Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) – Call for expression of interest

The UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. HRP is administered through the World Health Organization’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH). More information about HRP.

HRP is guided by a Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG), which is the principal advisory body for HRP. Specifically, STAG:

• reviews, from a scientific and technical standpoint, the content, scope and dimensions of the Special Programme, including the research areas covered and approaches to be adopted
• recommends priorities within the Special Programme, including all scientific and technical activities related to the Special Programme
• provides a continuous and independent evaluation of the scientific and technical aspects of all activities of the Special Programme
• reviews the plans of action and the budget of the Special Programme during each financial period

Members of STAG participate in an individual capacity and not as representatives of their institution or country. STAG meets at least once a year, usually in Geneva in February. The working language of the meeting and documentation is English. No stipend is paid to members, however full travel costs are covered and an expense allowance is provided. In 2022 it is envisioned that the meeting will take place on-line. STAG members serve a three-year term, renewable once.

HRP thematic areas, 2022–2023

• Family planning and contraception
• Maternal and perinatal health
• Safe abortion
• Sexual health and well-being
• Fertility care
• Violence against women and girls
• Adolescent SRHR
• Female genital mutilation
• SRHR in health emergencies
• Human rights, gender equality and social determinants
• Health systems, including self-care and digital innovations
• Measuring and monitoring indicators
• Scientific leadership and capacity strengthening

Selection criteria

The following criteria will be used to assess applications:

• Expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights
• Strength of track record within areas of expertise, including publications
• Expertise and experience in cross-cutting areas, including research capacity strengthening, research ethics, research management, knowledge translation, collaborative partnership programmes (North-South, South-South)
• Diversity of gender and geographical origin

Applications from women are particularly encouraged. 

Members of other HRP committees, principal investigators of HRP studies, and HRP grantees are not eligible for STAG membership.