Consultant-Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)

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1. Background

In early 2019, the Cambodian MoH with technical and financial support from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the Applied Epidemiology Training (AET) program. The first evaluation occurred in 2012. The current progress and impact of Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) was assessed and the gaps and needs for field epidemiology workforce development identified. A number of recommendations were made including increasing the amount of fieldwork and the capacity for supervision.

Based on the AET Joint Programme Review recommendations, the MOH introduced the FETP-frontline course, a fieldwork-based training course, to Cambodia in October 2019. The program is critical for training field epidemiologists to address public health threats at the grassroots level. Further strengthening and quality improvement is necessary to ensure the course is appropriate to Cambodia’s needs and capacity. Additionally, a more advanced programme (i.e. intermediate) that serves the needs of the public health workforce at provincial and national level for health security and to meet International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities is vital. The COVID-19 response has demonstrated that skills to conduct multisource surveillance and risk assessments and to undertake investigations of emerging infectious diseases are vital, though often limited among rapid response team members.

Ministry of Health of Cambodia requested WHO Country Office to provide technical support and expertise to guide the strengthening of the Cambodia FETP as outlined in the FETP strategic plan 2022-2030. The international consultant would support strengthening the existing programme, and use COVID-19 lessons to modify existing US CDC intermediate FETP curriculum, where possible, before it is introduced in Cambodia.

Planned Timelines (Subject to confirmation)

• State date: 1 July 2022
• End Date: 31 March 2023

2. Deliverables

The consultant will report and be guided by the WHO Country Office Health Emergencies Programme. The consultant is will responsible for delivering the following:

Output/s

Output 1: Use the COVID-19 response to identify lessons learnt, gaps and future needs that are relevant to the public health workforce for the future (including grassroots and provincial rapid response team members)

• Deliverable 1.1: Design and facilitate a stakeholder consultation and/or interviews to identify the epidemiological needs of the public health workforce and incorporating COVID-19 lessons (e.g. risk assessments, multisource surveillance)
• Deliverable 1.2: Produce a technical report of the findings of the consultation/interviews including recommendations
• Deliverable 1.3: Develop a timeline for implementation of activities including key actions and milestones

Output 2: Revise Frontline programme

• Deliverable 2.1: Update of the curriculum including case studies of frontline FETP training materials based on recommendations from technical report and ensuring adult learning techniques are used in the revisions

Output 3: Technically support modification of US CDC FETP intermediate curriculum and material to meet Cambodia needs

• Deliverable 3.1: Based on the identified needs of provincial RRTs revise the existing US CDC intermediate FETP schedule and core modules
• Deliverable 3.2: Technically advise and revise training materials (e.g. One Health/Antimicrobial resistance, natural disasters, risk assessments and investigation of new/emerging pathogens) incorporating adult learning techniques in the material
• Deliverable 3.3: Set up a system for monitoring trainees’s progress against core competencies including development and use of tools
• Deliverable 3.4: Develop material and deliver 5 day training for supervisors, facilitators on facilitation, leading training activities and using adult learning principles in the training curriculum before the first intermediate course
• Deliverable 3.5: Develop agenda and material for a workshop on FETP advocacy for subnational level including provincial administration and health departments

3. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

-Qualifications:

• Required: minimum advanced degree / post graduate degree in medicine or other public health related field with epidemiological training
• Desirable: completion of a national or international FETP

- Experience required:

• At least 10 years professional experience in epidemiology, risk assessment or related fields
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training in epidemiology or related subjects
• Desirable: Prior experience working directly with one of more public health institutions in a country in the Western Pacific Region

- Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Proficient in standard office software applications
• Ability to develop interactive training materials that meets the needs of different learning styles
• Demonstrated good teamwork, working in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment including with WPRO colleagues and partners such as US CDC
• Excellent written, document development and communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management skills
• Expert knowledge of Cambodia context

- Language requirements:

• Proficient English (speaking, reading and writing) is essential.

- Competencies

• Technical Expertise
• Communication in a credible and effective way
• Producing result

4. Technical Supervision

The selected Consultant will work on the supervision of:

Responsible Officer:

Epidemiologist

Email:

Manager:

WHE Team Leader

Email:

5- Place of assignment

The consultant will initially work remotely but will travel to Phnom Penh for communication with the counterparts, WHO and other partners.

6- Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel internationally to Phnom Penh and on duty travel to provinces when needed

Date

Remuneration

Description

Remarks

1 July 2022

Work remotely

Date to be confirmed

Travel to Cambodia (date subject to confirmation)

Date to be confirmed

Consultancy mission in Cambodia (Phnom Penh and provinces)

31 March 2023

Travel to home country

Medical clearance

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

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.

*WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put th**e* WHO Values Charter *into practice.*

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA,sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.