CONSULTANCY – DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC PLAN ON CONTROL & ELIMINATION OF NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES FOR AFGHANISTAN Band level C

1. Purpose of the consultancy

The new road map “Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030” sets global targets and milestones to prevent, control, eliminate and eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and disease groups. It also sets cross-cutting targets aligned with both WHO’s General Programme of Work and the SDGs, with strategies for achieving the targets during this decade.

Keeping in line with the new roadmap 2030, and EMR 5-year plan to reach SDG target on NTDs, Member States have to develop strategic plans to better deliver interventions in a coordinated manner and improve the cost–effectiveness and coverage of programmes that will guarantee that the milestones and targets are reached by 2030.

This consultancy is to develop its NTD strategic plan 2030 for Afghanistan by providing necessary technical guidance and strategic directions.

2. Background

Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of communicable diseases that prevail in in almost all the countries in EMR. They affect thousands/millions of people and cost millions of dollars every year. Most importantly, they affect the most vulnerable members of the society.

In Afghanistan, leishmaniasis, leprosy, scabies and other skin-NTDs, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and trachoma are the more prevalent NTDs. Complex emergency prevailing in Afghanistan impedes prevention, control and elimination of NTDs.

During the past decade country implemented different initiatives recommended by WHO to prevent and control NTDs. WHO NTDs road map 2030 has a new model of operation to achieve SDG targets on NTDs. Afghanistan has to develop its own strategic plan by building on the current epidemiology and the gains achieved so far, which will guide the country till 2030.

3. Work to be performed

1. Review global road map 2030, its companion guides and regional NTD plan of WHO/HQ and EMRO to control/eliminate/eradicate NTDs.

2. Develop a methodology, tools and guidance to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis. This will include desk review, group discussion and interview with relevant stakeholders and any other means for situation analysis.

3. Lead a technical working group consisting of MoPH staff, WHO staff and other partners in order to develop the methodology and tools to be applied for the assessment.

4. Conduct in-depth assessment of the existing plan(s), available data, documents, assessment reports, annual performance reports and other relevant documents on NTDs.

5. Conduct Desk-review of the technical documents relevant to the health care delivery system and health management information system to verify the presence of strong systems to detect, treat and report NTDs.

6. Lead and coordinate the technical consultations with the national task force comprising national senior policy makers and partners through individual interviews, and group discussions to collect necessary information, build consensus, set objectives, milestones and strategic approaches for all NTDs prevalent in the country.

7. Develop the final draft country strategic plan in coordination with Ministry of Health and WHO.

8. Lead and coordinate the technical consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders on the draft plan in order to generate comments and suggestions.

9. Finalize draft plan considering the comments and suggestions of national programme, partners and consensus inputs and submit it to WHO-Afghanistan.

10. Submit a final technical and financial assignment report.

4. Deliverables

• Final draft NTD strategic plan
• Technical report
• financial report

5. Specific requirements

Qualifications required:

o Essential: Master’s degree in public health.

o Desirable: University degree/advanced training in communicable diseases.

Experience required:

o At least 10 years’ experience in public health programme management, with especial experience in management of communicable diseases.

o Familiarity with health policies and strategies related to Neglected Tropical Diseases.

o Prior international experience in developing country specific strategies/master/action plans is mandatory.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

Excellent knowledge on strategic plan development
Excellent Analytical writing skills
Excellent Communication skills
MS office and data analysis packages

Language requirements:

Advanced knowledge on English.
Knowledge on Dari/Pashto is preferable/desirable.

6. Place of assignment

Mainly working remotely from the residence of the consultant in close coordination and collaboration with Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in Afghanistan and WHO Country Office and NTD unit/EMRO. One in-country mission will be conducted.

Medical clearance : The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information section

· This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates

· Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO

· A written test may be used as a form of screening.

· If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

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· Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

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· Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.

· WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.

· Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:
(a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated;
(b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided;
(c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.