International Consultant on Rapid Assessment of 227
Perinatal Centres in Uzbekistan
Organization: UNICEF
Job no: 565281
Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Tashkent
Level: Consultancy
Location: Uzbekistan
Categories: Health
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to
reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend
their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every
child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, protect!
Purpose of Activity/Assignment:
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA,
and WHO, is embarking on an important endeavour to enhance the quality of care
for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH)
services in 227 perinatal centres across the country. This comprehensive
initiative aims to address critical gaps in maternal and perinatal care, with a
particular focus on improving equipment availability, and the competency of
healthcare professionals.
Recognizing the significance of this initiative, UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO are
extending their support to the Ministry of Health in implementing a
comprehensive programme on Maternal and Perinatal Care. A substantial portion
of the program's funding, 75 per cent, has been allocated to the procurement of
essential equipment required for safe and effective RMNCAH services in
perinatal centres.
The rapid assessment of 227 perinatal centres, as outlined in these Terms of
Reference, is an essential component of the program's implementation strategy.
The assessment will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state
of these facilities, including the availability and functionality of maternal
and perinatal equipment, the competency of personnel in utilizing the equipment,
and the adequacy of infrastructure to accommodate the required medical
equipment.
By conducting this rapid assessment, the Participating UN Agencies (PUNOs) aim
to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the perinatal centres,
and subsequently develop actionable recommendations to improve their readiness
to accept and effectively utilise the necessary equipment. These
recommendations will play a pivotal role in guiding the procurement process and
ensuring that the investments made in the program are aligned with the specific
needs and capacities of each perinatal centre.
UNICEF seeks an international consultant with relevant educational background
and professional experience to conduct a rapid assessment, document the
findings and produce a report based on the results of the assessment that will
help get the facility ready for the equipment to be provided by UNICEF and
UNFPA.
Scope of Work:
The consultant shall report to the Technical Working Group,
under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and will carry out a rapid
assessment of 227 perinatal centres to evaluate the availability and need for
maternal and perinatal equipment, assess the presence of trained personnel
capable of effectively operating the equipment, and determine if any
infrastructure renovations or upgrades are required to accept the medical
equipment. The assessment aims to identify gaps and provide recommendations to
enhance the facilities' readiness to accept the equipment.
The consultant will be responsible for the coordination of
three data collection teams, data synthesis and analysis, report writing and
producing recommendations as part of the rapid assessment. In particular, the
consultant will:
1. Coordination of Data Collection Teams:
1.1. Coordinate, train, and lead three data collection teams, ensuring
effective collaboration and adherence to the assessment's objectives and
methodology. The teams are composed of 1 OBGYN, 1 neonatologist, and 1
engineer.
1.2. Develop data collection tools
1.3. Oversee the teams' activities, including scheduling, logistics, and data
collection procedures.
1.4. Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring data collection is
conducted accurately and efficiently.
2. Data Synthesis and Analysis:
2.1. Compile and synthesize data collected through surveys, key informant
interviews, and on-site inspections.
2.2. Perform data analysis using appropriate statistical and qualitative
analysis methods.
2.3. Identify common themes, trends, and gaps across the 227 perinatal centres.
3. Report Writing:
3.1. Prepare a comprehensive report that presents the assessment findings in a
clear, concise, and structured manner.
3.2. Ensure the report includes an overview of equipment availability,
personnel capacity, infrastructure status, identified gaps, and any other
relevant findings.
3.3. Collaborate with stakeholders to validate the report's content and
incorporate their inputs, as necessary.
4. Recommendation Development:
4.1. Based on the assessment findings, develop actionable recommendations to
address identified gaps and enhance facility readiness for each facility, as
required.
4.2. Ensure recommendations are practical, context-specific, and aligned with
the program's objectives.
4.3. Prioritize recommendations to assist stakeholders in implementing changes
effectively.
Duration of assignment: 15 September – 30 November 2023.
Work Assignments Overview - Deliverables - Timeline
(Days)
1. Conduct a desk review (concept note, relevant documents,
and guidelines) related to maternal and perinatal care - Inception Report,
including workplan - 3 days.
2. In coordination with the team of local experts develop a
standardized survey and assessment tool to gather information on the
availability of maternal and perinatal equipment at each center - Data
Collection Tools Developed and Endorsed - 3 days.
3. Train three data collection teams (1 neonatologist, 1
OBGYN, 1 engineer, 1 lab technician per team) - Training material and at
least two training specialists are trained - 4 days.
4. Coordinate trained assessors (engineers) during on-site
inspections to assess the infrastructure and identify any upgrades or
renovations required to accommodate the equipment - Detailed report on
upgrades and renovations required to accommodate the equipment - 50 days
5. Analyze the collected data to identify common themes,
trends, and gaps across the 227 perinatal centers - Compiled report
reflecting the results of data analysis - 20 days.
6. Prepare a comprehensive report that provides an overview
of the assessment findings, including equipment availability, personnel
capacity, infrastructure status, and identified gaps - Comprehensive
report detailing the assessment findings, including equipment availability,
personnel capacity, infrastructure status, and identified gaps - 6 days.
7. Develop actionable recommendations to address gaps,
improve infrastructure, and enhance the facility's readiness to accept and
effectively utilize maternal and perinatal equipment. If major renovations
or upgrades are required, develop in coordination with assigned engineer(s) a
plan to support the facility in implementing the recommended changes
effectively - Prioritized recommendations for addressing gaps, improving
infrastructure, and enhancing facility readiness. Plan for implementing
recommended changes, upgrades and renovations - 3 days.
8. Present the findings and recommendations to key
stakeholders, including perinatal center administrators, healthcare
professionals, government representatives, and development partners
- Presentation materials for sharing the assessment findings and
recommendations with stakeholders - 2 days.
9. Perform other duties as assigned
Total: 91 days.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- A
master's degree in public health, healthcare management, or a related
field is required.
Additional specialization or experience in maternal and perinatal health is highly desirable. - At
least five years of professional experience in conducting health system
assessments, preferably with a focus on maternal and perinatal care.
- Proven
experience in coordinating data collection teams and managing large-scale
assessments.
- Familiarity
with quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and
report writing.
- Experience
in developing actionable recommendations for healthcare improvement
projects.
- Experience
of working with UN agencies is an asset.
- Strong
knowledge of maternal and perinatal health, including essential equipment,
personnel requirements, and infrastructure considerations.
- Proficiency
in data analysis using statistical software and qualitative analysis
techniques.
- Excellent
report writing skills, with the ability to present complex information in
a clear and concise manner.
- Familiarity
with health facility infrastructure assessments and equipment procurement
processes.
- Excellent
coordination and leadership abilities to effectively manage data
collection teams.
- Strong
communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and facilitate
collaboration.
- Ability
to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Cultural
sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.
- Fluency
in written and spoken English is required.
- Proficiency
in local languages spoken in the country is highly desirable.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust,
Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged
children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those
children. The
UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their
race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion,
nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual
contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible
software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage
you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need
reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your
assignment.
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 be expected to adhere to these
standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and
background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic
credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to
provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to
the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual
contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and
Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not
be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and
medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by
their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of
Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors
are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of
any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable
laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that
the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of
the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected
candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against
SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine,
which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to
consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF
premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities
UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the
duration of their consultancy contracts.
Advertised: 24 Aug 2023 West Asia Standard
Time
Deadline: 07 Sep 2023 West Asia Standard Time
