Technical Consultant Antimicrobial Resistance – Support for strengthening health systems to better implement national Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policies

Background

Reducing the incidence of infection through effective sanitation, hygiene and infection prevention measures is one of the five strategic objectives of the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance. In November 2016 during World Antibiotic Awareness Week, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) at the national and acute health-care facility levels. Implementation of these guidelines will improve IPC and patient safety practices at the frontline; contribute to preventing the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance; improve the quality of health service delivery; strengthen health systems, which in turn contributes to the increased resilience of health systems and global public health security. All these will ultimately contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Translating national plans into local actions requires strong leadership, effective health care management, competent and committed health professionals and engaged communities. IPC needs to be embedded in clinical and governance systems of health care facilities at all levels. In practice, this involves engaging health leaders for political commitment, creating an enabling policy environment and institutional culture, strengthening health care professionals’ capacity to consistently practice IPC in day-to-day service delivery, and strengthening mechanisms for engaging patients, families and communities.  

The WHO Western Pacific Office will provide guidance and technical support to countries in their efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance by strengthening their health systems to enable effective and sustainable implementation of IPC policies in service deliver contexts. Depending on country needs, technical support may include facilitating the implementation of national plans for IPC, or those for healthcare quality improvement or patient safety that incorporate IPC implementation, as well as supporting efforts to strengthen the capacity of health care professionals to implement IPC at facility level.

 The proposed IPC technical support includes three key components:

1. Conducting a review (situational analysis) to scope country support needs. This involves reviewing the current situation, mapping existing capacity and resources and conducting stakeholder consultations.
2. Strengthening the capacity of health care professionals and institutions for effective and continuous implementation of infection prevention and control practices
3. Facilitating the scale-up of implementation of IPC policies and actions in selected countries.

Between July and December 2017, a scoping review of country support needs was conducted for four countries: Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Philippines and Viet Nam.

Tasks

Working closely with the IPC and AMR teams in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the consultant will:

• Conduct mapping of IPC policy implementation practices in selected countries in the Western Pacific Region- Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Philippines and Viet Nam – to better understand potential and potential needs for IPC policy implementation support.
• Liaise with relevant WHO Regional Office technical programme units and WHO country offices to develop country-specific action plans for IPC implementation support and provide technical support as per the action plans.
• Develop resources and training materials for use by facility-based IPC focal points or IPC Committee for training of other health healthcare providers in facility setting.
• Coordinate with relevant WHO Country Offices to facilitate participation of Ministry of Health and related institutions/health facilities in selected Member States in capacity development for IPC policy implementation.
• Document, collate and disseminate good practices on IPC implementation
• Participate in meetings and contribute to regional efforts on AMR and outbreak responses
• Review work of other units or programme and provided technical comments as requested or required
• Perform other related and assigned duties as required.

Required profile of the contractor

Education

Advanced degree (PhD/Master’s degree or equivalent) in medical & health sciences, in public health or other health related fields.

Skills and Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in health systems strengthening for improving health care quality, patient safety and infection prevention and control
• Experience and skills in conducting qualitative analysis (e.g., focus groups, interviews), data analysis and report writing
• Experience in organizing and facilitating international and national workshops or training courses
• Experience and skills in preparing training material, preferably in topics relating to healthcare quality, patient safety and infection prevention and control
• Advanced English language skills; strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; proficiency in Microsoft suite, especially PowerPoint
• Experience in consultancy with WHO is an advantage.

Competencies

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individuals and cultural differences
• Knowing and managing yourself

Interested should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer (WPRO) at wprosao@who.int by 24 February 2018. Kindly use Tender Notice No. 68103 as subject to all submissions.

• Expression of interest (cover letter) that includes a financial proposal
• CV (for individual contractors) or Company Profile (for institutional applications)

Please note that the application may be closed before the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Only successful candidates will be contacted.