Technical Assistance urgently required for NGO Health Poverty Action in Lao

NGO Health Poverty Action are currently looking for a malaria technical expert to provide some backstopping support while the Malaria Program Coordinator is on one month annual leave

This person would need to be available immediately and would be looking at 2 – 4 weeks of work. 

Terms of Reference – Provision of Technical Support for the RAI Program and for HPA and CMPE in the Development of a Concept Note for the Global Fund’s New Funding Model in Lao PDR

 Background

HPA is currently implementing a Global Fund supported program called the Regional Artemisinin Resistance Initiative (RAI). There are a number of new malaria prevention and control activities currently being implemented under this program which have never before been attempted in Laos. Some of these new activities include Directly Observable Treatment (DOTs) for Malaria, cross border information and epidemiological data sharing, and Respondent Driven Sampling Surveys (RDSS) for hard to reach mobile and migrant populations. HPA is currently seeking some technical monitoring to assess the effectiveness of some of these activities and to provide suggestions on how these activities might be strengthened.

The Global Fund has recently introduced the New Funding Model. This funding model has been redesigned to bring the Global Fund Strategy of ‘Investing for Impact’ to life. The new funding model is intended to improve the way the Global Fund assesses, approves, disburses, and monitors grants. The new funding model takes into account the challenges and lessons of managing Global Fund grants in previous years. Increased engagement between applicants and the Global Fund is required to successfully implement the new funding model.

HPA has submitted a successful Expression of Interest to the Country Coordinating Mechanism and has been selected as a Sub-Recipient of the new Funding Model. The Center for Malaria, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE) is currently writing the Concept Note for submission on October 15^th and they are looking for assistance in this process. Although a WHO technical consultant is assisting CMPE in the proposal writing, more assistance is needed to complete this task in such a short timeframe. Unfortunately, due to some temporary staffing challenges within HPA, the Country Director and the Malaria Program Coordinator are unable to devote 100% of their time to assisting in the development of the Concept Note.

Consultancy Objectives and Scope of Work

In carrying out the assignment, the consultant will work closely with the HPA Country Director to fulfill two critical support needs. The primary responsibility of the consultant will be to represent HPA and provide support for the Center for Malaria, Parasitology, and Entomology (CMPE) in the development of a country specific Concept Note for Lao PDR. This will include close collaboration with the HPA Country Director, the WHO technical consultant and the Director of CMPE.  The second objective of this assignment is to provide backstopping support for the implementation of RAI program activities, including the provision of technical support for survey design, cross border meetings and screening activities, as well as monitoring progress of ongoing RAI activities including the implementation of DOTs for Malaria.

 The consultant is required to:

• Review all documents related to the RAI program and the Global Fund’s New Funding Model
• Represent HPA’s interests and involvement in the Global Fund’s New Funding Model process. Working in close collaboration with CMPE and the WHO Technical Advisor, developing and writing sections of the Concept Note
• Ensure that the Concept Note fully supports and strengthens the RAI program, as requested by the Global Fund
• Ensure that the Concept Note is designed for high impact while also recognizing the importance of setting realistic goals within the confines of the budget
• Support and highlight gender inclusion in the Concept Note
• Review and provide input on the draft survey protocol and tools for Mobile and Migrant Populations
• Work with CMPE to establish a protocol for screening activities at border checkpoints
• Review current progress of the implementation of the DOTs strategy for malaria under the RAI program

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated evidence in writing high level complex malaria prevention and control proposals
• Excellent program design skills, including construction and review of logical frameworks
• Ability to write high quality and concise technical proposals and reports with high proficiency in written and spoken English, within agreed terms of reference and deadlines

Education and Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in international development, with particular emphasis on malaria programs
• Excellent knowledge and skills on issues related to international development and communicable diseases in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region
• Strong knowledge about the Malaria situation in southern Laos

For further information you can contact John Holveck the Country Director, Health Poverty Action - Lao PDR. 

Email: j [dot] holveck [at] healthpovertyaction [dot] org

Office: (856-21) 264-960

Mobile: (856-20) 56099370