Consultancy: Integration of WASH components in the Regional Cholera Strategy into National Cholera Plans, Nairobi, ESARO

Under the supervision of the WASH in Emergencies Specialist, the consultant will analyse existing cholera plans and define guidance documents for the development of the WASH components of cholera prevention, preparedness and prevention plans.

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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS/ CONSULTANTS 

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS/ CONSULTANTS

Background and Justification

Cholera is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with toxigenic Vibrio cholerae or by direct inter-human exposure, such as contact with hands contaminated with faeces from a cholera patient. This ancient disease is a major public health issue in East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR), where it is now endemic in at least half of the region's countries.

In 2018, the region has seen outbreaks in 12 countries with over 110,000 cases reported, an almost 50 % increase from last year. Moreover, the World Health Organization acknowledges that the cholera burden is underestimated due to limited capacity for disease surveillance in some countries, as well as a disinclination to report in others.

As part of the Global Roadmap for control and elimination of cholera by 2030, the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) is advocating for the development and implementation of evidence-based cholera control plans as one of the pillars of the strategy.

The UNICEF East and Southern African Regional Office has adopted in 2017 a strategic framework for cholera mitigation in the 21 countries of the region, with a special focus on those experiencing recurrent outbreaks. The strategy is focused on preventing, preparing for and responding to cholera better and faster, for reduced likelihood of cholera outbreaks and greater success with response. It is also designed to improve the added value of each partner's contributions and geographic scope, and to engage wider society in a call to end cholera.  The strategy aims to achieve three things: ensure the timely containment and control of all outbreaks, in all contexts, effectively and efficiently; significantly reduce the burden on communities and public health systems; and stop the spread of cholera across borders. This is being achieved through the deployment of 7 major pillars:

• National Plans development
• Capacity building
• Social and behaviour change communication
• Information Management and monitoring
• Regional Coordination and Cross-border Collaboration
• Knowledge Management and operational Research
• Advocacy and harnessing social movements to end cholera

The GTFCC is currently finalizing a framework to assist countries for the implementation of their multi-sectoral cholera control and elimination plans. As defined by the GTFCC, National Cholera Control and elimination Plan (NCCP) should be sufficiently comprehensive, covering all aspects of prevention, control and response. As reaffirmed during the fifth annual meeting of the GTFCC in 2018, the development of NCCP had to be country-led and context-specific, encouraging tailored made approach for countries in crisis particularly. In addition, NCCP should be built on the already existing initiatives and the process shall not impede what was already developed.

Based on the work supported by the GTFCC at global level and in line with the UNICEF East and Southern African Regional (ESAR) strategic framework, this consultancy aims at providing to WASH sections of UNICEF Country Offices in ESAR the adequate tools to facilitate their support to the development of National Cholera Plans and to the reinforcement of the national WASH sectors capacities.

Scope of Work 

1. Goal and Objective:  Under the supervision of the WASH in Emergencies Specialist, the consultant will analyse existing cholera plans and define guidance documents for the development of the WASH components of cholera prevention, preparedness and prevention plans. 

2. Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered: This consultancy pertains to 240R/A0/10/801/004/011 which consists of ‘Health Emergencies: Provide technical assistance, capacity development, oversight and quality assurance to COs for health emergencies, including the implementation of the regional cholera framework’. 

   3. Activities and Tasks:    

• Develop an individual and a comparative analysis of existing National Cholera Preparedness, Response and Prevention plans for the Eastern and Southern Africa Region countries and additional documentation such as Cholera Country Factsheets;
• Define a detailed guidance for the development of the WASH prevention and of the WASH preparedness and response parts of National Plans, taking into account the multi-sectoral aspects of such plans ;
• Propose a general framework for the development of the WASH activities in such national plans. This framework should be aligned with GTFCC recommendations, must detail the process recommended for the development of the WASH aspects of National Cholera plans in ESAR and be supported by dedicated material to support the development of such plans ;
• Develop a strategy to ensure capacity building of the WASH sector at national level during and after the development of multisectoral National Cholera Preparedness, Response and Prevention plans. 

1. Work relationships:  Within UNICEF, the consultant will work closely with the regional office health and C4D sections as well as with cholera focal points in country offices. The consultant will also engage with UNICEF QH and WCAR Regional Office as well as with relevant external partners such as GTFCC, WHO, the Global WASH and Global Health Clusters, IFRC, CDC and National Ministries of Health. 

   A technical working group will be set up to support this consultancy. This group will be composed of cholera experts from UNICEF HQ, UNICEF Regional Office, GTFCC and relevant Global Cluster members. This group will help for the collection of existing Cholera Plans and documentation, will provide support for the consultation process and review the first drafts of the deliverables.   

2. Outputs/Deliverables:  

Payment Schedule

Payments will be made in two (2) instalments upon completion of deliverables as shown in the table above.  

Desired competencies, technical background and experience  

1. Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, environmental engineering or any other relevant field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
2. Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in humanitarian aid/development including several years in developing countries.
3. Preferred knowledge on the multi-sectorial strategies on cholera in terms of preparedness, response, prevention and risk reduction
4. Preferred experience in Cholera response
5. Fluency in English (verbal and written).

Conditions  

The consultant is expected to use his/her own equipment. 

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are requested to submit their expression of interest through the UNICEF Talent Management System. Applicants must submit a financial proposal including professional fee, travel and living expenses.

Applications submitted without a fee/rate will not be considered.