International Individual consultant on quality improvement of perinatal health care.

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to Ministry of Health of Republic of Uzbekistan and Department of Health in Republic of Karakalpakstan to introduce and support the implementation of quality improvement (QI) initiatives, with a focus on organizing training workshops, providing on-site monitoring and mentoring on implementation of QI projects.

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Background

Although important gains have been made over the past two decades in child survival in Uzbekistan, progress in newborn mortality (deaths in the first month of life) has lagged substantially. As a result, neonatal deaths now account for more than half of child deaths in Uzbekistan. The leading causes of newborn mortality include complications of preterm birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal infections. A high proportion of these conditions are preventable and treatable with basic, affordable, and practical solutions, particularly during childbirth and the first days after birth.

The facility-based birth in Uzbekistan reaches almost universal. However, evidence shows that giving birth in a health facility with a skilled attendant is not sufficient to reduce maternal and newborn deaths and severe morbidity. Many women and their babies die as a result of poor care, even after reaching a health facility. UNICEF Uzbekistan's research also showed that poor quality of perinatal health is one of the main bottlenecks for health system. Every Newborn Action Plan envisions a world in which "every pregnant woman and newborn receives quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period". This vision is supported by complementary global action agenda: Strategies towards Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM). Improving the quality of care and patient safety is therefore critical to ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and stillbirth.

Improving quality of care during labour and childbirth and right after the postnatal period is a key aspect of the technical support that UNICEF provides to government. Now, quality improvement (QI) approach has not introduced in Uzbekistan. Therefore, an international consultant is required to support to introduce and implement QI project.

Objectives 

The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to Ministry of Health of Republic of Uzbekistan and Department of Health in Republic of Karakalpakstan to introduce and support the implementation of quality improvement (QI) initiatives, with a focus on organizing training workshops, providing on-site monitoring and mentoring on implementation of QI projects.

Timeline & Deliverables

The selected consultant will be hired for 36 working days.

• University degree in health/ public Health, maternal, newborn, child health or other relevant fields with training in quality improvement. 
• At least 5 years of progressive professional experiences in the field of improving quality of care including capacity building of health care providers on improving quality of care, coaching and mentoring
• Familiar with Manuals on Point of Care Quality Improvement 
• Experience in documentation of quality improvement approach
• Good command of English (Examination of a previous authentic written work in English)
• Proven experience of working in CIS countries will be an asset
• Knowledge of Russian will be an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Procedures and Working Conditions

The assignment will be performed partly as home-based and partly in Uzbekistan. Four in-country visits are expected. Travel expenses will be paid according to UNICEF rules and regulations. The consultancy is responsible for obtaining entry visa to Uzbekistan, however, UNICEF, within its means, shall facilitate the process. UNICEF will extend administrative/logistical support to facilitate meetings with national partners. The applicants shall be required to submit a statement of good health prior of commencement of work and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement. Consultants are not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance available to UN staff members.

Reservations

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if deliverable(s) incomplete, not finalized or for failure to meet deadlines. UNICEF will reserve copyright of all developed materials and own primary data collected through this assignment. The materials cannot be published or disseminated without prior written permission of UNICEF. UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future. The contractor must respect the confidentiality of the information handled during the assignment. Documents and information provided must be used only for the tasks related to these terms of reference.

UNICEF undertakes no liability for taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant on payments made under this contract.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.