National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Specialist for the 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 NCD specialist 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 NCD data collection and analysis.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

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. Prepare a situation analysis on the state of NCDs and their risk factors in Malaysia

Deliverable 1.1 Define the set of health indicators to be included for the national data collection, in consultation with the WHO Technical Officer

Deliverable 1.2 Collect and analyse data on the main NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes

Deliverable 1.3 Collect and analyse data on the main NCD risk factors, such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets

Deliverable 1.4 Draft the NCD investment case chapter on NCDs and their risk factors

Output 2. Prepare a situation analysis on the existing policies and treatments to reduce the burden of NCDs

Deliverable 2.1 Conduct desk-based analysis of the existing policies, regulations, and laws around NCD prevention and control

Deliverable 2.2 Draft the NCD investment case chapter on the policies and treatments to reduce the burden of NCDs

Output 3. Support the stakeholder consultation and engagement

Deliverable 3.1 Organize a national multi-sectoral stakeholder consultation workshop

Deliverable 3.2 Contribute to the development of an advocacy strategy for the investment case findings

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will be responsible for data collection, analysis and drafting of the investment case chapter on NCDs. 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 Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, 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. Experience in data analysis. 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 data, 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 30 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 23 September 2022. 

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

Please use Tender Notice No. 182068 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.