Short-Term Consultant – Kiribati Emergency Preparedness//Simulation

Background

Kiribati is an island republic in the Central Pacific, comprising 33 coral atolls and isles stretching along the equator, with most of its land area at or just above sea level. Given its unique geography, Kiribati is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, in addition to a range of other natural and man-made hazards.

The Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is charged with protecting the health of the population, and with coordinating the response to any health emergency, working in coordination with other key Ministries and government departments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains a Country Liaison Office (CLO) in Kiribati in support of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and to facilitate coordination with key partners in the health sector, including UNICEF and the Kiribati Red Cross Society, among others.

The Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services, along with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) - seated within the Office of the President (OB) - plan to implement a national emergency management drill around a small-scale tsunami scenario on June 19-20, 2018, in South Tarawa, Kiribati. This will be a whole-of-government table-top exercise, with 70-80 participants representing a wide range of government agencies and external partners. The primary objectives of this exercise are to:

1. Raise awareness of and test the Government of Kiribati’s new Tsunami Response Plan;
2. Test and improve National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans
3. Test and improve the Ministry of Health and Medical Services All Hazards Preparedness and Response Plan

The exercise will be carried out over two days, with the first focused on sharing information and discussing existing plans, and with the second day designated for an all-day table-top exercise to test systems, build familiarity with national all-hazards and tsunami-specific emergency response procedures, and to identify areas for improvement.

The WHO seeks the services of a short-term consultant for 4-5 weeks (approximately 15 days in Kiribati) to support the development, implementation and follow-up of this exercise.

Objectives

1. Support the MHMS and NDMO in the preparation/development of a detailed simulation exercise plan, including plans for the Day One briefing, detailed Day Two simulation timelines/plans, simulation roles/functions, simulation injects, participant briefing packs with reference materials, presentations, tools, exercise evaluation plan, and method for capturing lessons learned.
2. Support the MHMS and NDMO in implementing the emergency simulation exercise in South Tarawa, including preparing/coordinating all necessary materials, supporting MHMS and OB leadership in coordinating the exercise, and maximizing learning outcomes. Ensure that key take-aways are captured, including opportunities and gaps requiring urgent action.
3. Support the MHMS in capturing and applying lessons learned from the exercise, including updating national all-hazards preparedness and response plans, response coordination structures, hospital contingency plans, international surge support coordination plans, communications and logistics plans, etc. Work with MHMS, OB and WHO staff to ensure that all emergency plans and tools are operationally ready for real-world use following this exercise.

Deliverables

1. Simulation exercise plan.
2. Simulation exercise materials, including background materials, tools, roles, injects, etc.
3. Simulation exercise carried out – 19-20 June.
4. Simulation exercise report, including clear recommendations to improve preparedness and response capacity.
5. Updated MHMS all-hazards emergency preparedness and response plans, tools and structures.
6. Consultancy report. 

Qualifications required             

University degree in public health, emergency management or a related discipline.

Desirable: Postgraduate qualification or training in public health and/or emergency management

- Experience required:

Essential: At least seven years' international experience working on health emergencies, preparedness and response, with demonstrated experience working with government institutions and international organizations.

Professional experience designing national-level health emergency preparedness and response exercises. Experience developing/reviewing/revising national all-hazards emergency and response plans.

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong capacity facilitating exercises and simulations – including large-scale simulations with diverse participants

Strong analytical, thinking and writing skills

Ability to distil and capture key learnings from group exercises/discussions

- Language requirements:

Fluent in English

Applications

Qualified and interested individuals should submit an application letter or CV,  to wpfjidpsprocurement@who.int by 28 May  2018. Please use Tender Notice No.  72022 as subject to all submissions. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted