International Short Term Consultant (STC) to support the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Background

Cambodia is facing a unique and challenging mental health situation, as a result of genocidal Khmer Rouge regime and two decades of civil wars. Today, high numbers of Cambodians suffer from minor to severe psychiatric problems, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. On available evidence, there appears to be a substantial magnitude consistent with post conflict countries.

The MOH established the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse under a Sub Decree on 12 June and MoH Prakas on 22 July, 2014 respectively. Now at least 65 out of 110 national and referral hospitals and 112 out of 1202 health centres nationwide can offer out-patient mental-health services. Two psychiatric in-patient units have been established at referral hospitals with a total of 14 hospital-based acute care psychiatric beds, while child mental health services are available in two provincial hospitals in Kandal and Battambang provinces[1].

The Ministry of Health is in the process to develop an Integrated Community Health Center (ICHC) in Kandal province which could serve as the multi functions to provide primary health care to people in the coverage area and as well as to support the Center of Care and Treatment of Homeless People with Psychotic Disorders which is around 1,000 people treated in the Center.

Purpose of the Consultancy

With WHO Cambodia’s guidance, the Short-Term Consultant (STC) will provide technical support to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the development of the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) and Guidelines for the Integrated Community Health Center (ICHC)  

The consultant will closely work with Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and WHO Cambodia.

Terms of reference for the International WHO STC is to support in the development of

• Review key literatures, both international and national, including relevant national policies and strategies, analyse and communicate review findings to national counterparts.
• Support in the consultative workshop between Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders, to collect local knowledge and expertise to improve the draft document.
• Review and incorporate feedback from the MoH, WHO and other key stakeholders for the SOP and Guidelines.
• Finalize draft SOP and Guidelines.

Methods to carry out the activity

The consultant will be under the guidance of WHO Cambodia, supervised by the WHO Representative and the Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Noncommunicable Diseases and Health through the Life Course (NHL) Technical Officer. The consultant will work closely the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse of the Ministry of Health and NHL unit as needed to meet program objectives. Additionally, the consultant will be working in consultation other relevant UN agencies and health partners.

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

• Start date:  25 June 2018
• End date: 30 October 2018​​​​​​​

Output and deliverables

Output: Facilitation of consultative meetings with the Ministry of Health, WHO and relevant stakeholders.

• Deliverables:

• Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) for Integrated Community Health Center (ICHC) in Kandal province
• Psychiatric in-patient management guideline for ICHC
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Guidelines for ICHC
• Case Management Guidelines for ICHC
• Aftercare/Reintegration Guidelines for ICHC

Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work under the supervision of:

Responsible Officer:  Dr Yel Daravuth, Technical Officer
Email:  yeld@who.int

Manager:   Dr Liu Yunguo, WHO Representative
Email:  liuyun@who.int

Specific requirements

• Education: Medical Doctor/Psychiatrist with advanced university degree or related fields
• Competency/Experience:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in development of governmental policies, plans and/or budgets.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of mental health and substance abuse guidelines, sectoral strategies, plans of action. Proven experience in/knowledge of the health sector, especially in Cambodia context is an asset.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills; and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with various partners including the government, UN, international and national organizations and associations and other key stakeholders at subnational and national levels.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, with sense of initiative and excellent conceptual and analytical capacities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality products within short timeframe.

• Language Requirement:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Place of assignment and local travel

• The Consultant is expected to hold consultative meetings, and to finalize the draft document. The contractor is expected to use his/her own laptop. WHO Cambodia will provide logistical support.
• Local transportation in Phnom Penh will be the consultant’s own responsibility but transportation to the provinces will be covered by WHO.

International travel

• All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.
• Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Application

Interested should submit the following documents to wpkhmprocurement@who.int by 3 June 2018. Please use Tender Notice No. 72275 as subject to all submissions.

• Expression of Interest
• WHO personal history form or CV

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