BACKGROUND

The indigenous communities in Malaysia makes up just about one percent of the total population. In Peninsular Malaysia there are an estimated 198,000 indigenous people and about 38% of these reside in the state of Pahang. Nationwide, these communities, along with the aboriginal communities in Sabah and Sarawak, are diverse, geographically remote and hard-to-reach, and have unique vulnerabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have affected the socioeconomic and health of the indigenous and remote aboriginal communities in Malaysia. However, the magnitude and nature of the impact are largely unknown. In March 2020, other than the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli, JAKOA), all community service programmes by non-governmental organizations, such as the distribution of assistance to the Orang Asli indigenous communities were halted due to concerns regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission and movement control response to the pandemic. During the initial outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in April 2020, there were reports of indigenous villages that were placed under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO). By September 2020, as a resurgence of cases were observed in Sabah, various remote aboriginal communities were also likely to have been affected. With the current implementation of the nationwide Movement Control Order and the high levels of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the impact on remote communities is expected to be more severe, but until a comprehensive survey and review is done, the magnitude and nature of this impact will not be known, thus limiting our understanding of the needs of the affected communities. Information gained from a nationwide survey will not only help inform the current response needs for the affected communities, they will further help to form the basis for a post-pandemic recovery plan to ensure the maintenance of health service delivery.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this APW is to provide technical support on the planning and implementation of a nationwide survey on the health impacts of COVID-19 on indigenous and remote aboriginal communities to support the formulation of a post-pandemic recovery plan for indigenous and remote community health

The objectives of the planned study include:

• • To assess the understanding of the indigenous and remote aboriginal communities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic
• • To evaluate the level of the indigenous and remote aboriginal communities’ compliance with public health and social measures against SARS-CoV-2 transmission
• • To assess the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various movement control orders on the indigenous and remote aboriginal communities in Malaysia

WORK TO BE PERFORMED

4.1  Develop a research proposal, design questionnaire for data collection and plan of analysis for a nationwide cross-sectional study

4.2  Coordinate the implementation of sampling and data collection

4.3  Conduct descriptive analysis of data collected

4.4  Produce a report on study findings

Deliverables:

• • Inception report including research protocol, implementation plan and plan of analysis
• • Mid-term progress report
• • Final report of nationwide study on health impacts of COVID-19 on indigenous and remote aboriginal communities

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

Academic research group with experience in public health or community and social research, particularly in the area of indigenous and remote aboriginal community social welfare or health. Access to manpower resources to conduct large-scale, nationwide data collection.

Principal investigator: An advanced degree in health or social sciences or other related field.

Desirable: An advanced degree (Master level or above) in public health or epidemiology.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in public health or social sciences.

Knowledge on indigenous and remote aboriginal communities.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

i.      Excellent communication skills, including written and verbal skills

ii.     Ability to work under pressure and deliver in a timely manner

iii.    Ability to lead a team

LANGUAGES

Expert/Intermediate proficiency in English

COMPETENCIES

• • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• • Moving forward in a changing environment
• • Ensuring the effective use of resources
• • Fostering integration and team work
• • Communication in a credible and effective way

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

WHO is inviting bidder to submit proposals for this work describing the methodology, time lines and cost by Wednesday 14 July 2021 midnight Malaysian standard time. The cost should be provided in Ringgit Malaysia and should not exceed USD500/day or equivalent.

The bidder shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of the proposal, including but not limited to the possible cost of discussion the proposal with WHO, making a presentation, negotiating a contract and any related travel. WHO will in no case be responsible or liable for those costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome of the selection process.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications}, Proposals, and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 14 July 2021. 

Please use Tender Notice No. 133769 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.