Consultant for development of the Eastern Mediterranean Region’s action plan (RAP) for the implementation of the Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, hepatitis and STIs (GHSS) Band C Leve

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

1. Purpose of the consultancy

This consultancy aims to support HAS in developing its regional action plan for the implementation of the global health sector Strategies on HIV, hepatitis and STIs 2022-2030 (RAP-GHSS). The focus of this technical guidance will be to compile available data and information and consult with national focal points, identify key strategies and actions that correspond to the regional epidemiology and response to HIV, hepatitis and STIs; in alignment with the GHSS.

2. Background

The EMR is facing a growing HIV epidemic marked by low coverage of testing and treatment (40% and 25% of people living with HIV, respectively). Hepatitis B and C responses are nascent in most countries with very low coverage of testing and treatment except for the hepatitis C response in Egypt. Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination coverage still at 34%, however third dose exceeded 80% in most countries. STIs remain a neglected domain with very limited data.

A global consultative process launched by HQ and supported by all Regional Offices of WHO yielded 3 draft GHSS for HIV, hepatitis and STIs consolidated into one document that build synergies and leverages the existing health systems for an integrated approach. The draft GHSS is aligned to SDG3 and the universal health coverage agenda, as well as to UNAIDS and Global Fund strategies on HIV. The GHSS meet the EMR Strategy and its vision on “health for all by all”. It promotes a system approach to the HIV, hepatitis and STI responses and seek integration and alignment to health goals. The draft GHSS will be presented for consideration by the Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly in 2022.

3. Planned timelines

40 workdays between 1 July – 15 September, 2022

4. Work to be performed

Output 1: Familiarize with GHSS 2022-203 and EMR priorities

Deliverable 1.1: Take stock of the key strategies, WHO and Member State actions recommended by GHSS 2022

Deliverable 1.2: Lead discussions with HAS team members to identify relevant areas and key issues for consideration in the Regional RAP-GHSS and identify key documents and stakeholders to inform its development

Deliverable 1.3: Develop an inception report for the development of the RAP-GHSS

Output 2: Develop RAP-GHSS

Deliverable 2.1: Consolidate the situation and response analyses developed by HAS team in alignment with the GHSS

Deliverable 2.2: Review literature and liaise with national programmes to better inform the RAP-GHSS (if necessary) and to assess the level of integration of HIV, hepatitis and STIs in the mainstream health systems

Deliverable 2.3: Lead discussions with other related EMRO units and departments (TB, health systems, Mental health, women and reproductive health, etc.) to get their necessary input in relevant components of the RAP-GHSS

Deliverable 2.4: In discussion and consultation with the HAS team, identify key targets and actions to be included in the draft RAP-GHSS

Deliverable 2.5: Prepare a working draft of the RAP-GHSS aligned to GHSS 2022-23

Deliverable 2.6: Prepare for and co-facilitate with HAS team regional consultations to get Member States input into and consensus on the RAP-GHSS

Deliverable 2.7: Incorporate Member States input and produce a revised draft RAP-GHSS

Deliverable 2.8: Finalize the draft RAP-GHSS in consultation with HAS team.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Essential: Master’s degree in public health or related field.
• Desirable: University degree/advanced training in communicable diseases, especially in HIV, hepatitis and STIs.

Experience****:

• At least 10-years’ experience in HIV, Hepatitis or STI strategic planning
• Basic knowledge of WHO HIV, Hepatitis and STI strategies, guidelines and frameworks.
• Desirable: Experience in health and community systems strengthening

Skills/ Technical knowledge

1. Basic knowledge of programme management and evaluation
2. Excellent analytical writing skills
3. Excellent writing and communication skills.
4. MS office and data analysis packages

Language

• Advanced knowledge on English.
• Working knowledge of Arabic and/or French is desirable.

Location:

Cairo, Egypt.

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

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) 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.

Additional Information section

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates
• Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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• Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that: (a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated; (b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided; (c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.