United Nations Covid-19 Medical Doctor

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

On 12 March 2020, the WHO characterized the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak as a pandemic as the virus spread globally. Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for Covid-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials.

Within the context of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Armenia it is essential to ensure that the UN personnel working in Armenia (and their dependents) are able to perform effectively within the context of their respective agency Business Continuity Plans and operate in a safe and secure environment.

Objectives of the assignment:

The United Nations Covid-19 Medical Doctor (UNMD) is retained as a service provider at the request of the UN Designated Official for Security in Armenia as a short-term advisor and coordinator on medical issues to respond to the frequent questions of the UN personnel and dependents on Covid-19. The UNMD provides advice and consultations to the UN personnel and their dependents on all aspects related to coronavirus prevention, referral and follow-up. The service is provided to personnel and dependents individually, as a hotline service over the phone, and in an emergency medical situation on 24/7 basis.

The UNMD provides appropriate liaison with medical system in Armenia and provides advice to personnel and dependents in line with the recommendations and advice provided by WHO. The UNMD is expected to manage a reported case, including the follow-up with the patient directly while at home, supporting check-ups, diagnostics, as well as coordinate hospitalization, keep communication with hospitals or specialized institutions and be able to also interpret, communicate and report about the patient’s condition.

Duties and Responsibilities

The UNMD will work under the overall guidance of the Head of Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, who is also the Covid-19 Coordinator, in close consultation with the United Nations Country team.

1. Provide primary case management to the UN personnel & dependents on the issues related to Covid-19 cases

• Provide basic medical assistance in cases of a UN personnel or dependent who complains of Covid-19 symptoms. Advise the UN personnel/dependents on the precise sequence of steps to follow (medical institutions to refer to, actions to undertake, etc.).

• Provide advice on treatment options, the available medical care services/facilities, and the official treatment protocols in Armenia. Additional advice and consultations may be provided on handling specific conditions that may emerge in critical situations (shortage of beds, equipment, medications, etc.).

• Make home visits for consultations to the UN personnel or dependents who have tested positive and respective follow-up of those who have been quarantined.

2. Perform coordination work with the National Health care system

• The UNMD should be aware of and advise on the situations when the local authorities may implement travel restrictions and health screening measures at any time that could affect the UN personnel and premises.

• In coordination with WHO, the DO/RC, the UN COVID Coordinator and the security personnel prepare notices and updates for the UN personnel, announcing the public health measures put in place by the local authorities.

• Receive professional inquiries and provide coordination work with the National Health care system.

• Maintain close contacts with the local health authorities and the WHO country office to assist with the implementation of their instructions on laboratory testing, case management and contact tracing.

• Maintain close contacts with the local health authorities in view of ensuring accessibility to hospital beds for the UN personnel, if required.

• Follow up on the status of the UN personnel/dependent regarding admission in a medical facility.

3. Assist in the preparedness and work related to Medical Evacuation (MedEvac)

• Provide recommendations for standard precautions to be taken by all patients at all times, regardless of diagnosis; and other Infection Prevention and Control measures, as appropriate.

• Assist the UNCT in understanding what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when handling suspect cases, if needed.

• Advise and assist in taking mitigating measures as necessary to reduce risk of spread from the case, including strict quarantine of all close contacts. Advise if MedEvac is recommended for a given case.

• Provide initial medical report to be shared confidentially with the UN Covid-19 Coordinator to facilitate liaison with the MedEvac Cell. Provide the necessary medical documentation (e.g. Clinical management form and fitness to fly) if MedEvac is activated.

• Provide regular updates on the patients’ medical condition to the relevant Agency focal point and the UN Covid-19 Coordinator.

Expected key deliverables:

1. A report on performed tasks covering the period of 15 January - 28 February 2021 (up to 3 pages in Armenian or English). The report should indicate the exact numbers of the UN personnel and dependents by agency to whom assistance has been provided through online and phone consultations. The report should also summarize the work related to coronavirus prevention, personal protection and care, coordination work with the National Health care system, assistance in the preparedness work and MedEvac.- due date 28 February 2021.
2. Online medical support/guidance provided to the UN personnel and dependents for the period of 15 January - 28 February 2021-due date ongoing
3. A report on performed tasks covering the period of 01 March - 15 April 2021 (up to 3 pages in Armenian or English). The report should indicate the exact numbers of the UN personnel and dependents by agency to whom assistance has been provided through online and phone consultations. The report should also summarize the work related to coronavirus prevention, personal protection and care, coordination work with the National Health care system, assistance in the preparedness work and MedEvac.- due date 15 April 2021.
4. Online medical support/guidance provided to the UN personnel and dependentsor the period of 01 March - 15 April 2021 -due date ongoing

Payment is made upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables indicated above. The payment is made in two installments:

• 50% of the contract amount upon finalization and acceptance of Deliverable 1 and 2
• 50% of the contract amount upon finalization and acceptance of Deliverable 3 and 4

Competencies

• Ability to identify the complex problem solving and able to prescribe the basic treatment
• Show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
• Remain calm in stressful situations
• Have strong communication skills and the ability to be an effective and credible voice internally and externally when presenting findings.
• Be solution driven, smart, approachable and possess ability to work with people from different backgrounds.
• Demonstrate ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse groups of people.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in medicine (MD) with specialization in infectious diseases
• Doctor’s high qualification and/or additional scientific degree is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of continuous clinical experience as a General Practitioner or other medical specialization.
• Progressive professional experience in healthcare.
• Experience in any outbreak response and emergencies, similar to Covid-19
• Prior experience in coordinating or overseeing medical evacuations is desirable

Language Skills:

• Good working knowledge of English. Fluency in Armenian.

INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING METHODOLOGY:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' technical qualifications, experience and financial proposal.The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as technically responsive/compliant/acceptable to the requirements of the ToR and received the highest cumulative (technical and financial) score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 70 points

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 30 points.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.

• Financial Proposal and Availability form: OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP (A total lump sum option is applicable for this assignment)
• CV shall include Education/Qualification, Processional Certification, Employment Records /Experience

General Conditions of Contract is available here: GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

Note: Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).