Technical Adviser (NCD)

Purpose of the Consultancy

The role of this consultant is to support the Nauru Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS)  with their continued efforts to combat Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nauru. The role will focus on supporting the MHMS with their prevention and management of NCDs, through a focus on effective clinical management (through application of the Package of Essential NCD (PEN) intervention protocols in primary health care) and  on reducing the demand for and supply of tobacco.

Background

In the WHO’s Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS), the Pacific Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) and Health through the Life Course (PNH) assists the Pacific island Ministries of Health with implementation of their national NCD strategies and plans, which includes NCD prevention and management in primary health care. The adaptation and adoption of the protocols (1,2,5) of  the Package of Essential NCD (PEN) interventions is well advanced in many PICs. All PICs are signatories to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and have committed to achieving Tobacco Free Pacific 2025. 

Nauru has committed in its Prevention of NCDs: Nauru Strategy Action Plan 2018-2020, to a vision of a Nauru free of the avoidable burden of NCDs. Within this strategy, clear actions and indicators have been set for improvements in NCD clinical management and the reduction of tobacco use. There are also commitments to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to preventing and managing NCDs and strengthening the primary care system for NCD prevention and control. 

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 1st November 2018
End date: After 2 years

Work to be performed

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Output/s

Output 1: Strengthened PEN protocol use in Nauru

Deliverable 1.1: Protocols and SOPs developed and approved for use across health care settings and outreach services in Nauru, with clear role delineation specified. 

Deliverable 1.2: Training of all existing relevant health service providers on PEN protocols, with induction training of all new relevant health service providers every quarter (or as needed) using standardised curriculum

Deliverable 1.3: Ongoing clinical audit of adherence to protocols and SOPs in all health-care settings

Deliverable 1.4: Support for development of tailored educational resources for patients focusing on medication, lifestyle and appointment adherence.

Deliverable 1.5: Input into the development of community screening plan

Output 2: Improved tobacco control measures in Nauru

Deliverable 2.1: Amendments to Tobacco Control Act and Regulations finalised and approved

Deliverable 2.2: Development of a tobacco cessation programme plan in consultation with the MHMS

Deliverable 2.3: Support for the enhancement of enforcement of the Tobacco Act/Regulations, including monitoring of enforcement activities

Deliverable 2.4: Delivery of awareness training, with MHMS to relevant sectors according to tobacco legislation requirements

Deliverable 2.5: Support for other tobacco control activities by the MHMS

Output 3: Improved health promotion activities for NCDs in Nauru

Deliverable 3.1: Multi-sectoral NCD taskforce have annual operational plan in place, with six monthly reporting of activities 

Deliverable 3.2: Delivery of awareness raising and capacity building of NCD taskforce members with regard to roles in NCD prevention and control

Deliverable 3.3: Support for the implementation and evaluation of communication campaigns on NCDs in Nauru

Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work under the supervision of:

Responsible Officer:  Dr Wendy Snowdon, Team Coordinator PNH, DPS
Email:   snowdonw@who.int

It is expected that they will attend update meetings periodically at the Suva DPS office and will receive briefing in Suva on commencement of role.

The consultant will also work closely with the MHMS lead for NCDs and for PEN.

Specific requirements

- Qualifications required:

• Medical or nursing degree or other relevant health qualification.
• Advanced degree in Public Health also preferred

- Experience required:

• At least 5 years of experience within the area of NCD prevention and management and tobacco control
• Experience working in one or more Pacific island countries/areas or small island settings preferred

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Experience providing support on implementation of the Package of Essential NCD interventions in primary health care (PEN) including at planning level preferred
• Experience working in tobacco control and health promotion preferred
• Driver’s licence required

- Language requirements:

• English – written and spoken

Competencies

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct

Place of assignment

Nauru

Medical clearance

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

Travel

Travel within Nauru will be expected. Some travel to Fiji and other PICs for reviews, updates and/or attendance at regional meetings will also be required.

Applications

Interested should submit the following documents to  wpfjidpsprocurement@who.int 13 September 2018. Please use Tender Notice No. 76625 as subject to all submissions.

• Expression of Interest
• CV including daily (or monthly) fee for service.  

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

*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.