IRS Specialist

BACKGROUND

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) together with MHMS introduced the Solomon Islands Malaria Roadmap of Malaria Elimination in 2018, raising malaria elimination high on the Government’s agenda. Moreover, the NVBDCP has played a key role in the reorganization of the MHMS since 2015, aiming to finalize the change from a vertical programme to one that is fully integrated into the health system. The Global Fund has provided funding for NVBDCP to implement the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025 to accelerate malaria elimination through distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, quality case management and strengthened surveillance and community mobilization. WHO is committed to supporting MHMS and their request to strengthen NVBDCP-led malaria prevention and control activities and to support accelerated efforts to eliminate malaria in low burden provinces.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this consultancy is to support Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to deliver intensified malaria control and elimination activities through an enhanced vector control programme focusing the inclusion of an Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) program to improve vector control capacity and programming.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Develop and facilitate vector control plans to prevent malaria, including microplanning, training and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), training guidance and field implementation of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in selected provinces utilising a surveillance - response approach.

• • As a desk-based exercise, develop a draft policy and strategy documents for the integration of IRS into the Solomon Islands Malaria Control and Elimination Strategy, based on current local epidemiology and vector characteristics, primarily targeting foci response interventions. The vector control strategy will be informed by available models and guided by WHO supportive recommendations.  
• • Consult key partners and peak vector control groups to update these IRS policies and strategy documents and gather feedback from the NVBDCP via email/ virtual meeting to finalize the policy and strategy documents
• • Based on existing international training materials, draft IRS program guidelines and develop a training curriculum/SOPs for SI with accompanying materials on IRS that is appropriate for the SI setting.
• • Consult key partners to update these documents and gather feedback from the NVBDCP to finalize the IRS guidelines and training curriculum and materials
• • Conduct Training of Trainer (TOT) sessions for a core group of senior staff and IRS operators at the NVBDCP in Honiara following a normal spray operator training program plus a few days for theory for TOTs.
• • Draft field implementation plan and support implementation of IRS in 3 selected foci with final field report

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will work with staff from the NVBDCP and partners to gather the required background documentation and material to initiate development of IRS strategies, SOPs, training guidance and implementation and monitoring plans.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

Primary or Post graduate degree in Tropical Public Health, Entomology or other related areas

Desirable:

Proven expertise and experience in health project management, evaluations, health programme assessment, guideline, training, SOP development and programme audits

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

Experience with malaria or vector borne diseases) programme activity implementation

Desirable:

Experience in working with WHO WPR malaria-endemic countries

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Good organizational and interpersonal skills

Knowledgeable in WHO guidance for malaria and other communicable diseases

LANGUAGES

English only

COMPETENCIES

• • Communicating in a credible and effective way
• • Effective planning and timely meeting of deadlines
• • Effective leadership and proven abilities to work in teams

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Place of assignment: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Duration of contract: 6 months starting July 2022

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 6 June 2022. 

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. 174737 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.