Consultant for Development of Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol

UNDP within the project Strengthening of DOTS Strategy and Improving National Tuberculosis Programme, Including Multidrug Resistant and Infection Control, in Bosnia and Herzegovina is seeking to recruit local consultant for Development of Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol who will support international consultant in charge for Development of Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol in the execution of this specific task. Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol should ensure safe management of infectious conditionsand should be based on standards for the effective prevention and management of health care associated infections, so that hazards associated with biological agents are minimized for patients, visitors and health care personnel in health care settings. TB Infection Control Plan and Protocol should be developed on the basis of the best practices recommended by relevant WHO documents and incorporate measures, practices, and procedures aimed at preventing and controlling infections and transmission of infections in health care settings, giving clear instructions on steps, responsibilities, duties and other relevant information to be applied at different levels of health care. TB Infection Control Plan will deal with set of measures representing a combination of interventions and activities, ranging from hand hygiene, aseptic technique, waste management, rational antibiotic use, cleaning and the use of chemical cleaning agents, isolation, surveillance, risk management, the use of personal protective equipment, employees immunization programmes and personnel hygiene, and similar. Implementation of well defined TB Infection Control Plan and Protocol should result in improved health outcomes and prevention of negative outcomes such as morbidity, mortality and increased health care costs. Developed TB Infection Control Plan will rely on findings of Infection Control Situation Analysis in FBiH and RS preceded its creation and should reflect the needs of the health system with regards to TB management and response at all levels including establishment of IC functions, data collection, reporting system, monitoring and evaluation and the needs for corresponding health services (clinical services, laboratory, PHC etc). Developed TB Infection Control Plan and Protocol will be incorporated into National Tuberculoses Plans (NTPs) of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. UNDP continues to provide support to the health system in Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening DOTS strategy and improving NTPs and including multidrug resistance and infection control. To that end, the local consultant will be tasked to support work of international consultant related to the Development of Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol. Local consultant will be tasked make available Infection Control Situation Analysis in FBiH and RS performed in 2011 with regard to the existing structure and capacities and develop the TB Infection Control Plan and Protocol for comprehensive Tuberculoses Control, as well as all other documents and information crucial for the development of National Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol including but not limited to relevant Laws, Regulations, Policy documents, Strategies and similar. Local consultant will seek to identify fields needing harmonization of activities related to Development of Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol with activities performed by relevant Ministries of Health. Local consultant should facilitate and organise consultation of International Consultant with representatives of Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, Federal Ministry of Health and Health Institutions including hospitals, TB laboratories, PHC settings, established bodies such as Infection Control Committies and other relevant stakeholders, through meetings, writing communication, conference calls and similar. It is expected close coordination and communication of Local Consultant with TB project team while executing this task. With his/her professional experience Local consultant will support International Consultant to develop TB Infection Control Plan and Protocol in accordance with existing plans and strategies of Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska and Federal Ministry of Health, contributing comprehensive development of NTPs. The successful completion of the task will assist Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska and Federal Ministry of Health in further planning of activities in this area, as well as budgeting and monitoring and evaluation. Local consultant for TB IC plan and protocol will support International Consultant in organization of meetings and consultations with national stakeholders, finding and providing important existing documents which will support successful completion of tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP is Primary Recipient of the project “Strengthening of DOTS Strategy and Improving National Tuberculosis Programme, Including Multidrug Resistant and Infection Control, in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. This project is continuation and further development of ongoing activities initiated under Round 6 TB project and is also aligned with general objectives of strengthening the governance and co-ordination of health systems in BIH, and in support to systems’ orientation and focus towards ongoing primary health care/family medicine development and reform efforts in BIH. Implementation of this project will contribute in improvement of access and efficiency of respiratory health care services in Primary Health Care settings in BIH through implementation of Practical Approach to Lung Health (PAL) strategy (as a pilot project), strengthening and extending the DOTS+ pilot project of MDR-TB case management as well as ensuring and maintaining access to TB program for vulnerable groups with spatial attention to Roma and other vulnerable populations. Job Summary: Scope of work: Support establishment of initial contacts of International Consultant with representatives of the National Tuberculoses Programmes of RS and FBiH, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, Federal Ministry of Health and stakeholders involved in comprehensive TB control Support identification of the core contacts group with representatives of the National Tuberculosis Programmes of RS and FBiH, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, Federal Ministry of Health, NRLs and stakeholders involved in comprehensive TB control. Support International Consultant to develop Work plan incorporating approach to be used to accomplish the task Review task-relevant documents and guidelines, taking into consideration range of reports and documents on infection control Review the existing practices and systems, as well as relevant policies and procedures in FBiH and RS with regard to Infection Control. Support International Consultant to review existing practices and systems in FBiH and RS with regard to Infection Control, taking into consideration Infection Control Situation Analysis performed in 2011 Support the preparation of draft Tuberculosis Infection Control Plan and Protocol and submission to beneficiaries for comments Support development of Final Tuberculosis Infection Control Plan and Protocol to be incorporated into National Tuberculosis Programmes of RS and FBiH Deliverables and timelines The consultant is responsible for the following deliverables: Deliverables (outputs) Deadline Support identification of the core contacts group with representatives of the National Tuberculosis Programmes of RS and FBiH, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska, Federal Ministry of Health, NRLs and stakeholders involved in comprehensive TB control. Mid of January 2012 Support International Consultant to develop Work plan incorporating approach to be used to accomplish the task End of January 2012 Support International Consultant to review existing practices and systems in FBiH and RS with regard to Infection Control, taking into consideration Infection Control Situation Analysis performed in 2011 Mid of February 2012 Support the preparation of draft Tuberculosis Infection Control Plan and Protocol and submission to beneficiaries for comments End of March 2012 Support development of Final Tuberculosis Infection Control Plan and Protocol to be incorporated into National Tuberculosis Programmes of RS and FBiH End of April 2012

Competencies

Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork: Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time; Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually; Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others; Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives. People Skills: Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds; Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others; Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behavior; Respects individual/cultural /gender differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork; Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process. Partnering and Networking: Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies; Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously. Results-Orientation: Plans and procedures quality results to meet established goals; Communication: Technical writing skills, formulates written information clearly and persuasively; Strong communication skills; Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences; Presents information in a clear and articulate manner. Job Knowledge and Expertise: Strong analytical skills; Demonstrates substantive and technical knowledge to meet responsibilities and post requirements; Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently; Initiative and sound judgment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Medical doctor or Biologist Experience: At least 10 years of experience in the field of Public Health or Tuberculosis; Proven analytical skills;Proven experience in health related topics; References and publications on topics relevant for consultant's tasks would be considered as an additional asset. Excellent knowledge of issues related to health. Previous experience in tuberculoses segments Good knowledge of BiH health system structure Language Requirements: Proficiency in English language, Award Criteria: The award will be based on the: Highest qualified candidate; meaning the candidate obtaining the highest score. Applicants are required to submit an application including: Letter of interest/ Proposal; - Explaining why do you consider yourself the most suitable for the work - Provide a brief methodology, , on how you will approach and conduct the work Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees Financial proposal indicating your consultancy fee with a lump sum (including travel expenses and all other applicable fees and costs, depending of the nature and complexity of the assignment).

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Consultant for Development of Tuberculoses Infection Control Plan and Protocol