International Expert in Infection Control in Tuberculosis facilities

On 6 August 2010 the Country Coordination Mechanism of the Kyrgyz Republic took a decision to transfer the role of the Principal Recipient of all Global Fund's grants in Kyrgyzstan to UNDP. The decision was the result of a number of factors, but mainly due to the unstable political situation in the country stemming from April and June 2010 events and the weak capacity of the national institutions to ensure adequate services delivery. The grant “Consolidation and Expansion of the DOTS Programme in Kyrgyzstan by Providing Access to Diagnostics and Treatment of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis” (January 2011 – December 2013) is mainly aimed at strengthening and improving measures undertaken by the government and civil society against drug resistant tuberculosis in compliance with the Stop TB WHO Strategy and Global Plan. It actually completes and supplements on-going Phase II of Grant “Enhancing DOTS implementation by strengthening strategic planning and management of the National TB Programme (NTP) under the Manas Taalimi National Health Care Reform Programme and by its further integration into health care services, scaling-up DOTS-Plus implementation beyond the pilot phase, and reducing the burden of TB, TB/HIV and MDRRR-TTTB in the penitentiary system” (July 2009 – June 2012) financed by the Global Fund under Round 6 Grant Nr KGZ-607-G04-T. Therefore, this Programme represents a consolidation of TB Round 6 and Round 9 approved funds through Single Stream of Funding (SSF) in line with new GF grants funding architecture. The overall Goal of the Programme is to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in Kyrgyzstan by the consolidation of the DOTS framework and its expansion by scaling up the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis. While further strengthening essential DOTS interventions remains the key requirement for preventing resistance, it has become clear that, in conditions of extremely high DR-TB burden, timely diagnosis and proper treatment of DR-TB cases are necessary for the overall success in combating the epidemic and achieving TB control targets and disease-related Millennium Development Goals. Two main Objectives have been identified for the SSF grant with the emphasis to be put to the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis: To consolidate DOTS framework through strengthening programme management, improving TB case detection and diagnosis and quality treatment of TB cases; To expand access to diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The Programme has a country-wide scope and covers the needs of both civilian and penitentiary sectors. It aims at ensuring universal coverage with diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB: all TB patients will have access to drug susceptibility testing and all patients diagnosed with DR-TB will have access to second line treatment. It is expected that on a longer run, the project will contribute to improving the key TB outcome indicators (case detection rate and treatment success rate) and decreasing the prevalence of MDR-TB. The accomplishment of the Programme objectives will be ensured through strengthening human and infrastructural capacities, establishment of routine drug resistance surveillance throughout the country, upgrading the laboratory services and provision of up-to-date treatment of TB and DR-TB cases with appropriate patient support to ensure adherence. All persons diagnosed with TB will have access to drug susceptibility testing (DST). The target group is all tuberculosis patients from the country. Specific groups to be reached by the project are DR-TB patients who will receive Category IV treatment with the project support. It is expected that the provision of needed services to this group will contribute to reducing the pool and transmission of drug-resistant TB infection, thus bringing a benefit for the entire population. UNDP is primarily focusing on building capacities of the national institutions through intensive advisory support. As part of its capacity building efforts UNDP is seeking for an expertise of an international Expert on Infection Control.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main aim of this assignment is to help the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic to establish, develop and co-ordinate a standardized, effective system of infection control precautions. The Expert will closely work with the Government Working Group and assist them in the development of the infection control management plan for national TB services. This plan will cover 11 TB laboratories using the culture method and 6 TB hospitals that serve MDR TB patients. More specifically the Expert will fulfill following tasks: Analyze data, evaluate current trends and incidence of TB infections, including review of existing infection control policies/procedures/guidelines and develop practical recommendations; Actively participate in the meetings of the Working Group and conduct series of trainings on improvement of existing system of infection control based on the best international practices and standards Assist the Working Group in the development of the infection control management plan for national TB services and provide recommendations on the implementation; Assist in the development of the system for monitoring, reporting, evaluating and recording the infections amongst patients and hospital personnel. Provide an advice on infection control matters and ensure coordinated actions with engagement of all key stakeholders. General requirements: Recommendations should be developed on the basis of existing legislation, as well as taking into account the suggestions and recommendations received during the implementation of this TOR; Progress reports should compile a recommendation to implement infection control plans in tuberculosis institutions of KR; Recommendations for the implementation of plans of infection control in TB facilities must take into account all the provisions and components of the National TB programme; Recommendations should take into account the materials developed by other projects implemented in KR Content of reports developed under this specification shall be stated in the form accessible to users. The first stage (preliminary period from November 17 to November 25, 2011): Provide expert assessment of compliance of existing infection control practices to international standards of 17 tuberculosis facilities (MDR TB wards and laboratories) at various levels (national - regional, hospital - outpatient), health statistics, as well as meetings with staff and managers of various levels. An important element of the infection control are outpatient services (early detection and prompt isolation of smear) and pulmonological service (effective separation of differential diagnosis of patients with suspected tuberculosis), and therefore assessment of the situation; Study of compliance and gaps in regulatory framework governing the sanitary-epidemic and sanitary treatment facilities with international standards of TB infection control of tuberculosis in the basic measures (administrative, engineering, personal protection); Preparation of the first interim report on the results of the study and evaluation for infection control in TB facilities in KR. The second stage (preliminary period from November 28 to December 2, 2011): Conduct a meeting and a peer review on the situation of infection control in TB facilities of Kyrgyz Republic; Carry out a full training for key personnel who can then develop plans to suppress the infection in TB facilities and serve as trainers in the regions. Provide assistance (methodological) to develop plans for the suppression of infection in 17 TB facilities and preparation of the coaching package (material, pre-and post-training questionnaires, presentations, etc.), to unify the training seminars. It is highly important to include epidemiologists and doctors of bacteriology laboratories in the list of training participants; Prepare and submit a second interim report, containing recommendations and present it to consult the Head of the Management Group of the GFATM grant in KR. The third stage (preliminary period until 30 March 2012): Evaluate the 17 plans to reduce nosocomial infection in facilities, developed by national experts and assist in further improvement of those plans; Develop recommendations for the implementation of plans of infection control in TB facilities; Define the role and place of each service in the promotion of TB-IC (phthisiological, epidemiological, hygienic, microbiological, international organizations, universities) in the country. Identify the methods of advocacy in accordance with the national peculiarities and actions of management control in accordance with the health system; Prepare a final report containing recommendations and results of completed events.

Competencies

Excellent analytical skills, presentations, public discussion and consensus building among stakeholders; Ability to work in teams, using computers and develop presentation materials; Languages: Fluent in English, knowledge of Russian language - an advantage; Ability to travel to the regions of the country.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Higher education in the field of medicine related to infectious diseases, nosocomial infections, or organization of anti-tuberculosis institutions. Experience: Experience with the design plans for infection control in TB facilities not less than 3 years; Experience with the design regulation acts (RA) or analytical instruments in the suppression of infection in health care for at least 3 years; Experience in the development of RA in preventing the spread of infection in TB facilities is an advantage. Interested candidates should submit copies of documents confirming compliance with the qualification requirements: Signed P11 form; A letter of application; Three letters of recommendation from previous employers (with contact information); and send to procurement@gf.undp.kg no later than 17:00, November 3, 2011 no later than 17:00, November 3, 2011. no later than 17:00, November 3, 2011. Applications submitted without a form P11, will not be considered. Interested candidates should submit their proposals in electronic form in separate documents stating "Technical Proposal" and "Financial Proposal". Evaluation Process: The selection of candidates will be carried out in four stages: Stage1 - Short listing: The evaluation is done based on compliance to the eligibility criteria. Evaluation Criteria - Comply/not comply: Higher education in the field of medicine: yes/no Experience with the design plans for infection control in TB facilities for at least 3 years: yes/no Experience with the design regulations (PPA) or analytical instruments in the suppression of infection in health care for at least 3 years: yes/no Proficiency in English: yes/no Knowledge of Russian: yes/no. Applications compliant with the above-mentioned minimum requirements will be invited for the 2nd stage of evaluation. Stage 2 - Assessment of the "Technical Proposal": Assessment is carried out in accordance with the requirements set forth below. Applicants who have received total score of 70% of the possible 100% would participate in the third stage of evaluation. The technical offer should include: Justification of your candidacy as the most suitable for this work; (30%) A brief description of the methodology (not more than 2 pages) about your approach to work and achieve the objectives listed in the table "Expected results"; (40%) CV, including previous experience in similar projects and at least 3 references (letters of recommendation). (30%) Financial Proposal of applicants obtained 70 % from possible 100 % will be evaluated. Stage 3 - Assessment of the "Financial proposals" of the applicants who have successfully passed the first two stages. All applicants must submit a "Financial Proposal" in accordance with the provided format in section "Applications". Terms and reviewing of the financial proposals: This specification provides for the piece-rate basis as a condition for payment, where the total budget will be paid in tranches based on the provision of relevant products, shown in the table "Expected results". The financial proposal will be evaluated on the basis of the total budget at the lowest cost. Recommendations for applicants on preparation of the financial proposals: 1) Applicants must make a financial proposal for the following types of costs: expert fee (price per working day); per diem costs associated with the trip according to schedule trips listed in the table, "Requirements for the mission"; transportation costs related to the visit according to schedule trips listed in the table, "Requirements for the mission"; 2) The total amount of financial proposal should be distributed to the relevant products according to percent of tranches, the above table "Expected results". The proposed format for the preparation of financial proposals: Product Implementation Date Total Tranche (In% rated value) Total Tranche (In monetary terms) A first interim report on the first phase of the specification (see "Scope and stages of the specification.") November 17 to November 25, 2011 30% USD "N", among them: - USD "X" pay for expert services; - USD "X" per diem - USD "X" travel expenses Prepared a second interim report on the second phase of the specification November 28 to December 2, 2011 30% USD "N", among them: - USD "X" pay for expert services; - USD "X" per diem - USD "X" travel expenses Prepared final report containing agreed with the recommendations of the national partners and the results of work performed. until March 30, 2012 40% USD "N", among them: - USD "X" pay for expert services; - USD "X" per diem - USD "X" travel expenses TOTAL 100% USD "Y" Name Applicant / _________________ / Date /________________/ signature /____________/ Stage 4 - Conducting interviews with applicants who have successfully passed steps 1-3 assessments: Candidates who successfully passed steps 1-3 will be invited for an interview. A candidate who successfully passed all stages of evaluation and received the highest score will be recommended for the conclusion of the contract. Additional Requirements for Recommended Candidates: Individual Consultants/Contractors whose assignments require travel and who are over 62 years of age are required, at their own cost, to undergo a full medical examination including x-rays and obtaining medical clearance from an UN-approved doctor prior to taking up their assignment. Contracted Consultants are required to have vaccinations/inoculations at their own expense when traveling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. A copy of the list should be provided to the subscriber prior to signing the agreement so that his/her personal physician can attest to the required vaccinations/inoculations having been performed, as part of the certification described above. Trip Requirements: The assignment includes a requirement to travel within Kyrgyzstan with the following schedule. Please take this schedule into account when preparing your financial quotations. November 14, 2011: NCP laboratories and NCP Bishkek MCTB November 15, 2011: Laboratory of Chu OCTBRPBT and Kara-Balta November 16-17, 2011: Laboratory of the Issyk-Kul and Naryn OCTB November 18, 2011: Lab Talas OCTB November 19, 2011: Arrival in Bishkek November 28, 2011: MDR-TB department and laboratory of Jalal-Abad OCTB November 29, 2011: MDR-TB and laboratory department of the Osh OCTB November 30, 2011: Lab Batken OCTB December 1, 2011: Arrival in Bishkek UNDP's Contribution: UNDP will provide access to: 1. Access to the encyclopedia "Toktom" 2. Access the Internet connection; 3. Stationery; 4. Transportation in the regions, air flight to the regions should be paid by an expert; 5. Transportation to/from meetings within Bishkek.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

International Expert in Infection Control in Tuberculosis facilities