Consultant - Innovation, WPRO

Purpose of consultancy

The Research, Ethics and Innovation (REI) unit under the Division of Data, Strategy and Innovations (DSI) at WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) is seeking a consultant to support REI in establishing itself as a regional leader in accelerating responsible AI adoption in health systems across Member States. 

Background

Artificial Intelligence technologies are rapidly transforming healthcare systems globally. Ministries of Health in the Western Pacific face a complex and continuously evolving landscape of technologies, implementation experiences, governance debates, and regulatory challenges. WHO/WPRO aims to strengthen its role as a trusted regional convener, knowledge broker, supporting Member States to navigate this complex ecosystem and responsibly adopt AI for health system transformation. 
To achieve this, WHO/WPRO requires continuous intelligence gathering across the global AI-for-health ecosystem — spanning technology developers, real-world pilots, multilateral initiatives, regulatory frameworks, funders, philanthropies, academic networks, and expert communities - and translation of this intelligence into actionable guidance and partnerships for the region. 

The consultant is expected to support REI in horizon scanning of the global AI for health ecosystem, capturing lived experience of stakeholders in health AI implementation, facilitating regulatory awareness of and readiness for AI integration into health system, monitoring multilateral, philanthropic, and academic initiatives, as well as supporting expert convenings and development of actionable guidance. 

Deliverables

Output 1: Global AI-for-health ecosystem monitoring

Deliverable 1.1: Conduct structured horizon scanning and maintain a continuously updated map of global AI-for-health actors and activities, including technology developers (labs, industry), multilateral organizations, standard-setting bodies, philanthropies and funders, academic networks, research institutes, and think tanks.
Deliverable 1.2: Analyze trends in technology development, real-world implementations, governance models, and regulatory frameworks; identify emerging domains where WHO/WPRO should proactively engage and support ministries.
Deliverable 1.3: Provide periodic briefings to DSI and WPRO leadership on global developments, partnership opportunities, risks, and strategic implications.

Output 2: Implementation case scanning and documentation

Deliverable 2.1: Identify, track, and document real-world AI deployments in healthcare at global, regional, national, and subnational levels
Deliverable 2.2: Conduct key informant interviews and consultations with stakeholders involved in AI implementation to identify success factors, challenges, and system-level lessons (e.g. governance, ethics, financing, integration, workforce impact.
Deliverable 2.3: Maintain a curated repository of implementation case studies to inform regional knowledge exchange and learning.

Output 3: Regulatory capacity and governance support

Deliverable 3.1: Continuously monitor evolving global, regional, and national regulatory frameworks, standards, and governance models relevant to AI in healthcare.
Deliverable 3.2: Facilitate regulatory learning exchanges, dialogues, and peer learning among Member States to strengthen regional regulatory preparedness.
Deliverable 3.3: Develop knowledge products (e.g. policy briefs, primers, checklists) to build regulatory awareness and literacy among stakeholders across health ministries in WPR.

Output 4: Expert network facilitation and regional engagement

Deliverable 4.1: Map and convene multidisciplinary experts (public health, legal, regulatory, ethical, implementation science, industry, civil society) to co-develop practical guidance, tools, and knowledge products.
Deliverable 4.2: Facilitate expert working group meetings and collaborative drafting processes to produce regionally relevant AI-for-health governance outputs.
Deliverable 4.3: Conduct rapid evidence syntheses on priority topics related to AI safety, governance, ethics, and implementation to inform WPRO policy dialogues, technical assistance, and guidance development.
Deliverable 4.4: Support WHO/WPRO’s participation in regional and global AI governance and regulation dialogues to strengthen WPRO’s strategic positioning.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Qualifications required:

Essential: An advanced degree (master’s level) in public health, global health governance, health policy and systems, AI/Machine Learning, Digital health/Health informatics, regulatory science, Public Policy or other relevant fields. 

Experience required

Essential: At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following areas:

Demonstrated experience in:

Desirable: Experience in LMIC context is highly desirable.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

Language requirements:

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of the English language.

Location

Off site: Home-based 

Travel 

The consultant is not expected to travel

Additional Information:

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