International Consultancy Neglected Tropical Diseases ( NTD)

1. Purpose of consultancy

Conducting a comprehensive review of the progress made while implementing a disease control strategy in a country is very important before developing the next one. The findings of the review will provide a strong foundation for the next strategy and define its goals, objectives, strategic directions, and targets. This consultancy is intended to conduct comprehensive review of the NTD programme in Yemen while implementing its strategy for 2019-2023. Act as the team leader of the review team comprised of national consultants.

2. Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of public health importance in Yemen are schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy (Hansen's disease), rabies, dengue fever, mycetoma, snake bite and scabies.

Epidemiology and disease burden for some of the NTDs are known to some extent, but for others more information is needed. NTD control and elimination activities in Yemen have so far been implemented through vertical, disease-specific programs. The Ministry of Health has a functional e-dews, some of the NTDs are reported through that system. Some districts have started using DHIS2 mechanism and this is a good platform to include NTD reporting.

Current NTD master plan was developed for the period 2019-2023, with an inclusive process where all stakeholders were engaged.

As the end of the duration of the current NTD master plan is approaching, Yemen needs to review the outcomes of it and set the scenario to develop its next master plan.

3. Work to be performed

Output 1: Lead the national consultants’ review team to conduct NTD programme review in Yemen resulting in the formulation of the policy and to generate evidence to develop the next NTD strategic plan.

- Deliverable 1.1: Develop the template for the programme evaluation and data requirements.

- Deliverable 1.2: Develop tools for Thematic Desk Reviews of Strategic Analysis Area on NTDs Programme Management Support System to assess:

- Governance

- Policy and guidance

- Planning

- Service delivery

- Human resources management

- Information system

- Medical Products and Technologies

- Coordination

- Operational Research

- Integration and health systems strengthening

- Deliverable 1.3: Develop tools for Thematic Desk Reviews of Strategic Analysis Area on Epidemiological trend, programme processes and outcome/impact analyses, to assess:

- Programme epidemiological profile

- Drivers of NTDs transmission in the country (environmental, climatic and occupational activities)

- Programme coverage

- NTDs Programme outcomes and impact

- Deliverable 1.4: Develop tools for Thematic Desk Reviews of Strategic Analysis Area on Financing Analysis and Sustainability, to assess financing and sustainability

- Deliverable 1.5: Develop tools for Thematic Desk Reviews of Strategic Analysis Area on Community and beneficiary engagement, to assess Demand Side considerations

- Deliverable 1.6: Finalize the list of possible respondents at national and sub-national levels in collaboration with national consultants and review task force.

- Deliverable 1.7: Develop tools for semi-structured interviews and engage in the interviews with NTD Policy makers, NTD Programme Managers, NTD programme implementers at national and sub-national levels and communities.

- Deliverable 1.8: Develop tools for consultation at national and sub-national level with specific members of the Health Teams at different level, for:

a. Governorate/regional/district Leader of Health Team

b. Governorate/regional/district NTDs focal person

c. Governorate/regional/district Records and/or Surveillance Officer

d. Governorate/regional/district Pharmacist

e. Governorate/regional/district Vector Control Officer

f. Governorate/regional/district Health Education Officer

Output 2: Train the national consultants on data collection tools and coordinate the data collection process.

- Deliverable 2.1: conduct a training for the national consultants on data collection tools virtually.

- Deliverable 2.2: conduct regular coordination meetings virtually with national consultants to review the progress on data collection.

- Deliverable 2.3: provide technical support to national consultants when ever needed.

Output 3: Undertake the in-depth analysis of the desk reviews conducted on 4 Strategic Analysis Areas, responses from the interviews conducted with NTD Policy makers, NTD Programme Managers, NTD programme implementers at national and sub-national levels and communities and outcomes of the consultation at national and sub-national level with specific members of the Health Teams at different level.

- Deliverable 3.1: Produce a high-level, comprehensive report containing analysis of the data

- Deliverable 3.2: Develop a new strategic plan for repositioning and/or improving the NTD programme management and develop a new strategic plan for future funding proposals.

- Deliverable 3.3: Produce a summary report of the review.

- Deliverable 3.4: Produce a policy brief for key decision makers on follow-up actions, including revision of polices where necessary.

Output 4: Submit the final report.

- Deliverable 4.1: Submit the final report at the end of the assignment to relevant unit. The report should include an executive summary and recommendations.

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Education:

Required: Master’s degree in medicine or social sciences or public health

Desirable: Postgraduate degree in epidemiology or other relevant field

Experience:

- At least 7 years’ experience in communicable diseases control and public health.

- Demonstrated experience in reviewing and updating of communicable diseases programmes and policy revisions.

- Familiarity with health policies and strategies in the Region related to neglected tropical diseases.

- International experience is mandatory for international consultants.

Skills/technical skills and knowledge:

- providing evidence-based guidance

- Analytical writing

- Communication skills

- Training skills

5. Languages and levels required:

- Advanced knowledge on English.

- Knowledge on Arabic is preferable/desirable.

6. Location:

Aden, Yemen.

7. Planned timelines

Start date: 15/October/ 2023

End date: 31/December/2023

8. Medical clearance

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

9. Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel to Yemen

10 Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

a. Remuneration: Pay band B - 9,980 USD/month

b. Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited)

Additional Information

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Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: who.int