UNICEF Zimbabwe is inviting applications for an individual consultant to support with the development of National WASH Guidelines for Health Care Facilities in Zimbabwe

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For every child, WASH!

UNICEF has been operating in Zimbabwe since 1982. We are a team of passionate professionals committed to the protection and fulfillment of children’s rights.

Supporting the Government’s vision of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society, the 2022 to 2026 UNICEF Zimbabwe country programme is aimed at contributing to sustainable socioeconomic development that provides all children, including adolescents, with opportunities to fulfil their potential, lead a healthy life, access quality learning and protection and meaningfully participate in society.

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https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/work-us

How can you make a difference?

UNICEF Zimbabwe is seeking to hire an enthusiastic individual consultant to; (1) Identify and review the existing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) standards and guidelines for health care facilities; and (2) Develop the national WASH guidelines for health care facilities in Zimbabwe, which consider gender, disability, environmental sensitivity and cultural suitability.

BACKGROUND

The availability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is a key prerequisite for quality care and infection prevention and control (IPC) in health care facilities (HCFs). In low and middle-income countries, however, WASH service coverage in HCFs remains low. A study of 78 countries estimated that 50% of HCFs do not have piped water connection, 33% do not have improved sanitation facilities, and 39% do not have handwashing soap. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Programme for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (JMP) also reported that in 2019, 1.8 billion people did not have access to basic water services in HCFs, and 800 million people relied on HCFs without improved sanitation facilities. In Zimbabwe, basic water services were available in 81% of HCFs, but only 17% and 58% of HCFs had basic sanitation and hygiene services, respectively.

Previous studies suggested that limited WASH services and hygiene practices in HCFs have negative implications on patient satisfaction, care-seeking behaviors, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), and patient dignity. While WASH is not the only risk factor, the estimated pooled prevalence of HCAIs ranges from 7% in high-income countries to 15.5% in low-income countries. Inadequate access to water, sanitation, and a clean environment is also indirectly linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by increasing the risk of HCAIs and the demand for antibiotics.

In May 2019, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution to accelerate global efforts on WASH in HCFs. This resolution led to a subsequent global meeting where countries presented their national commitments with concrete actions. Zimbabwe made key country commitments, including the development of a national WASH in HCFs plan, standards, and targets. In January 2020, the Ministry of Health and Child Care officially approved the national WASH in HCF Taskforce with representation from various departments of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works (MOLGPW), the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MOLAFWRD), UN agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Health Professions Authority.

In recent years the focus on Sustainable Development Goals has led WASH actors to review their activities in institutions, and several documents have been produced on WASH in HCFs. MOHCC, with support from UNICEF, aims to improve the understanding of the minimum standards for WASH services and the required Operation and Maintenance(O&M) in HCFs in Zimbabwe to provide a safe and healthy environment for the health care services. Furthermore, an integrated effort must be made by health and WASH professionals to ensure the functionality and cleanliness of the facilities to effectively change the behavior of those working in and using the facilities.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance and urgency of enhancing WASH coverage in HCFs. Globally, over 166.7 million cases and 3.4 million deaths were reported as of 23 May 2021. Zimbabwe has recorded a total of 244,685 cases and 5,429 deaths as of 21 March 2022. To minimize the risk of transmission at the designated HCFs for COVID-19 patients, the Government of Zimbabwe, with support from UNICEF and CSOs, has implemented a package of WASH interventions in 150 HCFs. This WASH response package included WASH assessment, IPC training for health care staff, provision of IPC and WASH supplies (e.g., soap, handwashing stations, cleaning materials), and repair of WASH facilities.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The main objective of the consultancy is to:

1. Identify and review the existing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) standards and guidelines for health care facilities; and

2. Develop the national WASH guidelines for health care facilities in Zimbabwe, which consider gender, disability, environmental sensitivity and cultural suitability.

ASSIGNMENTS:

UNICEF, in support of the Government of Zimbabwe, is seeking consultancy services from an experienced consultant, with international experience, to develop national WASH guidelines for HCFs in Zimbabwe. The proposed WASH in HCFs guidelines, including guidelines for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) will enhance the enabling environment for improving the health care services in the country. A complete and comprehensive set of standards and guidelines will address both WASH and Health requirements for a safe and clean health care facility. It is envisaged that modest improvements in WASH in HCFs will have an impact on the health of those using the services.

Objectives:

The objectives of the assignment are to:

• Identify and review existing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) standards and guidelines for health care facilities; and
• Develop the national WASH guidelines (including O&M guidelines) for health care facilities in Zimbabwe, which consider gender, disability, environmental sensitivity and cultural suitability.

The consultant will work in support of the Ministry of Health and in coordination and consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

Scope of work and methodology:

The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive document on WASH in HCFs standards and O&M guidelines in Zimbabwe in collaboration with the line Ministries and other stakeholders. It is expected that the following specific activities will be conducted:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review of the existing WASH in HCFs guidelines, manuals and standards in Zimbabwe and from other relevant/comparable countries as well as UNICEF/WHO materials and publications on WASH in HCFs.
• Consult with relevant line ministries, municipalities, NGOs and other agencies involved in WASH and Health interventions in Zimbabwe for additional information and views on WASH in HCFs requirements that are sensitive to the culture, gender and disability
• Conduct field visits (through local NGOs) to selected HCFs to assess the status of WASH infrastructure, behavioral conduct of health workers and other HCF users in urban and rural areas, and the existing operations and maintenance.

Draft WASH in HCFs guidelines in Zimbabwe, present for validation and revise to incorporate inputs from key stakeholders in order to finalize the Guidelines.

Major tasks and deliverables:

Tasks/Milestone:****Deliverables/Outputs:****TimelineDesk Review: Review the existing WASH in HCFs guidelines, manuals and standards in Zimbabwe and from other countries as well as UNICEF/WHO materials and publications on WASH in HCFs

Inception Meeting: Organize an inception meeting with key stakeholders including MoH and UNICEF to clarify expectations, agree with the scope of the consultancy, finalize the timeline and review desk review findings

Inception report indicating reviewed literature and initial key findings, timeline, activities, and key stakeholders who will be engaged in the guideline development processWeek 1-2 (10 days)Key informant interviews: Consultations with key stakeholders (as agreed in the Inception Report) to identify additional inputs and views on WASH in HCFs requirements in Zimbabwe

Field Visits: Conduct at least two field visits (one for urban areas, the other for rural areas) for up to 10 days. The HCFs for field visits are to be determinedA report summarizing inputs and findings from key stakeholders and field visitWeeks 3-5 (15 days)Develop the first draft of WASH in HCFs guidelines in Zimbabwe and incorporate inputs from key stakeholdersA complete draft WASH in HCFs guidelinesWeek 5-9 (20 days)Present draft guidelines to stakeholders for validation and finalize the draft into a final validated documentPower point presentation, facilitated validation workshop and final documentWeek 10-11

(5 days)To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

• At least a master’s degree in Engineering, Social Sciences, Development Studies applied to WASH, Environmental/Public Health, Sanitation Technology or other related field of study in the Rural and Urban Planning, Public Sector Management, Governance or any relevant degree. At least 7 years of expereince is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of experience in lieu of a Master’s degree is also acceptable.

Languages: English

Experience:

• Experience in the WASH, Health and/or Nutrition sectors in developing countries or similar assignments.
• Experience of carrying out institutional assessments and the analysis of information collected as part of past assignments.
• Experience in the development of WASH standards and guidelines.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Expertise in the development of standards and guidelines on WASH in health care facilities.
• Familiarity with equity, gender and disability issues.
• Knowledge on the health sector governance (preferably of Zimbabwe or similar contexts) in developing countries
• Ability to deliver high quality products in the allotted time.
• Ability to be flexible and respond to changes as part of programmatic response, review and feedback process.
• Ability to work effectively with various partners including senior government officials.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken)

Desirable

• Knowledge of other languages spoken in Zimbabwe would be an asset.
• Experience in working with UN or similar agencies will be an advantage.

If interested and available to undertake the individual consultancy, please submit your application online and attach the required documents including the technical proposal and an all-inclusive financial proposal, CV and cover letter.

Technical proposal: (up to 3 pages). The technical proposal should articulate an understanding of the TOR and include the proposed Tasks/Milestones, Deliverables/Outputs, Timeline and level of effort by deliverable. The similar table provided in the TOR is indicative. Applicants may use the indicative table as a guide or deviate as per the proposed approach and/or days proposed per deliverable. The proposal should also cost-effectively propose the international and/or local travel proposed by the applicant to undertake the assignment.

Financial proposal: To be submitted separately, the Financial Proposal should include the costs/consultant fee (providing a daily rate as justification) for each task, proposed per diem, communications costs and any other proposed cost.

The detailed consultancy terms of reference is downloadable via this link ; ToR_WASH_HCF_Guidelines.pdf

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 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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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. The candidate may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).