International Consultant to support review and finalisation of malaria strategy, Pyongyang, DPRK (home based)

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, a Champion

UNICEF as the Principal Recipient for the TB and Malaria Grant in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) contributes towards the implementation of the National Malaria Control Program towards malaria elimination in the DPRK. There was a mid -term review of the current strategy 2018-2022 in late 2020/early 2021, with a report issued in September 2021. The purpose of the review was to identify major achievements, best practices and lessons learnt as well as define critical issues and prioritize current issues to achieve the goals of the National Malaria Elimination Strategy 2018-2022. There was a reduction in the malaria burden compared to 2016 as baseline year, with Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of 0.147 per 1,000 population and reported cases of 1,819 in 2020. However, mainly due to unmet coverage of key interventions, some of the current targets have not been met and a review of targets, objectives, strategic approaches and key interventions may be required to address the existing challenges/problems of technical, operational and managerial nature and to facilitate/accelerate the nation-wide elimination effort.

The Ministry of Public Health in DPRK is currently preparing the National Malaria Strategy for 2023-2025, and has requested the support of an international consultant to provide detail review, clear recommendations and insights that support finalization and costing of the malaria strategy.

As a result of the COVID related anti-epidemic measures, there have been extended border closures for supplies, international staff as well as technical support, with limited UNICEF procured malaria RDTs and insecticides for vector control reaching DPRK . Under the direct supervision of the Health Manager (TB and malaria) and the guidance of the Chief of Health the consultant is expected to collaborate with WHO and make recommendations in accordance with WHO guidance, while providing detailed inputs through UNICEF to the Ministry of Public Health.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Health Manager (TB and malaria)

1. Review the existing National malaria strategy and background information including 2020 and 2021 malaria programme reports, malaria mid-term review report (2021) and WHO Global malaria report 2022 as it refers to DPR Korea

2. Review and compare progress towards achieving the goal and objectives of the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Control Programme since 2018, which will include overall programme impact on malaria incidence and overall programme outcomes and coverage.

3. Review epidemic analysis during the implementation of previous strategy (2019-2022) and provide clear, concise technical guidance on modelling/ future trend in line with implementation of next strategy (2023-2025)

4. Review current strategies including health system strengthening pillars and make recommendations regarding the strategic direction of the programme over the next 3 years (2023-2025), based on current WHO guidance

5. Review the draft malaria strategy 2023-2025 document prepared by the National malaria Programme, provide detailed feedback identifying key strengths and making recommendations for areas for enhancement

6. Develop key paragraphs for consideration and potential inclusion by the Ministry of Public Health

7. Prepare finalized version of the malaria strategy, based on feedback from MoPH, WHO and other key stakeholders

Deliverables and payment

DeliverablesTentative working daysTentative portion of paymentExpected dates of delivery1. Inception report 3 pages (without annexes) outlining an understanding of the required tasks, the background and malaria disease profile in DPRK, expected delivery outputs, suggested methodology and approach, workplan and timeline to produce the intended assignments5 days10%15 August2. Detailed comments, suggestions, and recommendations provided on the draft National Malaria Elimination Strategy as prepared by the National Malaria Programme, including the drafting key paragraphs with clear concise technical guidance on future trends10 working days50%15 September3. Feedback from key stakeholders including MoPH, UNICEF, and WHO, incorporated into final DPRK Malaria Elimination Strategy & presented to MoPH.

Presentation of key

Elements of malaria

Elimination strategy

10 working days40%30 September

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

• Master's degree in a relevant field in the area of public health, planning, public policy, development
• At least 10 years professional experience in malaria strategic planning or programme management
• Demonstrated experience in working with government and development partners and other stakeholders in malaria programs especially in the area of development policy and planning.
• Proven ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management, and reporting.
• Highly recommended with evidence of having undertaken similar assignments.
• Highly recommended with evidence of having undertaken similar assignments for DPRK.
• Proven ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Excellent English writing, communication, and facilitation skills with outstanding political judgment.
• Ability to work under tight timelines.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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.