Consultant for Kala-Azar Elimination Dossier Preparation

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Position Title: Consultant for Kala-Azar Elimination Dossier Preparation
Location: New Delhi
Country: India
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office for India collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders to support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies, and plans in neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and effective services towards Universal Health Coverage. WHO's mission is to ensure the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right, and it operates in 11 countries within the South-East Asia Region, serving over 1.9 billion people. The organization focuses on advancing universal health coverage, addressing non-communicable diseases, and implementing health-related sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical and strategic support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) in India. The primary objective is to compile and structure data for the Kala-Azar elimination validation dossier, ensuring alignment with national strategies and WHO guidelines. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, leading the preparation of a comprehensive dossier, and ensuring accurate documentation of prevention, control, treatment, and care strategies. The consultant will also support capacity building at national and sub-national levels, conduct training sessions, and facilitate partnerships to consolidate efforts towards dossier preparation and validation processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and strategic support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NCVBDC on compiling and structuring data for the Kala-Azar elimination validation dossier.
• Collaborate with NCVBDC and relevant stakeholders to gather and verify data, ensuring compliance with evidence-based guidelines.
• Facilitate multi-sectoral partnerships to consolidate efforts towards dossier preparation.
• Lead the preparation of a comprehensive dossier that includes strategic information, monitoring and evaluation data, and case studies.
• Ensure the dossier accurately reflects data on prevention, control, treatment, and care strategies.
• Support capacity building of national and sub-national networks for effective data collection and reporting.
• Conduct training and orientation for program managers in dossier preparation.
• Conduct field visits in endemic areas to strengthen program documentation.
• Guide and mentor NTD field consultants in dossier preparation processes. 1
• Incorporate the One Health approach into the dossier. 1
• Support the use of implementation research in informing policy and decision-making. 1
• Ensure sustainability and monitoring of drug procurement and supply chain management. 1
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of the dossier. 1
• Prepare a manuscript for publication documenting the kala-azar elimination efforts in India. 1
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s in health sciences, biological sciences, or related discipline from a recognized university.
• PhD in vector borne diseases with publications is desirable.
• At least two years of professional experience in managing and implementing vector borne diseases, particularly the Kala-Azar program.
• Working experience in the Kala-Azar program and NCVBDC is an advantage.
• Thorough knowledge of NTDs, especially Kala-Azar, and understanding of India's health system and policies.
• Strong technical and policy advisory skills based on evidence.
• Leadership and coordination skills with the ability to work effectively in team settings.

Educational Background:
Essential: Master’s in health sciences/biological sciences or related discipline from a recognized university. Desirable: PhD in vector borne diseases with publications.

Experience:
Essential: At least two years of professional experience in the management and implementation of vector borne diseases, with a focus on the Kala-Azar program. Desirable: Experience working with NCVBDC and familiarity with the Kala-Azar program will be advantageous.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Hindi is required.

Additional Notes:
Monthly remuneration is INR 218,855 (NOB) taxable as per Indian laws, and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA), extendable subject to satisfactory performance. The position may require extensive travel (up to 15 days a month) to various states and districts. This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or asynchronous video assessment may be used as a screening method. Candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees/certificates in advance for the interview. WHO considers only higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.