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IHR-PVS Roadmap and One Health coordination

Freetown

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Freetown
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • AF_SLE Sierra Leone
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

TITLE

IHR-PVS Roadmap and One Health coordination

Contract Type

Special Service Agreement (SSA)

GRADE

NOC Step-1

CONTRACT DURATION

12 months
PURPOSE OF THE POST

To evaluate and catalyse the implementation of the National Bridging Workshops roadmap and identify challenges in the operationalization of the collaboration at the human-animal interface for complying with the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005)

Background

The health of humans and animals is vitally interlinked. A majority of emerging and endemic human diseases have their origins in animals, be they transmitted directly, through food or via the environment. Animal-specific diseases can also have indirect implications for human health through food security and other impacts on livelihood. There is therefore a shared responsibility and synergic potential for collaboration between public and animal health sectors to deal with zoonotic diseases and other threats at the animal-human interface.

WHO Member States adopted the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), for the prevention and control of events that may constitute a public health emergency of international concern. The IHR Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) has been developed to assist countries in strengthening minimum national core public health capacities to detect, assess, notify and respond to such threats under the IHR.

The OIE is the international organization responsible for developing standards, guidelines and recommendations for animal health and zoonosis. OIE’s Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Pathway is a range of tools to assist countries in the evaluation and strengthening of the capacities of their veterinary services.

The joint use of WHO IHRMEF tools and OIE PVS Pathway can result in better alignment of capacity building approach and strategies between human and animal health services of a country. For this purpose, the IHR-PVS National Bridging Workshops (NBW) were developed. A NBW is a three-day event which enables the animal health and the human health sector in countries to explore overlapping areas and develop, where relevant, appropriate bridges to facilitate coordination. A structured approach using user-friendly material, case studies and group exercises enables the identification of synergies, review of gaps and the definition of operational strategies to be used by policy makers for concerted corrective measures and strategic investments in national action plans for improved health security.

The key output of these NBW is the NBW Roadmap, a joint action plan that the animal health and human health sectors have developed jointly to improve their collaboration.

As part of the NBW Follow-up strategy, a nationally-recruited NBW Sherpa will be positioned at the interface between the two sectors to advocate, catalyse, and provide technical and financial assistance to the country for the implementation of the NBW Roadmap activities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The work of the SSA will be to:

Active liaising between the human health and animal health sectors following the IHR-PVS National bridging workshop (NBW).
Advocate and push for the implementation of activities jointly defined during the NBW and listed in the NBW Roadmap.
Provide technical assistance for the implementation of roadmap activities and NBW surveys.
Organize meetings at national level to monitor the implementation of One health roadmap.
Identify challenges in the operationalization of the collaboration at country level, propose solutions and possible tripartite support opportunities.
Identify low-cost high-impact NBW roadmap activities which could be funded by the tripartite;
Participate in the animation of the NBW network via online forums.
Attend the yearly NBW network consultative meeting.
Serve as technical focal point and advocate for other tripartite activities (Joint risk assessment tool, Multisectoral Coordination Mechanisms tool, etc);
Any other duty as required.
Deliverable:

A compilation of the results from the NBW Follow-up questionnaire (I attach the latest version for your information) which aims to assess, with key stakeholders from the relevant ministries, the status of implementation of the NBW roadmap activities, the bottlenecks encountered and the opportunities for potential support from the Tripartite.
A short presentation (5-10 slides) for the NBW Follow-up tripartite consultations that will occur every 6-months.
Three short quarterly technical reports 3 months, 6 months and 9 months after initiation to update on activities and challenges encountered (This report can be in bullet points, it will help to update partner organizations and the donor).
A final technical report at the end of the consultancy, summarizing all activities conducted, giving an overview of the status of implementation of the NBW roadmap activities and providing recommendations on the way forward.
Technical supervision

Under the overall supervision of the head of WHO Country Office in Sierra Leone and the direct supervision of the WHO HSE Cluster Lead, the Consultant will work in close collaboration with the HSE cluster, the One Health Secretariat, the Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies of the MOHS, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant stakeholders involved in strengthening implementation of One Health in the country.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: University degree in medical or veterinary studies

Desirable:Master’s degree in Public Health or Epidemiology

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Experience:

Essential:

At least 5 years’ experience in zoonotic diseases prevention, surveillance and control.
Experience with public health or animal health systems in host country.
Very good understanding of the One Health approach and its implementation through multi-sectoral coordination in countries.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Powerpoint, Word and Excel
Good command of the English and excellent report writing skills
Desirable:

• Previous experience of working with one health stakeholders

• Experience in implementation, monitoring and evaluation of plans and roadmaps

Functional Skills

Essential:

Excellent communication & interpersonal skills & sensitivity to political and cultural issues

Proven ability to work in multi-sectoral teams

Proven ability to meet deadlines

Competencies:

1. Communicating in a credible and effective way

2. Fostering integration and teamwork

3. Producing Results

4. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

5. Knowing and managing yourself.

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English language.

Other Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

REMUNERATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Remuneration

NOC Level (SLL26,412,250 monthly rate)

Place of Assignment

Freetown, Sierra Leone

This vacancy is now closed.
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