Consultant-One Health

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1. Purpose of the Consultancy

This consultancy will support the WHE unit, WHO Cambodia in providing systematic technical support to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the areas of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), zoonoses and food safety using the One Health platform and approach that aims to ensure coordinated actions with relevant stakeholders and partners in Cambodia.

2. Background

One Health was recently defined by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems”. One Health recognizes the human-animal-environment interface interactions and is considered a collaborative approach to support the design and implementation of programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multisectoral actions are aligned to achieve better public health outcomes.

In Cambodia, collaboration between human and animal health sectors on zoonotic diseases such as rabies and avian influenza has been on-going for several years and there is a strong food safety working group consisting of 6 ministries. However, work remains on strengthening the relationships and building a truly collaborative and coordinated approach to these areas of work. The One Health approach is even more relevant as we learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reinforced the concept that the control of emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases requires enhanced coordination and active collaboration across animal and human health sectors, as well as other related sectors.

1. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

• Start date: 1 April 2022
• End date: 30 Sept 2022

2. Work to be performed

Under the supervision of the WHE Team Lead, the consultant will support the implementation of WHE functions for AMR, zoonoses and food safety utilizing One Health platform and approach for engaging with partners.

The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

Output 1: Implementation of the Multisectoral Action Plan (MSAP) for AMR, in the context of COVID-19 where drug use, including inappropriate use, has increased

• Coordinate with and support the focal point for AMR, to ensure systematic operational collaboration and coordination amongst WHO Cambodia teams working on AMR (WHE and DHS as well as TB, malaria, etc.)
• Ensure coordinated and relevant technical support from WHO and partners for the implementation of MSAP on AMR including implementation of AMS in healthcare facilities, collection of AMC data, strengthening AMR communication and other strategic areas
• Coordinate activities relevant to AMR with relevant partners and stakeholders as required including Tripartite (FAO, OIE), UNEP, US CDC, etc.
• Under the Multi-partner Trust Fund (MPTF) Project for AMR:
  • manage the implementation of activities
  • liaise with HQ Secretariat & WPRO
  • prepare reports on MPTF progress in accordance with the agreed results framework and respective indicators

Key deliverables:

• Report on the implementation of AMS Guidelines in MOH-select hospital
• Finalised national guidelines on antimicrobial consumption (AMC) monitoring
• Narrative reports on MPTF in accordance with the agreed results framework and respective indicators at a regular reporting period as appropriate
• Minute meetings to coordinate the activities with partners and stakeholders

Output 2: Coordination of activities related to Zoonoses, AMR and Food Safety by implementing a One Health approach and using lessons identified during COVID-19 to further advance capacity building and preparedness in areas including coordination, surveillance, laboratory and risk communications

• Assist in strengthening the national and sub-national One Health collaboration and coordination mechanisms including the establishment of the One Health Technical Working Group by developing ToRs, advising on membership and roles to ensure representation of appropriate government and partner agencies;
• Work with other relevant sectors (with priority, but not restricted to: animal health, human health and environmental sectors) and stakeholders/partners to map out existing areas of work; explore overlapping and/or potential areas for collaboration; and develop, where relevant, appropriate bridges and linkages to facilitate coordinated activities (e.g. information exchange and data sharing, integrative outbreak investigations; awareness campaigns…)
• Engage with relevant sectors to collectively identify challenges in operationalization of collaboration between the human and animal health sectors; and ensure collaboration with sectors and One Health partners to propose and implement possible solutions;
• Support the prioritization of zoonotic diseases with relevant stakeholders, including mechanisms for improved coordination between human and animal health at national and subnational levels;
• Facilitate provision of technical assistance to government for the development of strategic plans and ensure implementation of relevant activities with government counterparts;
• Coordinate with and support WHO focal points for zoonosis, food safety and AMR within the WHO country office.

Key deliverables:

• Support to partners on development of ToRs and operational aspects of “One Health Technical Working Group”
• Organise and facilitate workshops on cross-sectoral mapping of activities and areas of collaboration and deliver a report on recommendations
• Organise and facilitate the process prioritizing zoonotic diseases across animal and human health sectors
• A roadmap/joint action plan to improve coordination and collaboration across sectors

Under the guidance and leadership of the WHE TL, the consultant will undertake any other relevant activities that arise within the One Health sphere as a result of progress and needs of the collaborative partnerships.

3. Technical Supervision

The selected consultant will work under the supervision of:

Responsible Officer:

WHE Team Lead

Email:

Manager:

WHE Team Lead

Email:

4. Specific requirements

Qualifications

Essential: University degree in medicine, infectious diseases, public health, pharmacy, or veterinary studies

Desirable: Additional training or an advanced university degree in a field related to AMR, food safety, zoonoses or multisectoral collaboration/One Health, or equivalent

Experience

• Minimum of seven years of relevant experience at national and/or international level in areas of AMR, food safety and/or zoonotic diseases detection, prevention and control
• Experience in coordination of agencies/partners and multi-sectoral collaboration with diverse partners from a human health perspective
• Experience working in the UN environment, preferably with WHO, or with other international agency. Experience working with OIE and FAO are desirable

Skills and knowledge

• Capacity to plan and conduct operational activities
• Sound understanding of the One Health approach and how it can be implemented
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to political and cultural issues
• Proven ability to work in multisectoral teams at the international level
• Proven ability to organize, deliver activities and meet deadlines

Language

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential.

5. Competencies

• Teamwork
• Producing results
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

6. Place of assignment

WHO Cambodia Country Office, Phnom Penh

7. Medical clearance

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

8. Travel

Within Cambodia, as needed.

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 the 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.