BACKGROUND

In response to the threat of COVID-19 introduction in the Pacific, a WHO Pacific Action Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness and Response was developed to document and guide priority actions for WHO support to Pacific Island countries and areas (PICs) for COVID-19 preparedness and response. Under the WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support, an Incident Management Team (IMT) has been activated to support the rapid implementation of the Pacific Action Plan. Case management and IPC are critical functions under the Pacific IMT – focusing on clinical care, safe and effective isolation, and application of appropriate IPC measures at all levels of the health system.

Based in the WHO Pacific office in Fiji, this STC position will support Pacific Island countries and areas for COVID-19 clinical management, including providing technical guidance and support in establishment and operation of isolation facilities, clinical service delivery planning, health worker training, and technical resource development/adaptation.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

In close collaboration with the different technical units in the Division of Pacific Technical Support, WHO WPRO and the case management/IPC cell in the COVID-19 Incident Management Team of WHO-Fiji, the incumbent will support Pacific Ministries of Health and designated hospitals to assess and strengthen clinical capacity in the case management for COVID-19 response. The incumbent will further support with the contextualisation/adaptation of global guidelines, developing/revising case management guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training packages.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output/s

• • Support PICs in the assessment and planning of clinical and critical care capacity to manage respiratory diseases, including suspected/probable/confirmed cases of COVID-19. 
• • Support isolation planning according to IPC principles.
• • Support PICs in training of health care workers on suspected/probable/confirmed COVID-19 infections according to WHO clinical management guidance:
  • Known clinical features and clinical severity
  • Triage
  • IPC measures
  • Early supportive therapy and monitoring
  • Collection and storage of specimens for laboratory diagnosis
  • Management of hypoxemic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Management of septic shock
  • Prevention of complications
• • Support PICs in conducting a table-top simulation exercises to test hospital health system preparedness for COVID-19 case management.
• • Develop context-appropriate tools and quick-reference materials on clinical management.
• • Provide recommendations on actions to be taken to strengthen health facility preparedness for clinical management of suspected/probable/confirmed COVID-19 infections.
• • Support the adaptation of existing guidance documents to meet country context and language needs;
• • Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Desktop review with available resources

Conference calls with technical units of MOH when needed

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: A medical or nursing degree from an accredited/recognized institute with specialization on infectious disease and/or critical care

Experience: At least seven years of working experience in public health sector, including more than five years of international work experience in above areas. Experience with Pacific countries in advising on clinical services and training medical officers at health care settings will be an asset.

Desirable: Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization.

Language: High level of written and spoken English

Skills

• • Proven skills in training of health care workers in low-resource settings during emergency/humanitarian response.
• • Proven skills in adult learning methods.
• • Proven skills in case management of patients needing critical care, including isolation and IPC principles in low resource settings
• • Ability to work rapidly and efficiently in fast paced, complex environments.
• • Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.
• • Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
• • Ability to "think out of the box" and to adapt to various health care settings.

Competencies

• • Communication
• • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• • Teamwork
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• • Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contract duration

The duration for the assignment is from June to December 2021. The number of working days will be confirmed.

Place of assignment

Fiji

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 10 June 2021. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 129593 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.