Purpose of contract
Undertake the methodological preparation and facilitation of GDG Session 0 and establish the evidence-review process for the WHO guideline on the prevention, diagnosis and management of delirium in older adults, including medication safety and deprescribing.
Background
WHO is developing its first global guideline on the prevention, diagnosis and management of delirium in older adults. An independent Guideline Methodologist is required for the preparatory phase to refine the scope and PICO questions, facilitate the Guideline Development Group (GDG) Session 0 and establish proportionate methodological requirements for commissioned evidence reviews.
Residual methodological activities are expected to be covered through a separate contract in 2027, subject to satisfactory performance, funding availability and applicable contracting procedures.
Objectives
- Objective 1: Review and refine the draft PICO questions; prepare the outcome-prioritisation instrument, methodological approach note and briefing materials for GDG Session 0.
- Objective 2: Prepare and deliver methodological orientation; facilitate GDG Session 0; and document the validated PICO questions, prioritised outcomes and methodological decisions.
- Objective 3: Develop methodological specifications, templates and evaluation criteria for evidence-review teams; contribute to proposal assessment; review available protocols; and prepare a transition note for the subsequent phase.
Please consult the Terms of Reference to see the outputs and deliverables under each objective.
Educational qualifications
Essential: Advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in clinical epidemiology, epidemiology, evidence synthesis, research methods, public health, biostatistics, health policy or another relevant field.
Desirable: Doctoral-level degree in clinical epidemiology, medicine, public health or a related field.
Experience
Essential: A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in guideline methodology, systematic reviews or evidence synthesis, including substantial contribution to WHO guidelines or other international or national guidelines developed to comparable standards; demonstrated experience conducting systematic reviews; and experience facilitating multidisciplinary technical or guideline groups.
Desirable: Experience with WHO guideline processes; experience in ageing, geriatrics, mental health, neurology, medication safety or patient safety; experience with living-guideline approaches; and experience relevant to low- and middle-income country settings.
Skills/Knowledge
Essential: Advanced knowledge of systematic-review methods and GRADE; working knowledge of GRADE-CERQual and Evidence-to-Decision frameworks; ability to apply appropriate risk-of-bias and review-appraisal tools; familiarity with GRADEpro or equivalent software; strong scientific and technical writing skills; and facilitation skills for multidisciplinary and multicultural groups.
Desirable: Knowledge of diagnostic-test-accuracy evidence synthesis, qualitative evidence synthesis, AMSTAR-2, living-guideline methods and the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development.
Languages
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Working knowledge of another WHO official language.
Location: Off site: home-based.
Expected duration: Approximately 24 working days over three months, from 15 October (TBC) to 31 December 2026.
Submitting your application
Please submit a complete application package by 7 October 2026, 23:59 (UTC+2), to mcesari@who.int with the subject line “Guideline Methodologist - Delirium Guideline”.
The application package should include:
- a cover letter of no more than two pages describing motivation, relevant methodological experience and availability during October to December 2026 and, if applicable, during 2027; the letter should include the names and contact details of two professional referees;
- a curriculum vitae, including relevant publications and guidelines to which the applicant has contributed, with the applicant's role specified; and
- a completed and signed WHO Declaration of Interests form.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Candidates who are shortlisted will receive an email.