Consultant - Antimicrobial Resistance

Background

Member States in the Western Pacific Region recognize the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the health and security of their populations and its impact on the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Over the years, countries have developed their national action plans to guide multi-sectoral actions to combat AMR.

The 2014 Action Agenda for Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) provided guidance for priority actions, including strengthening development and implementation of national plans and raising awareness in multiple sectors, improving surveillance of AMR and monitoring of antimicrobial use, and strengthening health system capacity to contain AMR. To further advance the implementation of the 2014 Action Agenda and new vision for the Region, WPR Member States endorsed in 2019 the Framework for Accelerating Action to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Pacific Region, guiding countries on implementing sustained and forward-looking solutions, drawing on participation from all sectors of society.

To support the implementation of the Framework, WPRO is enhancing regional mechanisms to support the fight against AMR. WHO will strengthen working with partners, scientific bodies and experts to generate evidence; develop norms, standards and guidelines; and strengthen technical support for countries. Pacific Island countries are among WPRO’s priority countries where we aim to coordinate at strategic and technical level further support for the implementation of the Framework for Accelerating Action to fight AMR, including endorsement and implementation of AMR National Action Plan and setting a system for antimicrobial consumption monitoring.

The Global Action Plan was endorsed at the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May, 2015, which has requested Member States to develop National Action Plan on AMR within two years of endorsement, by 2017. Furthermore, WPRO has set-up Western Pacific Regional Antimicrobial Consumption Surveillance System (WPRACSS) to conduct AMC/AMU monitoring across the Western Pacific Region with the aim of increasing multi-stakeholder accountability and strengthening stewardship of antimicrobials and improving health outcomes.

Purpose/Specific Objective of the Activity

• To support to facilitate the finalization and endorsement of National Action Plan on AMR for Samoa.
• To support the developing of the national system for antimicrobial consumption monitoring as part of the Western Pacific Regional Antimicrobial Consumption Surveillance System (WPRACSS) in Samoa.
• To provide technical support to Samoa in advancing the Framework for Accelerating Action to fight AMR.
• To assist in implementing the first stages of the National Action Plan once endorsed.
  

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the supervision of WHO Samoa CO and DHS/EMT/WPRO, the consultant will support Samoa MOH mainly Clinical, Laboratory and Pathology Services, deliver the following outputs:

1. Develop the final and endorsed Samoa National Action Plan on AMR before January 2022

2. Support the AMR Committee in developing the systems to monitor antimicrobial consumption with the aim of strengthening stewardship and improve clinical management of AMR infections. This entails following;

• Develop and strengthen systems to monitor the consumption of antimicrobials at national and hospital levels.

• Collect, analyse and report national and hospital level antimicrobial consumption data using WPRACSS.

• Roll-out of WPRACSS in Samoa

3. To provide technical support to Samoa in advancing the Framework for Accelerating Action to fight AMR.

• Activities to accelerate AMR advocacy and awareness movement.

• Support strengthening surveillance system and stewardship, infection prevention and control

4. To assist in implementing the first stages of the National Action Plan once endorsed.

• Support implementation of National Action Plan

5. To perform any other AMR related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: Bachelor’s degree in medicine, pharmacy, clinical microbiology or similar academic qualifications.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: At least 5 (five) years of clinical or pharmaceutical practice and/or relevant experience in public health.
Desirable: Previous experience with antimicrobial resistance. Experience working in government and the UN systems

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance;
• Experience working in/with low- and middle-income countries;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent organizational and scheduling skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders across different sectors
• Excellent analytical and presentation skills
• Self-discipline with the ability to work with autonomy and as part of a team
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point etc)

LANGUAGES

• Fully fluent written and spoken English is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Producing results
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Knowing and managing yourself

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The contractor will work in close collaboration with WHO Samoa Country Office, Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) and the Essential Medicines and Health Technologies (EMT) unit in the Division of Health Systems and Services (DHS) in WPRO.
The contractor will be based in WHO Samoa Country Office and/or the Ministry of Health in Samoa.