Public Health Consultant Local

Eswatini COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (ERP)

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Title of Assignment: Technical Assistant: Public Health Consultant

Reference Number: SZ-MOH-353918-CS-INDV

Project Background

In 2021, the Kingdom of Eswatini has secured additional financing for Eswatini COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (P173883) from the World Bank to continue with emergency COVID-19 response and strengthen capacity in preparedness for health emergencies, including supporting vital institutional capacity-building efforts in the development of standardized frameworks and guidelines for health Emergency preparedness and response.

Assignment Background

In addition to COVID-19, Eswatini is under constant threat from other infectious diseases, droughts, storms, food contamination, antimicrobial resistance, traffic accidents and other emergencies. Despite the country’s commitment to strengthening health emergency preparedness and response capacity – a priority area in the country’s National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2019-2023), its capacity remains limited.

Eswatini scored low at 38 in its most recent (2018) World Health Organization Joint External Evaluation of the Internal Health Regulations (2005). Eswatini’s preparedness score was particularly low with no or little capacity. Eswatini’s Global Health Security Index score was also low at 31.1. Eswatini was classified as a ‘least prepared’ country. Areas for improvement in Eswatini include:

• detection and response to emergencies within its overall health system capacity
• a sufficiently robust health system to treat the sick and protect health workers, especially in times of emergency. specific capacity gaps were identified in:• hospitals and clinics
• medical countermeasures
• personnel deployment
• healthcare access
• communications with healthcare workers during a public health emergency
• infection control practices
• availability of equipment, and
• capacity to test and approve new medical countermeasures.

In response, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is planning to carry out various activities to strengthen the country’s capacity in preparedness for health emergency by developing National Health Simulation Exercise, and Emergency Preparedness and Response Strategy, and conducting a health assessment for priority health conditions.

Objective of the consultancy

In order to ensure smooth implementation, the MoH is recruiting a public health consultant to support the MoH in building capacity in health emergency preparedness.

Qualifications and Required Skills

• Minimum Qualifications:• Master’s degree (e.g., MPH, or MSc) in public health, Leadership & Management, epidemiology, health science, health-services research or related discipline.

• Experience• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with demonstrated involvement in the successful development and management of regional/continental public health surveillance programmes with at least 5 years of relevant practical experience Diseases Emergency Preparedness Response, and related workforce capacity development at the national, regional or continental level in any setting, including a governmental agency, academic institution or research organization.
• Clear understanding of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, public health surveillance systems in Eswatini, on the African continent and fair knowledge of the operations of public health institutions and other ministries that work on Health Emergency Preparedness Response related issues. For example:• Knowledge of public health - Health Emergency Preparedness Response guidelines, frameworks and data capture, reporting and analyses platforms and tools in Eswatini and on the continent
• Knowledge and experience in supporting simulations programmes or other disease intelligence initiatives with government ministries, regional organizations and partners
• Knowledge of establishing simulation exercises in national, regional, or continental settings
• Knowledge of relevant public health issues in Eswatini and Africa, and at least 2 years’ previous experience working in Africa.

• Demonstrated project planning and management skills for organizing, planning, and executing public health response from conception to implementation and monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrable experience and in-depth knowledge of operations of the Eswatini MOH, Regional Collaborating Centres, and/or National Public Health Institutes is preferred.

Skills and competencies required

• Strong technical and scientific writing skills and ability to communicate technical materials to both scientific and lay audiences for policy change.
• Excellent diplomatic, representational, and interpersonal skills, including experience successfully interacting with stakeholders and decision-makers in technical and other professional settings.
• Excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to deliver under tight deadlines and works well under pressure.
• Experience working in diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability with computer skills, including excellent word-processing capabilities, proficiency with e-mail and internet applications.

Resources to provide to the consultant

The Consultant will be provided with the following resources:

• Office space with office related accessories (reliable Wi-Fi, office furniture, computer, and printing facilities)
• Conferencing accessories during presentations, validation and training sessions (LCD projector).
• Transport for the official travel out of the duty station.

The period of the assignment

The period of the consultancy is 10 months, etc.

Reporting Arrangements

The Public Health Consultant will report to MoH Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager.

Duty Station

Manzini, with field visits as required.

Remuneration and payment schedule

In accordance with relevant Kingdom of Eswatini guidelines as applicable.

APPLICATIONS:

Submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), references and scanned copies of notarized academic or professional certifications. Application should be addressed to:

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 2nd Floor Ministry of Justice Building, Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Eswatini.

Electronic applications should be sent to [email protected]; Acting Project Coordinator; [email protected] copy to [email protected] and [email protected] no later than 11.00 hours on

24 April, 2023. All applications will be acknowledged but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contacts: +268 2411 8531 (Cell) + 268 7606 3222