REVIEW UPDATE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE OBSTETRIC AND NEONATAL STANDARDS, PROTOCOLS, GUIDELINES AND NORMS FOR THE EMERGENCY NEONATAL AND OBSTETRIC CARE SERVICES IN SWAZILAND

REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE FOR REVIEW UPDATE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THEOBSTETRIC AND NEONATAL STANDARDS, PROTOCOLS, GUIDELINES AND NORMS FORTHE EMERGENCY NEONATAL AND OBSTETRIC CARE SERVICES IN SWAZILAND

I.                        BACKGROUND

The Government of Swaziland (GOS) has emphasized health as a priorityon the national agenda. The 2009 National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) identifies critical areas in the health sector that require support, and aims to improve poor health outcomes and inefficiencies. A new Health, HIV/AIDS and TB project is proposed to support the Government in its commitment to improve the health status of the Swazi population.  The World Bank and the European Union (EU) are jointly financing theproject with the Government.  Specifically, the proposed project will: (i) improve access to and quality of health services in Swaziland, with aparticular focuses on primary health care, maternal health and TB, and (ii) increase social safety net access for OVC.

II.                        OBJECTIVES

The Overall Objective of the consultancy is to review and update the current EmONC standards and protocols/guidelines including staffing norms, and maternal and peri-natal death audits. The consultancy will also identify areas of program strengthening for Obstetric and Neonatal Care Health care Services in the country's health system

III.                        DUTIES

The Consultant will perform the following specific activities:

• Review of available national SRH policy, SRH strategy, operational plans, standards (including staffing norms), protocols and guidelines;   the WHO Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Services (EmONC) guidelines and protocols; and reports of previous national assessments such as Improving the Quality of Maternal and Neonatal Health Services in Swaziland: A Situational Analysis (2010), Swaziland: Management Guidelines for Common Obstetric and Gynaecologic Conditions (UNFPA/MOH), Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths: Triennial Report 2008–2010, and Assessment of Competency-Based Midwifery Training,

• Facilitate consultative workshops and meetings with MOH and other significant stakeholders (including UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, and EGPAF) to finalize the EmONC  standards, protocols guidelines and norms.

• Review and update the terms of reference, membership, guidelines, andprocedures of the existing Maternal Death Audit committee and developa similar one for perinatal deaths audit committee.

• Produce a final document for EmNOC protocols, standards and guidelines.

IV.                        QUALIFICATIONS

He/she should meet the following qualifications:

• Medical Doctor with specialty or equivalent advanced academic degree in Gynecology and Obstetrics in an internationally recognized institution.

• Master's Degree in Public health or equivalent would be an added advantage.

• Experience of not less than 5 years in the development of EmONC standards, protocols, guidelines and norms or teaching experience in obstetrics.

• Experience of not less than 5 years in clinical obstetric and neonatal care at public health institutions in developing countries.

• Good analytical and report writing skills in English

V.                        REPORTING

The consultant will work in close collaboration and consultation withthe MOH's Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit and a Working Committee, which will include other Government Ministries and Development Partners. The consultancy will also work closely with the Project Coordinator.

VI.          APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), and references. Application are to be addressed to:  The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 7th Floor Dlan'ubeka  Building; Health, HIV/AIDS and TB Project Offices, Corner of Mdada and Lalufadlana Street; Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Swaziland. Electronic applications should be sent to the Project Coordinator; [email protected] copied to [email protected]  no later than 21st September 2012.