1. RATIONALE: Scope of work and context in which work will be undertaken.

Zimbabwe has made very good progress in NTDs control and elimination with initial mapping for the four prevalent PC-NTDs (Trachoma, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, and Lymphatic Filariasis) between 2010 and 2018, leading to the implementation of MDAs with respect to these conditions accordingly. Impact Assessment for STH/SCH conducted in 2018 also showed dramatic decline in the prevalence of these conditions (schistosomiasis from 23% in 2010 to 5% in 2018; Soil transmitted helminthiasis from 6% in 2010 to 1% in 2018). This also in keeping with the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy NDS 1 which among other things seeks to reduce the burden of Bilharzia in the country by 2025. Additionally, the country, with the support of WHO has been able to build capacity in health workers in the detection and treatment of leprosy and sleeping sickness paving the way for the scaling up of services for these conditions.

It is however noted that the current NTD master plan is outdated and is not in sync with current Global guidance as well as the additional conditions that have been included in the list of NTDs including scabies and snake bite envenomization.

How does the work fit in to the work of the program/unit

The programme seeks to provide leadership and ensure action in improving access to, and coverage of, quality essential health services for priority neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This will be achieved through leading a comprehensive, integrated, multisectoral and resilient national health systems and relevant systems in national non-health sectors and priority communities to ensure whole of society approach to NTDs including the delivery of quality, people centred, and integrated essential packages for the prevention and control of NTDs towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in collaboration with partners. This includes engagements with partners; providing guidance in the development, implementation and monitoring of policies, strategies and plans for the elimination of targeted NTDs;

Specific details of donor requirements if applicable

Not Applicable

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Purpose of the Consultancy

Under the overall leadership and direct supervision of the WHO Representative in Zimbabwe, the incumbent will lead the development of Zimbabwe’s NTD Master Plan in line with “Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030” and the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy (NDS1) as well as the National Health Strategy 2021-2025.

2. Expected Assigned Duties/Work to be Performed:

   1. Develop a plan for the development of NTD master plan
   2. Guide stakeholder conversations in the review of the last master plan and development of new master plan.
   3. Package the final draft of the master plan and share with stakeholders for further inputs
   4. Finalise the master plan and prepare it for printing
   5. The Officer will also perform any other activities assigned by the WR.

3. Technical Supervision:

The officer will work closely with the focal point for NTDs at WHO country office, under the guidance of the WR

4. Specific Requirements:

Required Language:

• Expert knowledge of both written and spoken English

Desirable Language:

• Knowledge of Ndebele or Shona will be an added advantage

Required Education:

University Degree in any Health-related field, Public Health or Social Sciences

Desirable Education:

A Master’s degree in health-related field with be an added advantage

Required Experience

Minimum of 10 years of professional practical experience in diseases control programmes at provincial or national levels with a good understanding NTDs control and elimination

Desired Experience

Experience in developing strategic plans.

Previous experience of developing NTD master plan will be an added advantage

Skills and Competencies:

Competencies

1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Fostering Integration and teamwork
3. Building and promoting partnership across the organization and beyond
4. Producing results
5. Ensuring the effective use of resources

Functional Skills and Knowledge

1. Knowledge of and experience in planning, project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs in NTD and malaria prevention and control
2. Excellent writing and oral skills, including ability to analyze complex data and to summarize and communicate these to a wide range of audiences and cultures.
3. Good interpersonal, coordination, facilitation and leadership skills with the ability to motivate and convey enthusiasm to co-workers and target audiences

Place of Assignment

Harare, Zimbabwe