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Qualifications
Area of expertise
National Consultant-Technical assistance for Thailand National Malaria Programme
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Purpose of consultancyย ย
Technical assistance to the Thailand national malaria program implementation of G6PD quantitative testing in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces, Primaquine 7 days in Mae Hong Son and Tafenoquine in Tak for the treatment for P.vivax malaria cases.
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Backgroundย
G6PD quantitative testing using a biosensor is a relatively new technology and will require close field supervision of a technically competent technician to supervise local staff, troubleshoot and interpret results correctly. The administration of Primaquine (PQ) 7 days is a recent WHO recommendation for the treatment of P.vivax and will require screening/testing for G6PD before administration. Simillarly, Tefanoquine (TQ), is a single dosage treatment for P.vivax. Incorrect use/interepretation of G6PD test and/or incorrect administration of PQ or TQ can lead to hemolysis and complications in patients. Hence, an initial close supervision by a competent consultant in the field in the 2 provinces for an estimated period of 11 months is required to ensure all outlined standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed.
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Deliverables
- Deliverable 1: Develop a comprehensive package of tools (clinical algorithms, patient cards and pictorials, reporting forms etc.) for the introduction of PQ7 and TQ for both provider and patient.
- Activity1.1: Consultations and discussions with DVBD focal persons and field staff in the 2 provinces including rapid pilot testing of the tools/forms.
- Expected delivery date 1 month of contract signing (15 August 2024)
- Deliverable 2: Develop a procurement supply management (PSM) plan to ensure adequate resources are in place (G6PD test kits, controls and drugs etc) for the medium/long term.
- Activity 2.1: Consultations and discussions with DVBD focal persons and field staff in the 2 provinces.ย ย ย
- Expected delivery date 15 September 2024
- Deliverable 3: Develop an operational research protocol for the introduction of PQ7 in malaria clinics.
- Activity 3.1: Consultations and discussions with DVBD focal persons, WHO, relevant clinicians and field staff in the 2 provinces.
- Expected delivery date 15 October 2024
- Deliverable 4: Monitor implementation, resolve bottlenecks, and document outcomes of the PQ7 and TQ protocol to inform policy.
- Activity 4.1: Prepare a short monthly progress report for DVBD, PHO, and other stakeholders.
- Activity 4.2: Organize debrief meetings with DVBD focal person/s and relevant stakeholders monthly outlining challenges faced and proposed solutions.
- Expected delivery date โ On monthly basis (11 months)
- Deliverable 5: Develop a strategy and policy brief to inform the scale-up of PQ7 and TQ
- Activity 5.1: Report results and challenges to relevant in-country drug and scientific committees, including external stakeholders such as MMV, IMP and RSC.
- Expected delivery date - ad hoc as needed
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Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
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Educational Qualifications
Essential: University degree preferably in Public Health, Health Sciences, Medicine, Epidemiology or in a similar discipline.
Desirable: Post graduate training in Public Health or Health Science.
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Experience
Essential: At least 5 yearsโ experience with country level malaria programme including progressive experience in malaria patient management (testing, treatment, patient follow up and adverse event monitoring) and laboratory experience with malaria diagnosis (microscopy, RDT and G6PD testing).
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Skills/Knowledge
Essential: N/A
Desirable: N/A
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Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert)
Essential: Expert knowledge of Thai and English (Read-Write-Speak)
Desirable: N/A
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Location
On-site (for insurance purposes) - Home based (travel in between for official purpose) and/or specified duration at Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health Thailand with an estimated 60% of the time in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces over the duration of contract. The travel location will be subjected to changes, accordingly to the epidemiology.
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Travel
The consultant is expected to travel. Estimated 60% of the time in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces over duration of contract. The travel location will be subjected to changes, accordingly to the epidemiology. All travel arrangements will be made by WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.
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Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded)
Remuneration: Band level C - THB 215,723 / month
Living expenses: Not applicable for offsite and onsite for insurance purposed
Expected duration of contract: 11 months
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Additional Information
- This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test may be used as a form of screening.
- If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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