International Consultant on Rapid Assessment of 227 Perinatal Centres in Uzbekistan

Contract

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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.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, protect!

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO, is embarking on an important endeavour to enhance the quality of care for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) services in 227 perinatal centres across the country. This comprehensive initiative aims to address critical gaps in maternal and perinatal care, with a particular focus on improving equipment availability, and the competency of healthcare professionals.

Recognizing the significance of this initiative, UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO are extending their support to the Ministry of Health in implementing a comprehensive programme on Maternal and Perinatal Care. A substantial portion of the program's funding, 75 per cent, has been allocated to the procurement of essential equipment required for safe and effective RMNCAH services in perinatal centres. The rapid assessment of 227 perinatal centres, as outlined in these Terms of Reference, is an essential component of the program's implementation strategy. The assessment will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of these facilities, including the availability and functionality of maternal and perinatal equipment, the competency of personnel in utilizing the equipment, and the adequacy of infrastructure to accommodate the required medical equipment.

By conducting this rapid assessment, the Participating UN Agencies (PUNOs) aim to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the perinatal centres, and subsequently develop actionable recommendations to improve their readiness to accept and effectively utilise the necessary equipment. These recommendations will play a pivotal role in guiding the procurement process and ensuring that the investments made in the program are aligned with the specific needs and capacities of each perinatal centre.

UNICEF seeks an international consultant with relevant educational background and professional experience to conduct a rapid assessment, document the findings and produce a report based on the results of the assessment that will help get the facility ready for the equipment to be provided by UNICEF and UNFPA.

Scope of Work:

The consultant shall report to the Technical Working Group, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and will carry out a rapid assessment of 227 perinatal centres to evaluate the availability and need for maternal and perinatal equipment, assess the presence of trained personnel capable of effectively operating the equipment, and determine if any infrastructure renovations or upgrades are required to accept the medical equipment. The assessment aims to identify gaps and provide recommendations to enhance the facilities' readiness to accept the equipment.

The consultant will be responsible for the coordination of three data collection teams, data synthesis and analysis, report writing and producing recommendations as part of the rapid assessment. In particular, the consultant will:

1. Coordination of Data Collection Teams: 1.1. Coordinate, train, and lead three data collection teams, ensuring effective collaboration and adherence to the assessment's objectives and methodology. The teams are composed of 1 OBGYN, 1 neonatologist, and 1 engineer. 1.2. Develop data collection tools 1.3. Oversee the teams' activities, including scheduling, logistics, and data collection procedures. 1.4. Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring data collection is conducted accurately and efficiently.

2. Data Synthesis and Analysis: 2.1. Compile and synthesize data collected through surveys, key informant interviews, and on-site inspections. 2.2. Perform data analysis using appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis methods. 2.3. Identify common themes, trends, and gaps across the 227 perinatal centres.

3. Report Writing: 3.1. Prepare a comprehensive report that presents the assessment findings in a clear, concise, and structured manner. 3.2. Ensure the report includes an overview of equipment availability, personnel capacity, infrastructure status, identified gaps, and any other relevant findings. 3.3. Collaborate with stakeholders to validate the report's content and incorporate their inputs, as necessary.

4. Recommendation Development: 4.1. Based on the assessment findings, develop actionable recommendations to address identified gaps and enhance facility readiness for each facility, as required. 4.2. Ensure recommendations are practical, context-specific, and aligned with the program's objectives. 4.3. Prioritize recommendations to assist stakeholders in implementing changes effectively.

Duration of assignment: 15 September – 30 November 2023.

Work Assignments Overview - Deliverables - Timeline (Days)

1. Conduct a desk review (concept note, relevant documents, and guidelines) related to maternal and perinatal care - Inception Report, including workplan - 3 days.

2. In coordination with the team of local experts develop a standardized survey and assessment tool to gather information on the availability of maternal and perinatal equipment at each center - Data Collection Tools Developed and Endorsed - 3 days.

3. Train three data collection teams (1 neonatologist, 1 OBGYN, 1 engineer, 1 lab technician per team) - Training material and at least two training specialists are trained - 4 days.

4. Coordinate trained assessors (engineers) during on-site inspections to assess the infrastructure and identify any upgrades or renovations required to accommodate the equipment - Detailed report on upgrades and renovations required to accommodate the equipment - 50 days

5. Analyze the collected data to identify common themes, trends, and gaps across the 227 perinatal centers - Compiled report reflecting the results of data analysis - 20 days.

6. Prepare a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the assessment findings, including equipment availability, personnel capacity, infrastructure status, and identified gaps - Comprehensive report detailing the assessment findings, including equipment availability, personnel capacity, infrastructure status, and identified gaps - 6 days.

7. Develop actionable recommendations to address gaps, improve infrastructure, and enhance the facility's readiness to accept and effectively utilize maternal and perinatal equipment. If major renovations or upgrades are required, develop in coordination with assigned engineer(s) a plan to support the facility in implementing the recommended changes effectively - Prioritized recommendations for addressing gaps, improving infrastructure, and enhancing facility readiness. Plan for implementing recommended changes, upgrades and renovations - 3 days.

8. Present the findings and recommendations to key stakeholders, including perinatal center administrators, healthcare professionals, government representatives, and development partners - Presentation materials for sharing the assessment findings and recommendations with stakeholders - 2 days.

9. Perform other duties as assigned

Total: 91 days.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A master's degree in public health, healthcare management, or a related field is required. Additional specialization or experience in maternal and perinatal health is highly desirable.
• At least five years of professional experience in conducting health system assessments, preferably with a focus on maternal and perinatal care.
• Proven experience in coordinating data collection teams and managing large-scale assessments.
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and report writing.
• Experience in developing actionable recommendations for healthcare improvement projects.
• Experience of working with UN agencies is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of maternal and perinatal health, including essential equipment, personnel requirements, and infrastructure considerations.
• Proficiency in data analysis using statistical software and qualitative analysis techniques.
• Excellent report writing skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Familiarity with health facility infrastructure assessments and equipment procurement processes.
• Excellent coordination and leadership abilities to effectively manage data collection teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and facilitate collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Proficiency in local languages spoken in the country is highly desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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 offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.