Consultancy - Essential Health Services
BACKGROUND
The health system of Lao PDR has the potential of being confronted with rapidly increasing demand generated by a COVID-19 outbreak. However, it is imperative to sustain essential health services (EHS) to prevent non-COVID19 morbidity and mortality. A four-step approach is herewith recommended for sustaining essential health services through careful planning and safe delivery:
- Establishing a set of core indicators to monitor any changes in delivery and utilization of EHS, including measuring the impact of change in delivery mode.
- Issuing clear guidance on continuity of EHS and monitoring its implementation across different levels of service delivery
- Planning the safe delivery of EHS during COVID-19 outbreak and preparing district hospitals and health centres, including healthcare workers
- Engaging and communicating clearly with the community
PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
Sustaining Essential Health Services amidst a Potential COVID-19 Outbreak.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
The Consultant will be based in WHO CO and work directly with CO team and the National Immunization Programme
Output 1: Identifying low-performing health center and low dose villages
- • Deliverable 1.1: A written report on the methodology to identify low-performing health center and low dose villages
- • Deliverable 1.2: a field test of the identifying and measuring methods with an endorsement from NIP
- • Deliverable 1.3: a work-plan to increase performance in the identified health center
Output 2: integrated the use of micro-planning on the safe delivery of EHS
- • Deliverable 2.1. a written report on the use of micro-planning tools in the integrated service delivery.
Output 3: Quarterly Community Meeting (QCM) in Lao PDR.
- • Deliverable 3.1. A report on the ongoing QCM activity
- • Deliverable 3.2. An evaluation report on QCM progression, sustainability, and impact.
METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
The Consultant will collaborate with MCH/NIP, WHO, UNICEF and other partners with a focus on field visits to follow the four-step approach in the following ways:
1. Establishing a set of core indicators to monitor any changes in delivery and utilization of EHS, including measuring the impact of change in delivery mode.
The Consultant will use the information from the set of core indicators to identify low-performing health centres and participate in joint field visits to strengthen service delivery, surveillance and monitoring with a particular focus on the involvement of minority populations.
2. Issuing clear guidance on continuity of EHS and monitoring its implementation across different levels of service delivery
3. Planning the safe delivery of EHS during COVID-19 outbreak and preparing district hospitals and health centres, including healthcare workers
The Consultant will collaborate on the use of simple tools, including the new Lao microplanning guide for district and health centres for integrated service delivery and guidance on safe service delivery during the pandemic and others. These tools will be used in on-site discussions with HC staff to review local data, include visits to priority villages, and solve problems associated with safe local service delivery implementation.
4. Engaging and communicating clearly with the community
The Consultant will collaborate in the use of the implementation of the well-established QCM method to generate awareness and understanding at the community level. Community leaders and VHVs will be engaged to address their concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak. Simple messages will be developed and used to encourage the continued use of health services.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Essential: Advanced university degree in Public Health and Medical background is desirable.
EXPERIENCE
Essential: At least 8 - 10 years of experience (Mid/Senior Level) of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in management, monitoring and evaluation of vaccine preventable diseases, routine immunization and maternal and child health.
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including scientific publications and presentations on vaccine-preventable diseases.
- • Understanding of United Nations systems and international organizations in general; field/country experience an asset
- • Ample evidence of cross-cultural awareness especially Lao culture
LANGUAGES
Fluency in English and excellent writing skills; working knowledge of French and local language is an asset.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Interested individuals shall submit their letters of interest including brief proposal of activities to be done and stating the fee they expect.
Interested organizations / companies shall provide project proposal with a budget breakdown and indication of expert(s) they propose for this consultancy.
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 16 July 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. 110471 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.