National Consultant_ to strengthen quality and coverage of IMAM in priority states/regions under MS-NPAN (2018-2022) (Open to Myanmar Nationals Only)

Consultancy vacancy in UNICEF Myanmar, Health and Nutrition section. Relevant and qualified Myanmar National applicants can apply.

National Consultant to strengthen quality and coverage of IMAM in priority states/regions under MS-NPAN (2018-2022)

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Background

Since 2017, Government has been rolling-out the national Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) according to national protocol, with technical and financial support from UNICEF and other partners, including 3MDG/A2H partners. Currently, IMAM is being implemented in Rakhine, Chin, Magway and Kayin however programme monitoring visits show quality is variable, inconsistent and there is lack of IMAM monitoring data collected by and reported at health facility and state/regional level.

Under the new MS-NPAN, IMAM which is one priority intervention under MOHS, will continue to be scaled-up and strengthened, particularly in new states/regions, including Shan, Ayerwaddy, Kayah, Kachin and Yangon. Given limited manpower and HR resources dedicated to IMAM scale-up in MOHS, the Government has requested UNICEF to provide support from a national consultant who can support strengthening the quality and coverage of IMAM over the coming year. While many IMAM trainings with health managers and BHS have already taken place in many states/regions, including Magway, Kayin, Rakhine and Chin, coverage and quality of service remains an issue, due to lack of supportive supervision and monitoring at state/region and township levels, as well as high and competing workload of BHS. In order to overcome these bottlenecks, routine supportive supervision and monitoring tools and processes need to be established and mainstreamed into routine sub-national MOHS processes and integrating IMAM module into medical pre-service curriculums, and adapting IMAM guidelines and tools to the level of Community Health Volunteers, in order to task shift key some activities to decrease the workload burden on BHS, while improving continuum of care. A consultant is also needed to provide initial mentoring and orientation support to relevant S/R and township health authorities on IMAM, particularly on their roles and responsibilities related to planning, supportive supervision, monitoring and reporting.

Objectives of the Consultancy

General objective:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support Government to improve the quality and coverage of IMAM in a sustainable manner.

Specific objectives:

• Increase capacity of medical personnel on IMAM
• Strengthen processes for quality assurance, including regular supportive supervision and monitoring
• Develop adapted IMAM tools, guidelines, materials for community level
• Facilitate IMAM trainings in new states/regions

Assignment Tasks and Expected Deliverables

Tasks 1

Strengthen processes for quality assurance, including regular supportive supervision and monitoring

Deliverables 1

Updated tools and plans for improved supportive supervision and monitoring of IMAM, including checklists, township and state/region team calendar plans, etc. completed

Deliverable – NNC approved tools and plans – English and translated versions

Stock taking exercise including one review meeting with S/R where IMAM has rolled-out is conducted.

Deliverable - Final report on preparedness for each of the Health System Building Blocks (HSBB) to integrate IMAM, including SWOT analysis, recommendations and plans of action.

One orientation workshop conducted on IMAM for Myanmar Paediatric association

Deliverable – orientation workshop report

Three supportive supervision and monitoring visits are conducted on IMAM in Rakhine, Chin, Kayin with TMO and NNC S/R team (including in-patient hospitals and out-patient facilities RHCs)

Deliverable – consolidated supportive supervision report and quality improvement plan for S/R visited

Three supportive supervision and monitoring visits are conducted on IMAM in Yangon, Shan and Ayerwaddy with TMO and NNC S/R team (including in-patient hospitals and out-patient facilities RHCs)

Deliverable – consolidated supportive supervision report and quality improvement plan for S/R visited

Tasks 2

Increase capacity of medical personnel on IMAM through pre-service support

Deliverables 2

• Undergraduate curriculum on IMAM for Medical Universities is updated and strengthened
• Post graduate curriculum on IMAM for Medical Universities is updated and strengthened
• IMAM curriculum for Midwifery school developed
• IMAM curriculum for University of Community Health developed

Deliverable – curriculum and training materials in English and Myanmar

Tasks 3:

Develop adapted IMAM tools, guidelines, materials for community level

Deliverables 3:

• Simplified and Task Adapted IMAM tools, guidelines, checklists and IEC materials are developed for CHWs
• Guidelines and tools to strengthen integration of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and IYCF practices into IMAM are developed (e.g adapting from relevant global guidelines including Care for Childhood Development, psychosocial support, etc)

Deliverable – Integrated ECD/IYCF/CCD package as an addendum to IMAM guideline and tools in English and Myanmar

Tasks 4:

Facilitate IMAM trainings in new states/regions

Deliverables 4:

• IMAM training carried out in selected townships in Yangon city for approx. 100 health personnel and BHS
• Refresher training provided to 20 Hospital Nutrition Units (HNUs)

Deliverables – (1) Yangon training report including readiness of facilities and township roll out/scale up plan and (2) refresher training and orientation report

• S/R IMAM training carried out in Ayerwaddy for 35 health personnel
• Township level IMAM trainings carried out in two townships in Ayerwaddy for approx. 100 BHS

Deliverables – Training reports for Ayerwaddy including readiness of facilities and township roll out/scale up plan

Qualification and specialized knowledge/experience required for the assignment:

• A Bachelor’s agree in public health, nutrition, medicine, pediatrics or other related field. An advanced in any of these fields is an asset.
• At least 8 years of experience in policy development, programme management in nutrition
• Strong technical knowledge and experience in management of acute malnutrition
• Excellent knowledge of Myanmar health system
• Previous experience in task-based training of health professionals is mandatory
• Experience as paediatrician or professor in paediatrics an asset
• Experience in nutrition in emergencies and humanitarian settings is an asset
• Knowledge of health system strengthening approach is an assets
• Able to work with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills;
• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of Myanmar public health and direct medical services context is essential

 Interested candidates are requested to submit the application with updated CV and completed EOI form to be submitted under the financial proposal section

 (1) Expression of Interest_ IMAM in priority states and regions, Nutrition.doc

 (1) ToR- IMAM in priority states and regions , Nutrition.docx

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Remarks:

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