Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Coordinator
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a wide range of infectious agents is a growing public health threat of huge concern to countries and many sectors. Especially alarming is the rapid global spread of multi- resistant bacteria that cause common infections and that resist treatment with existing antimicrobial medicines.
In May 2015, the World Health Assembly approved a global action plan to combat AMR. This action plan reflects a global consensus of countries, organizations, multiple sectors including key partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and civil society, was adopted at the sixty-eighth World Health Assembly in May 2015. It sets out five strategic objectives: (1) to improve awareness and understanding of AMR; (2) to strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research; (3) to reduce the incidence of infection; (4) to optimize the use of antimicrobial agents; and (5) to ensure sustainable investment in countering AMR.
WHO developed the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), it aims to support the implementation of the Global Action Plan on AMR (GAP-AMR), and specifically the GAP-AMR strategic objective to strengthen the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance. Having all countries able to capture and share information with a global AMR surveillance system is key to inform local and global strategies to contain AMR.
The goal of GLASS is to enable integrated analysis of standardized, comparable and validated data on AMR to be shared with countries and inform strategies to tackle AMR locally, regionally and globally. GLASS aims to foster national surveillance systems and will gather AMR surveillance information provided by the national governmental bodies.
Several partners have supported WHO in the development of GLASS. A GLASS Collaborative Platform including WHO Collaborating Centres, international networks and other technical partners has been established in October 2015 to assist in further development and implementation. Currently, more than 60 countries are participating in GLASS. More information on GLASS is available at http://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/global-action-plan/surveillance/glass/en/.
The AMR Secretariat is seeking to establish a roster of consultants to assist on tasks related to the further development and implementation of GLASS. It is in this context that WHO is planning to recruit a consultant for a period of 6 months.
PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
Provide expertise to support the development and implementation of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS).
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
Output 1: Collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen harmonized approach to tackling AMR in Lao PDR
- • Deliverable 1.1: Support and follow up the implementation plan for the ESBL Ec Tricycle surveillance in Lao PDR.
Output 2: Support analysis and report writing of KAP survey
- • Deliverable 2.1: Final KAP survey report for Luang Prabang Hospital
Output 3: Development of concept note and materials for various meetings and training workshops
- • Deliverable 3.1: Concept notes for training workshops and AMR annual meeting
- • Deliverable 3.2: Presentations for AMR annual meeting
Output 4: Project management tools
- • Deliverable 4.1: Final version of the KOICA project risk assessment tool
Output 5: Produce reports and updates to WHO and relevant partners
- • Deliverable 5.1: Timely submission of financial and technical reports to donor based on input from the country(ies) and relevant stakeholders.
METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
The consultant will report to, and be guided by, the WHO Country Office. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Lao PDR, the WHO Representative, the WHO Health Emergency Programme, the consultant will conduct the following activities and submit regular reports for each activity, including proposed next steps:
- Coordinate and foster collaboration between relevant Ministry of Health departments, UN agencies, development partners, donors and different levels of WHO, as well as the animal and environment sectors, to strengthen a harmonized approach to tackling AMR in Lao PDR in line with national priorities.
- Support in analysis and report writing of Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey
- Support in development of concept note and materials for WHONET training, diagnostic stewardship and AMR annual meeting
- Compile reports relating to antimicrobial consumption (AMC) monitoring at the national and global levels based on input received from the country(ies).
- Assist in the development, implementation and review of relevant project management tools, particularly for risk analysis and progress reporting.
- Support to develop a proposal of AMR activities to Fleming Fund
- Write reports and provide updates to WHO and relevant partners as required.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Essential: University degree in health or related field
Desirable: Postgraduate degree in epidemiology, microbiology or global/public health.
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- • Good knowledge of Lao PDR’s national health system
- • Minimum of five years' work experience in public health, including AMR, and/or in epidemiology, including experience at the international level
- • Experience in implementing AMR surveillance and AMS programmes at the national level
- • Experience in resource-constrained settings and understanding of health systems
- • Experience in planning, managing and monitoring health and development projects related to SDGs
Desirable:
- • Experience in microbiology, pharmacology and/or health related clinical practice
- • Experience in antimicrobial and/or diagnostic stewardship
- • Experience working with/for international organisations
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- • Excellent knowledge of AMR
- • Good knowledge of the National Strategic Plan on AMR in Lao PDR 2019-2023
- • Understanding of emerging infectious diseases, IHR and APSED III
- • Knowledge of the Greater Mekong Sub-region
- • Demonstrated networking and partnership building skills
- • Strong results based programme management experience, with particular focus on policy, planning and capacity building
- • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with Government counterparts, WHO colleagues, donors, and relevant partners
- • Proficiency in standard MS Office applications including MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint
- • Excellent planning, organization and coordinating skills
- • Good communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills
LANGUAGES
Proficient in English
COMPETENCIES
- • Communication in a credible and effective way
- • Producing results
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The assignment is based in WHO Representative Office, Lao PDR
APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 10 June 2020.
The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.
Please use Tender Notice No. 108749 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.