National Economist for the Non-communicable diseases (NCD) Investment Case

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the main cause of death and disability in Malaysia. It is estimated that 3.9 million (18.3%) adult Malaysians are living with diabetes, 6.4 million (30%) with hypertension, 8.1 million (38.1%) with hypercholesterolaemia and 4.2 million (19.7%) with obesity (National Health and Morbidity Survey, 2019). The growing prevalence of NCDs is placing an increased strain on the country’s health system. Given the Malaysia’s ageing population, the health and economic burden of NCDs can be expected to worsen over time.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are implementing the Global Joint Programme to activate national responses to NCDs under the auspices of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (UNIATF). The main focus of the programme is to develop NCD investment cases to assist countries in quantifying the costs of NCDs – both to the health sector and the economy at large – and the benefits of scaled up action. 

Ministry of Health Malaysia would like to develop a comprehensive investment case on the prevention and control of NCDs and is seeking a local economist to support data collection, analysis and drafting of the investment case.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this short-term consultancy is to assist the WHO Country Office in Malaysia in developing a comprehensive investment case on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), by conducting economic data collection and analysis.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the guidance of the lead economist, the consultant will be responsible for providing high quality technical support to MOH, WHO and other UN partners in developing a national NCD Investment Case:

Output 1. Collect all the required economic data

Deliverable 1.1 Define the local set of data and the data sources to be included in the analysis, in consultation with Lead Economist

Deliverable 1.2 Collect the data by assessing the relevant non-health databases (e.g. national general and demographic statistics, databases of the relevant ministries), as well as the relevant regional and international proxy data where national data is not available

Deliverable 1.3 Prepare completed spreadsheets with all data necessary for the economic modelling

Output 2. By working with the lead economist, analyse the data for the four main components of the economic model

Deliverable 2.1 Estimate the economic burden of NCDs

Deliverable 2.2 Estimate the impact of the key interventions to prevent and control NCDs

Deliverable 2.3 Estimate the cost of the interventions

Deliverable 2.4 Quantify the return on the investment of these interventions 

Output 3. Summarize and interpret the findings

Deliverable 3.1 Draft the economic part of the NCD investment case report

Deliverable 3.2 Prepare a summary (PowerPoint and an executive summary) of the main findings of the analysis and modelling

Deliverable 3.3 Contribute to briefing on the findings to the UN Country Team and the government

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will be responsible for data collection, analysis and drafting of the investment case economic chapter, in consultation with the Lead Economist. The data collection will be done primarily through a desk-based review of existing data sources.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: Master’s Degree or equivalent in Health Economics, Public Health, Economics or Social Sciences

EXPERIENCE

Essential: A minimum of three (3) years of experience of research, writing, modelling

Desirable: Experience in undertaking health investment case analysis (or Health spending cost/benefit analysis), including return on investment. Experience working with the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Experience working with the WHO or other UN agencies.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Familiarity with and experience in global health economics, including NCDs
• • Knowledge of the development dimensions of health
• • Familiarity with national health and development planning processes
• • Good knowledge and skills in report writing and structural thinking
• • Persistence in follow-up, tact, and diplomacy to work with international personnel

LANGUAGES

Fluent in written and spoken English and Malay.

COMPETENCIES

• • Ability to clearly and briefly generate insights based on analysis of data
• • Strong capacity to communicate clearly and quickly
• • Exceptional organizational skills
• • Ability to work independently, produce high quality outputs
• • Demonstrated flexibility to excel in a multi-cultural environment
• • Provides and receives constructive feedback

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Consultant may be required to travel locally for data collection, as requested by the WHO technical officer.

Duration of contract is for 20 days (until 28 February 2023)

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and cover letter to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 9 October 2022. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position.

Please use Tender Notice No. 182066 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.