International Consultancy- Malaria Control Specialist- Juba South Sudan

Consultant Medical & Health Programme & Policy

Overview

Provide technical guidance for malaria control in South Sudan

You have:

• Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant management and technical experience.
• Experience in health program/project development in UN system agency.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working in the region is an asset.
• Ability to work in multi-cultural environments and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Flexibility and understanding of local cultural practices are key success factors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

For every child Future

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: The Malaria Control Specialist reports to the Project Manager for guidance and general supervision. He/She supports the development and preparation of the health programme and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the programme progress of a sector of the health programme (under Child Health Output) within the country programme. The Malaria Control Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), organizational Strategic Plans and goals, standards of performance, and accountability framework and specifically support the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As a malaria control specialist supporting the national malaria control program in South Sudan in 2023, the main duties and responsibilities include:

Program planning and implementation: Collaborate with stakeholders and partners to develop and implement a comprehensive national malaria control strategy. Ensure that the strategy aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines, national policies, and international best practices. Capacity building and training: Develop and facilitate training programs for healthcare workers, community health volunteers, and other relevant personnel on malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Strengthen the capacity of local health systems to effectively manage and monitor malaria control activities. Surveillance and monitoring: Develop and implement a robust malaria surveillance system to track malaria cases, monitor trends, and identify high-risk areas. Regularly assess the effectiveness of malaria control interventions and adapt strategies as needed. Vector control: Plan and coordinate vector control activities such as indoor residual spraying (IRS), distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and larval source management. Monitor the insecticide resistance status of local mosquito populations and adjust vector control strategies accordingly. Case management: Support the implementation of effective case management practices, including prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and follow-up care for malaria patients. Promote the rational use of antimalarial drugs and monitor drug resistance patterns.Health promotion and community engagement: Design and implement community-based health education and promotion campaigns to raise awareness about malaria prevention and control measures. Collaborate with community leaders and organizations to ensure that malaria control activities are culturally appropriate and well-received by the target populations. Resource mobilization and management: Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with partners to secure resources for malaria control activities. Manage budgets, track expenditures, and ensure that resources are used efficiently and transparently. Research and innovation: Stay updated on the latest research and developments in malaria control and incorporate new strategies and technologies into the national program. Collaborate with research institutions to conduct operational research that informs evidence-based decision-making. Reporting and documentation: Prepare regular progress reports for stakeholders and funding agencies to demonstrate the impact of malaria control activities. Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to share with other malaria control programs and improve overall program effectiveness.

Partnership and coordination: Establish and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international partners, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities. Coordinate with other public health programs to ensure the integration of malaria control activities within broader health system strengthening efforts

Scope of Work: The incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda:

• Provide technical guidance to the NMCP in developing/updating Integrated strategies for Malaria vector Control Response. • Support promotion of the IVM approach in South Sudan, including on new tools and technologies in the context of the Global Vector Control Response. • Guide the NMCP to develop strategy for preparedness and response to outbreaks, in collaboration with the relevant units in the MoH. • Coordinate collection and analysis of data and all relevant information on Malaria vector control. • Provide technical guidance and advice to the NMCP and stakeholders in developing and implementing research proposals on various aspects of entomology and vector control in collaboration with relevant partners. • Identify and contribute to technical assistance and capacity building activities for the NMCP in line with WHO guidance and strategies, including the development of training materials; • Support training and/or refresher courses for national programme staff and partners on control of VBDs, in close collaboration with broader initiatives. • Organize the NMCP activities in line with workplan for implementation of Malaria control in South Sudan including participating in technical meetings, track progress and address challenges/constraints for successful implementation of activities of the NMCP; • Monitor implementation of vector control and case management activities in South Sudan and provide technical inputs • Provide technical guidance in the development of a comprehensive malaria related information system, compiling and collating data from the field, ensuring timely reporting of activities and dissemination of related information on vector control and case management policies and strategies including entomological surveillance and promoting IVM approach; • Support the development and dissemination of appropriate communication and advocacy materials, information packages and guidelines to engage, educate and empower communities in sustainable behavioral change programmes. • Support the National Malaria Technical Working Group’s Terms of References and ensure that regular meetings are • Support the implementation and monitoring of Malaria control activities in South Sudan in an integrated manner including capacity building activities. • Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required • To support adaptation, dissemination, use and monitoring of norms and standards related to vector and arthropod-borne disease prevention and control, providing expertise and developing/revising of guidelines for South Sudan. • Support the Preparation, coordination and supervision by the NMCP of the campaign including development of a robust micro plan with community participation with clear programme goals, objectives, and strategies and results based on results-based planning methodology (RBM). • Manage weekly campaign coordination meetings between UNICEF, sub-recipient and NMCP to discuss progress, challenges and mitigation measures to ensure smooth execution of the Malaria Grant and positive publicity with all stakeholders. • Support the compliance of campaign reporting systems and procedures (including scaling up electronic reporting) as per schedule and deadline and assist the implementing partner as necessary to ensure report accuracy and understanding of UNICEF and GF rules and regulations. • Support the NMCP with the proper documentation and accountability of the LLIN distribution, efficient sign off by the state authorities and data entry into DHIS2 of the distributed nets and reconciliation of all nets by the sub-recipient and UNICEF M&E staff respectively and final sign off by the NMCP and UNICEF to ensure adherence to Global Fund accountability procedures, flexibilities and the current distribution methodology adapted for distribution in emergencies like Covid-19 • Document best practices and campaign challenges and need to implement any alternative delivery mechanisms in case of emergencies like flooding, influx of IDPs or intercommunal violence. If there are risks identified, coordinate discussion with UNICEF management, sub-recipient and NMCP for resolution and informing future campaigns. • Provide technical support to the UNICEF country office in the NFM3 grant PR deliverables by supporting and providing inputs to the required documentation and determination of commodity and programming requirements.

Work Assignment Overview Tasks/Milestone: Deliverables/Outputs: Timeline Percentage

Revise supportive supervision guidelines to aid improved service delivery

Review challenges in scaling up of IPTp and recommendations for implementation Report for supportive supervision with specific challenges and support provided

Draft of the implementation plan to address the recommendations for scaling up IPTp in South Sudan 3rd – 31st July 2023 (21days) 15% Training of health workers in malaria case management Report on case management trainings provided 1st – 31st August 2023 (23 days) 15% Support implementation of the Malaria Therapeutic Efficacy study

Report on the performance of the TES study 1st – 29th September 2023 (21 days) 20% Support implementation of the Malaria Indicator survey Report on performance of the MIS survey 2nd – 31st October 2023 (22 days) 20% Conducting facility audits for malaria service quality improvement

Report on the assessment conducted and findings and recommendations submitted 1st – 30th Nov 2022 (22 Days) 15%

Quarterly progress review

Quarterly report on the progress of the NMCP in the implementation of the annual plan

Submit Annual Workplan of the NMCP 1st – 29th Dec 2023 (21 Days) 15% Total 100%

Minimum Qualifications required: Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

Masters

Advance University degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, paediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field. Public Health or Post graduate study in Clinical or Community Health • A minimum of 8 or more years of relevant professional experience in management, coordination and technical expertise, preferably with a track record of successful Infectious disease program management. • Experience in health program/project development in UN system agency or organization is an asset. • Experience working in the region is an asset. • Diplomacy, conflict management, flexibility, understanding of local cultural and social practices are key success factors for this consultancy.

Language Requirements: English

A range of specialized skills: • Excellent oral and written communication skills and report writing. • In-depth analytical and problem-solving skills. • Excellent facilitation skills, training skills and ability to organize and implement training. • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and proven interpersonal skills. • Experience in building successful relationships with government counterparts, UN agencies, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders. • Ability to cope with hardship conditions. • Knowledge of computer management skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint software.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of

• Care,
• Respect,
• Integrity,
• Trust,
• Accountability
• Sustainability (CRITAS)

Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

1. Builds and maintains partnerships
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
3. Drive to achieve results for impact
4. Innovates and embraces change
5. Manages ambiguity and complexity
6. Thinks and acts strategically
7. Works collaboratively with others.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

All applications must be accompanied with detailed technical and financial proposal.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org