PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The role of this consultant is to support the Nauru Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS)  with their continued efforts to combat Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nauru. The role will focus on supporting the MHMS with their prevention and management of NCDs, through a focus on effective clinical management (through application of the Package of Essential NCD (PEN) intervention protocols in primary health care) and  on reducing the demand for and supply of tobacco, along with supporting the implementation of the NCD strategic plan through the NCD taskforce.

BACKGROUND

In the WHO’s Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS), the Pacific Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) and Health through the Life Course (PNH) assists the Pacific island Ministries of Health with implementation of their national NCD strategies and plans, which includes NCD prevention and management in primary health care. The adaptation and adoption of the protocols (1,2,5) of the Package of Essential NCD (PEN) interventions is well advanced in many PICs. All PICs are signatories to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and have committed to achieving Tobacco Free Pacific 2025. 

Nauru has committed in its Prevention of NCDs: Nauru Strategy Action Plan 2018-2020, to a vision of a Nauru free of the avoidable burden of NCDs. Within this strategy, clear actions and indicators have been set for improvements in NCD clinical management and the reduction of tobacco use. There are also commitments to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to preventing and managing NCDs and strengthening the primary care system for NCD prevention and control. 

Planned Timelines (subject to confirmation)

• Start date: 01 December 2021
• End date: 31 October 2022

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
Output 1: Strengthened PEN protocol use in Nauru

Deliverable 1.1: Protocols, SOPs and record keeping forms are in use. 

Deliverable 1.2: Refresher and induction training for health staff

Deliverable 1.3: Ongoing clinical audit of adherence to protocols and SOPs in all health-care settings

Deliverable 1.4: Support for development of tailored educational resources for patients focusing on medication, lifestyle and appointment adherence.

Deliverable 1.5: Support for implementation of community screening plan and awareness raising to increase population adherence to NCD management

Output 2: Improved tobacco control measures in Nauru

Deliverable 2.1: Amendments to Tobacco Control Act and Regulations approved

Deliverable 2.2: Development of a tobacco cessation programme plan in consultation with the MHMS, and support for implementation

Deliverable 2.3: Support for the enhancement of enforcement of the Tobacco Act/Regulations, including monitoring of enforcement activities

Deliverable 2.4: Delivery of awareness training, with MHMS to relevant sectors according to tobacco legislation requirements

Deliverable 2.5: Support for other tobacco control activities by the MHMS

Output 3: Improved health promotion activities for NCDs in Nauru

Deliverable 3.1: Multi-sectoral NCD taskforce have annual operational plan in place, with six monthly reporting of activities 

Deliverable 3.2: Delivery of awareness raising and capacity building of NCD taskforce members with regard to roles in NCD prevention and control

Deliverable 3.3: Support for the implementation and evaluation of communication campaigns on NCDs in Nauru

Output 4: Reporting and communication supported

Deliverable 4.1: Required reports to the Ministry of Health and the funder 

Technical Supervision:

The selected Consultant will work under the supervision of the Responsible Officer, Dr Akeem Ali as OIC Team Coordinator PNH, DPS

It is expected that they will attend update meetings periodically at the Suva DPS office and will receive briefing in Suva on commencement of role.

The consultant will also work closely with the MHMS lead and NCSs and for PEN

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• • Medical or nursing degree or other relevant health qualification.
• • Advanced degree in Public Health also preferred

Experience:

• • At least 5 years of experience within the area of NCD prevention and management and tobacco control
• • Experience working in one or more Pacific island countries/areas or small island settings preferred. Experience working in Nauru also preferred

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• • Experience providing support on implementation of the Package of Essential NCD interventions in primary health care (PEN) including at planning level preferred
• • Experience working in tobacco control and health promotion preferred
• • Driver’s licence required

Language:

• • English – written and spoken

Competencies:

• • Communicating in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results
• • Fostering integration and teamwork
• • Moving forward in a changing environment
• • Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Duration of contract:

1 year

Place of assignment:

Nauru

Medical Clearance:

The selected Consultant/LTTA will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel:

Travel within Nauru will be expected. The length of time to be spent in Nauru will be dependent upon COVID-related travel opportunities and it is expected that the consultant will spend between 3-6 months in Nauru. 

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.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 3 December 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. 156430 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.