National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

For this assignment, the WHO Regional Office for Africa’s AMR Team /ARD Cluster is seeking for an international UNV to supporting activities related to development, implementation and monitoring of National Action Plans on AMR as part of the implementation of the Global Action Plan on AMR in the context of the One Health approach and the Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13). The international UNV will be based in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo and will work under the supervision of the AMR Team/ARD Cluster.

In 2015, the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) was adopted by all countries through a resolution in the World Health Assembly (WHA), endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Governing Conference, and the World Assembly of World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) delegates. The 47 countries in the WHO African region have agreed to have a National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR that is consistent with the Global Action Plan and to implement relevant policies and plans to prevent, control and monitor AMR. Seven years later, 38 (81%) out of 47 countries in the WHO African region have NAPs of which 29 are approved by their national authorities. WHO has been coordinating the annual Tripartite AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS) jointly administered by FAO, OIE and WHO to monitor country progress in the implementation of NAPs with global/regional/country reports disseminated. In 2021, forty-one (41) in the WHO African region have responded to the 5th TrACSS that closed in July 2021. The 6th round of assessment is about to be launched in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and so the survey will be issued jointly by the quadripartite (FAO, OIE, WHO and UNEP).

Despite the progress made by countries in line with strengthening coordination and multisectoral collaboration around AMR, awareness and education, surveillance and laboratory capacity , implementing infection and prevention control measures and optimal use of antimicrobials, there is a still an urgent need to address major challenges with finalizing, updating, costing, implementing and monitoring the national actional plans under the coordination of the WHO Regional Office in close collaboration with FAO, OIE and UNEP. In line with the implementation of the output 1.3.5 of the 13th WHO Global Program of Work (GPW13), the AMR/ARD Unit plans to enhance their strategic guidance and technical support to the 47 Member States for the development, implementation and monitoring of AMR national Action Plans using standardized materials , capacity building and documentation of best practices and lessons learnt in close collaboration with relevant units within and outside ARD cluster as part of integration, collaboration and harmonization of AFRO work. This includes coordination of multisectoral country self-assessments on NAPs implementation, analysis and dissemination of regional findings as well as updating country profiles. Thus, the IUNV will contribute to accelerate AFRO 2022-2023 plan of action on AMR.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the WHO AFRO AMR team lead and ARD Cluster or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance will:

• Contribute to the formulation and/or implementation of policies; regulations; norms, standards, guides and tools in line with global and regional plans on AMR.
• Provide technical support for the development and implementation of AMR National Action Plans within the context of the “One Health” approach. • Support monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of National Action Plans on AMR and projects. • Establish and maintain an up-to-date roster of regional AMR experts by technical area. • Support the strengthening governance and multisectoral coordination platforms on AMR, • Plan and implement training programs through the development of standard curriculums. • Track and report progress in implementation using the specific indicators of the global antimicrobial resistance monitoring and evaluation framework. • Support the follow up of the AMR regional public health goods (Regional Action Plan on AMR); • Perform other related responsibilities as assigned by his/her supervisor

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [WHO Regional Office for Africa]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to [WHO Regional Office for Africa] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [WHO Regional Office for Africa] in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement,

EDUCATION • Education Essential: An Advanced University Degree in medicine, pharmacy, microbiology, Monitoring and Evaluation, Business Administration or advanced degree related to the functions of the position. • Desirable: certificate or diploma or post-grated degree in public health or epidemiology or medical laboratory or AMR -related discipline

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE • Proven technical skills in the management of AMR. • Proven ability to coordinate, write and communicate effectively on AMR programs

EXPERIENCE • Essential: At least seven years of experience in managing projects in public health, some of which at international level and related to health systems strengthening or health emergencies. Experience in multi-partners collaborations from multiple countries, government, and non-government organizations. Proven track record in producing and editing reports and publications. • Desirable: Experience working on AMR programs at national level or in an international organization, Planning, IHR (2005) and One health approach. Experience working in developing countries

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South.

Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas.

Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious

According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure.

The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.