad hoc and unpredictable, dependent on the technical and financial resources available at the time. WHO is committed to ensure that effective trauma services are consistently established during humanitarian emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and to use these services to build the longer-term resilience of emergency medical systems.
The WHO has recently established the Operational Trauma Initiative, which aims to measurably improve health outcomes from trauma driven by humanitarian emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). As a new approach to working in humanitarian emergencies, at the heart of this initiative is a small, specialized Trauma Operational & Advisory Team (TOpAT). The TOpAT is a mobile team that works in humanitarian emergencies and provides both technical direction, and hands- on support. In some countries, where the needs are particularly high, the TOpAT will be complimented by a dedicated focal point in-country; an extension of the TOpAT. All of the interventions are judged by their ability to positively impact trauma patient outcomes.
One of the central pillars of the TOpAT is to ensure evidence -based practice in the region and invest in trauma research that can pave the way for effective healthcare interventions, ultimately shaping a new approach to humanitarian work in the field of the trauma care and thereby improving patient outcomes. In this regard, the Science Editor will be expected to work with the TOpAT on advising the team on research, publications, and other medical communication material.
3. Planned timelines **
The consultant is expected to work full time remotely beginning on the 1st February until the 31st December 2022.
4. Work to be performed: Under technical supervision of the Regional Trauma Specialist, the Science Editor will be responsible for the following key outputs
Output 1**:** Lead the development of operational research for the trauma initiative. **
· Deliverable 1.1 Provide technical oversight and direction to the trauma research arm of the TOpAT, with a specific focus on: peadiatric trauma, women in trauma care, Trauma Stablisation Points. **
Output 2. Coordinate activities with the key external stakeholders to promote the trauma care vision and foster relationships for collaboration **
1. Specific requirements
Consultant should have:
Experience
· At least 10 years of experience in editing medical manuscripts, related to trauma care
· Extensive demonstrable editorial experience in the selection and processing of manuscripts
· Over 10 years of understanding of the data publishing landscape, including detailed knowledge of open access publishing, and familiarity with community priorities in this area
Education
· MBBS and postgraduate qualification in trauma sciences
Other competencies:
· Proficiency in English is mandatory.
2. Place of assignment
The Consultant may be requested to travel to countries, although this is not mandatory.
Skills / Technical skills and knowledge**:**
· Proven skills in data analysis of a range of data sources.
· Proven skills and know-how in data representation and visualisation.
· Ability to work in a flexible manner under pressure to meet deadlines.
· Ability to work in a collaborative manner.
· Clear understanding of implementation methods and implementation science where applicable.
· Concrete skills and background of analyzing large data sets especially from low and middle-income countries.
Language requirements**:**
Excellent knowledge of English
7. Place of assignment
Remote
8. Medical clearance
The incumbent will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
9. Travel
Some travel will be required. To be confirmed.
· Deliverable 2.1 Coordinate and liaise with external stakeholders, including the CDC, Cambridge University, and others.**
Output 3. Provide editorial oversight to all scientific material published by the TOpAT **
· Deliverable 3.1 Review, edit and advise on the publication of all scientific material
[1] OCHA. Global Humanitarian Overview, 2019.
How to apply:
The consultant is expected to work full time remotely beginning 1st February until the 31st December 2022 at 40% FT.
Please send your CV and cover letter to halimahs@who.int.