National Consultant – National TB Program

Area of Expertise

National Consultant – National TB Program

Purpose of consultancy

WHO intends to hire a national consultant to support the implementation of 100 Tuberculosis (TB) free island initiative, including supporting the pilot program planned to be conducted in Faafu Atoll during 2024.

Background

The Maldives has a national goal of reducing TB incidence rate by 50% and TB deaths by 75% by 2027 (with reference to baseline figures at 2015). This ambitious plan aims to make the Maldives TB-free by 2030, aligning with the WHO’s End TB Strategy. To achieve this goal, a National Strategic Plan to End TB in Maldives has been launched.

As a key step towards national TB elimination, the End TB Strategy and screening program is planned to be piloted in Faafu Atoll during 2024. This pilot will serve as a crucial learning experience to inform the successful implementation of the strategy across 100 inhabited islands in the Maldives.

The role of the consultant will be to support the national TB program at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in coordinating and executing this pilot program in Faafu Atoll. The successful implementation of this pilot will lay the groundwork for scaling up the End TB strategy to further islands. The consultant will be based in Male’ (at Health Protection Agency) with visits to the field as needed.

Terms of Reference

• Development of End TB Faafu Pilot Site Implementation Plans:
  • In collaboration with the HPA program and Faafu Atoll Hospital, develop a comprehensive implementation plan for the End TB Faafu pilot program. This plan should include:

1. 1. Detailed Activity Schedule: Outline of planned activities for the pilot program, including timelines with start and end dates for each activity.
   2. Identification of resources required for each activity, such as personnel (including roles and qualifications), equipment, and supplies.
   3. Development of a detailed training schedule for field teams and relevant stakeholders involved in the pilot program.
   4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Conduct M&E to track progress, measure program effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.

• Management of Field Data and Coordination of Field Teams and Activities:
  • Ensuring effective data collection, management, and analysis related to the pilot program. This will be done through the dedicated digital platform that has been developed for this purpose (DHIS2 TB Screening Module). This includes:

1. 1. Analyzing data collected during the pilot program and generate reports summarizing key findings. These reports should be submitted to the HPA program and other relevant stakeholders.
   2. Providing effective leadership and coordination to field teams involved in various aspects of the pilot program (e.g., screening teams, data collectors, outreach workers).

• Provision of Technical Guidance to Field Teams:
  • Offer ongoing technical support and guidance to field teams on various aspects of the pilot program. This includes:

1. 1. Delivering training sessions for field teams on topics related to the screening, data collection procedures and effective communication with communities.

• Coordination of Advocacy Events/Activities:
  • Support in development and implementation of a strategic communication plan for the pilot program to raise awareness among communities in Faafu Atoll. This includes:

1. 1. Planning and coordination of advocacy events, workshops, and information sessions targeted towards community members, healthcare workers, and local authorities.
   2. Development of information communication materials on TB prevention, screening procedures etc. for dissemination.

• Resource Forecasting and Management:

1. 1. Develop a comprehensive resource management plan for the pilot program: Monitor and manage the pilot program budget effectively, ensuring expenditures align with planned activities.
   2. Coordinate the procurement of necessary supplies for effective implementation of the program.

• Reporting:

1. 1. Submit monthly progress reports to the HPA program coordinator and WHO, outlining achievements, challenges encountered, and any proposed modifications to the implementation plan.
   2. Prepare a comprehensive final report upon completion of the pilot program, summarizing key findings, program impact, and recommendations for scaling-up the End TB strategy across Maldives.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive implementation plan developed for the End TB Faafu pilot site, outlining activities, timelines, responsibilities, resource allocation, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) procedures.
• Resource management plan for the End TB Faafu pilot site, including projections for field personnel, equipment, supplies, and funding requirements throughout the program duration.
• Timely and effective coordination of training and screening activities, as well as field teams, ensuring smooth implementation of planned activities according to the schedule.
• Effective collection and management of field data via the dedicated digital platform (DHIS2 TB Screening Module).

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Bachelor’s degree in a health or social sciences related field

Desirable: Master’s degree in a health, social sciences, or project management related field

Experience

Essential: At least 1-2 years of previous experience working on social or health-related projects, experience in data management/analysis.

Desirable: Work experience in leading/managing social or health-related projects and in program coordination. Prior experience working with UN agencies.

Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to coordinate projects and programs and work with multiple partners
• Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time
• Ability to carry out the tasks independently with self-confidence
• Ability to present to a high-level audience
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills
• Computer literate (working with MS Office package, Outlook, Teams etc.)
• Good verbal and written communication skills in both Dhivehi and English

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Advanced):

Essential: Expert knowledge of Dhivehi and English

Location

Health Protection Agency, Hulhumale’

Travel

Travel to Faafu atoll pilot site may be required as needed during implementation (expenses for such travel will be covered).

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

• Remuneration: MVR 18,000 per month (depending on qualification)
• Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited): n/a
• Expected duration of contract: 6 months (15^th July 2024 –15^th January 2025)