Consultant - NTD Data Management and Health Information Systems, Health Products and Supply Chain, Process and Operations Management

Purpose of consultancy

The consultant will support the collection and reporting of data and information on NTDs, supply of donated NTD drugs and diagnostics, and provide operational and technical support to accelerate control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific Region.

Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of disease conditions that are most common in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases most heavily affect people living without access to adequate sanitation, basic infrastructure, and health services. In addition to significant morbidity and mortality, these diseases can lead to stigma and discrimination in communities. WHO prioritizes 20 diseases affecting more than 1 billion people in 149 countries as NTDs. Of these, 16 are endemic in 22 countries and areas in the WHO Western Pacific Region. These diseases are prioritized not only because of the magnitude and impact of their burden but also because they are amenable to broad control, elimination or eradication by delivering one or more of the five interventions recommended by WHO. The priority interventions are (1) preventive chemotherapy (PC); (2) veterinary public health; (3) provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene; (4) vector and intermediate host control; and (5) case management and rehabilitation.

Since the endorsement of the Global NTD roadmap 2021-2030, WPRO has been supporting Member States in coordination and collaboration with donors and partners to accelerate control and elimination of NTDs in the Region through three strategic pillars: (i) accelerating programmatic actions, (ii) intensifying cross-cutting approaches, (iii) changing operational models to enhance country ownership. The NTD control and elimination efforts are guided by the regional framework on Reaching the Unreached (RTU) which prioritizes three actions areas: (i) strengthening health systems and services (ii) empowering individuals and communities, and (iii) addressing socio-economic barriers.

Deliverables

Under the supervision and guidance of the team of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Integrated Communicable Diseases (NTD/ICD/WPRO) and the Coordinator of the Integrated Communicable Diseases unity of the Division of Disease Control (DDC), in collaboration with the Health Ministries in the Western Pacific Region, WHO country offices NTD focal persons, and HQ/NTD Department

· Deliverable 1.1: NTD data collection forms from all relevant countries collected, quality assured, and support provided where needed – ongoing until the end of the consultancy period.

· Deliverable 1.2: Transmission assessment studies for Lymphatic Filariasis completed in Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Micronesia (Federated States of), and other countries undergoing transmission assessment by providing technical
guidance and operational support – expected by 30 June 2024.

· Deliverable 1.3: ICD Dashboard updated with disease specific and subnational NTD data on a regular basis – expected by 15 April 2024.

· Deliverable 1.4: NTD-endemic countries in WPRO received and distributed donated NTD commodities (including NTD drugs and diagnostics) as requested by the countries and necessary support provided to Countries in the
distribution of Medicines for Mass Drug Administration and Diagnostics for assessment of transmission status and disease mapping – Ongoing until the end of the consultancy period.

· Deliverable 1.5: The latest issue of the WPRO NTD update finalized and widely disseminated – 30 March 2024

· Deliverable 1.6: A report of supplies and drug/RDT donation and procurement facilitated in the Region during the consultancy period provided, and new procurement and requests for donations for both RDTs and Preventive
Chemotherapy compiled – 15 May 2024

· Deliverable 1.7: Relevant donor reports and proposals finalized during the consultancy period as required - 30 June 2024

· Deliverable 1.8: ICD SharePoint updated with the latest information and updates in the tracking tools designed for NTDs – Ongoing until the end of the Consultancy period.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Relevant first university degree from a recognized university in science, medicine or nursing.

Desirable: Master’s degree in public health, tropical diseases, epidemiology or related field is preferable.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of 5 years relevant experience working with the health ministries on control and elimination of at least one of neglected tropical diseases, communicable diseases, or health systems in developing countries in the Western Pacific Region.

Desirable: Experience in implementation of health projects in remote and hard-to-reach settings will be an asset.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential: Proven knowledge and skills in collecting and reporting data.
Proficiency in word and excel.

Desirable: Knowledge and skills in health products and supply chain management will be an asset.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Location

Manila, Philippines
On site: Western Pacific Regional Office

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to the following countries as needed:

· Micronesia (the Federated State of) – 15 March 2024

· Brunei Darussalam – 30 February 2024

The work might also require occasional travel to countries in the Region, according to priority as follows:

1) Federated State Micronesia; 2) Brunei Darussalam; 3) Philippines; 4) Fiji; 5) Papua New Guinea; 6) Samoa; 7) Solomon Islands; 8) French Polynesia; and 9) Cambodia.

The travel will support the NTD/ICD Team in coordinating NTD Programs and participating in the integrated country missions at the primary health care level for reaching the unreached population.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

· Remuneration: Brand Level A (USD 200 per day)

· Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year): 6 months

Additional Information

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