Consultant - provide technical input to the implementation of the fourth strategic objective of the global action plan

Contract

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

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Purpose of the consultancy

The overall purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical input to the implementation of the fourth strategic objective of the global action plan related to optimization of antibiotic use by promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial stewardship at national and health care facility level in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Background

Antimicrobial Resistance is recognized as a global problem with significant health and economic dimensions. WHA in 2015 through its Resolution WHA68.7 urged all countries to develop their respective national action plans to combat AMR in alignment with the WHO Global Action Plan that was endorsed by the WHA. These policy initiatives acknowledge overuse and misuse of antimicrobials as a main driver for development of resistance, as well as a need to optimize the use of antimicrobials. 20-50% of all antibiotics prescribed in acute care hospitals are either unnecessary or inappropriate. Additionally, patients who are unnecessarily exposed to antibiotics are placed at risk for serious adverse events with no clinical benefit. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a coordinated activity that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials, improves patient outcomes, and reduces the emergence of resistance. These activities are usually carried on by national pharmacy departments within Ministries of Health. There is evidence that implementation of both AMS and Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have decreased the spread of infections caused by multi-drug resistant organisms. Over the past several years, the AMR unit at WHO/EMRO supported several countries to collect data on antimicrobial resistance levels and on antimicrobial use and consumption both on the national and healthcare facility level. EMRO has also conducted a regional assessment to identify the gaps/ areas for improvement for the establishment of national AMS programmes in EMRO countries. Based on the findings of the assessment and the available AMR/AMU data in EMRO countries, WHO/EMRO plans to support priority countries in establishing national AMS programmes and prioritizing AMS interventions.

Planned timelines

Start date: 01.05.2021 End date: 31.12.2021

Work to be performed

The consultant will work with national health authorities responsible for implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Specifically, the consultant will perform the following: Output 1: Compile and analyze results of the regional antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) assessment, identify priorities out of assessment data Deliverable 1.1: Report on the results of the analysis and priorities identified from the assessment data in each country Output 2: Conduct analysis of national AMR surveillance, point prevalence surveys and antimicrobial consumption data and identify priority AMS interventions Deliverable 2.1: Report on the results of the analysis and feedback on priority interventions for each country Output 3: Follow-up with countries and provide technical support to priority countries to establish or strengthen their national governance structure for AMS. - Deliverable 3.1: Report on the status of national AMS governance structure in priority countries - Deliverable 3.2: Report on the progress to establish or strengthen national AMS governance structure in priority countries Output 4: Work with national teams, in collaboration with the three levels of WHO, to develop AMS action plan with priority AMS interventions based on available AMR/AMU data - Deliverable 4.1: Participate in developing an implementation protocol for priority AMS interventions. - Deliverable 4.2: Report on the draft action plan, list of priority AMS interventions , as well as implementation status.

Required Qualifications

Education:

- First University degree in pharmacy

Experience****:

Required:

o At least 2 years of experience in analysing and or implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs. For international level: International experience is mandatory.

Preferred:

o Experience in implementing AMR surveillance. o Experience in working with low and middle-income countries.

Skills/ Technical knowledge

Excellent report writing skills in English and meet tight deadlines. - Experience needed in data management skills.

Language

Excellent knowledge of English.

Location:

Consultant will be required to work from WHO EMRO Office; however, due to the COVID-19 situation and until further notification from the Office allowing staff back to EMRO premises, consultant will be working from home.

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.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.