Background

NTP TB Program Review Exercise-2019.

The decades of war that affected mainly the Southern part of the then Sudan disrupted TB control interventions. Through the support of Faith and Non-Faith based organizations, TB control activities were restarted at a small scale in the late 1990's. These TB activities were coordinated, managed and supervised by the World Health Organization in close collaboration with the Secretariat of Health for Southern Sudan.

Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 and the formation of the different ministerial structures by the Government of Southern Sudan, a formal National TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme was established under the Directorate of Preventive Health Services of the Ministry of Health in November 2006. This Programme took over the role from WHO and was mandated to coordinate, plan, monitor and supervise the implementation of all TB activities in Southern Sudan and now South Sudan following independence in 2011. Since the establishment of the Programme, significant strides have been made in terms of TB prevention, care and control activities in South Sudan. Key among others are the establishment of functional central and state level TB coordination structures, expansion of TB diagnostic and treatment centers from 46 in

2008 to 95 in 2018. There was an increase in the number of detected TB cases from 4,414 in 2008 to 14,371 in 2018. TB/HIV collaborative activities initiated in 2007 with gradual improvement of uptake of HIV testing among TB patients from 24% in 2008 to 95% in 2018 with 9% of TB/HIV coinfected patients initiated on anti-retroviral therapy in 2018.? The Programme further developed key documents which include National Strategic Plans (2009 - 2013, 2012 - 2016 and 2015 - 2019), Guidelines For Tuberculosis and TB/HIV Prevention, Care and Control In South Sudan and training manuals, Laboratory Quality Assurance and Acid Fast Bacilli and training manuals, South Sudan? National Guidelines for Childhood And Adolescent Tuberculosis Clinical Care,? Guidelines For Clinical and Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB and Community TB Home Health Promoter Manual.

However, despite these achievements, the challenges remain immense, including limited coverage of TB services, weak network of laboratory services, the emerging threat of drug resistant TB etc.? Throughout the implementation of the three Strategic Plans, the Programme has not conducted a national Programme review to deliberate on the achievements made, challenges and programmatic gaps, lessons learnt along the course of implementing their implementation and how the Programme can better position itself in addressing quality TB prevention, care and control activities in South Sudan.

It is against this background that the NTLBP is seeking to hire a lead consultant to for national TB program review for the implementation of the planned review.

Objective of the assignment

The objectives of the program review are to;

  • conduct a robust analysis of the performance of TB Programme in South Sudan (including assessment of strengths, weaknesses and programmatic gaps in the implementation of past strategic plans and available opportunities).
  • assess the epidemiology of TB in the Republic of South Sudan and the current capacity of national surveillance systems to measure the level of and trends in TB disease burden;
  • assess the structure, organization and management frameworks for TB policy and the development of the Programme within the health-care system and within the national agenda for development;
  • assess the financial situation and human resources in light of the Programme ’s performance and demands;
  • assess whether progress has been made towards achieving national, regional and global targets;
  • assess the performance of the Programme in delivering strategic interventions, assess how well services are delivered, and assess any inequities in access to and quality of care;
  • evaluate the arrangements and mechanisms for ensuring the engagement and participation of other stakeholders in TB control, prevention and care, such as representatives from other sectors (e.g., justice, labor, social protection private sector), NGOs, other civil society organizations and affected communities;
  • Identify obstacles to meeting the objectives of the national TB Control Programme;
  • recommend steps to be taken to improve the Programme ’s performance or redefine the Programme ’s strategic direction and focus; this should include revisions to the current policies and strategic plans (National Strategic & monitoring and evaluation plans).
  • evaluate the programmatic, current Programme interventions for TB prevention, care and control (including procurement and supply chain management).
  • assess the outcome/impact of support provided by different funding sources in South Sudan (Government, Global Fund, USAID, Global Drug Facility and other stakeholders).

  • Take lead in review of policy, governance, institutional and organisational capacity and management structures component of the National TB program in consultation with evaluation team.

  • In liaison with the National TB program and other consultants, identify background information and documents required for the review, prepare the protocol and the assessment checklists.

  • Take lead in identifying list of facilities to be visited for field observation, List of stakeholders to be consulted during the review process.

  • In liaison with the National TB Program Manager and the task for team, plan and coordinate data collection.

  • Provide leadership in compilation of field reports, overall analysis and the generation of findings.

  • Facilitate and present the draft review findings and recommendation to the MOH and stakeholders for validation.

Lead the drafting of the final review report in collaboration with other consultants and review members.

Deliverables:

The expected deliverables from the program review exercise will include

Inception report detailing

  • Design of the review/Approach/workplan
  • List of stakeholders to be visited.
  • Sample of facilities to be visited
  • Schedule of field visits
  • Review tools

(i) a summary report, (ii) a slide deck summarizing key findings and recommendations, (iii) a detailed mission report, (iv) Updated National Strategic Plan (NSP) and Monitoring and Evaluation plan (M&E) for the period 2020-2024 and (vi) a detailed final program review report.? The final report will include the following key issues:

  • The findings of the SWOT analysis (SWOT) of the TB Programme
  • Evaluation of different programmatic aspects and outcome/impact assessment of different funding support mechanisms on the performance of the program

Clear and feasible recommendations aimed at improving programme performance

Reporting: The lead Consultant will report to the Director General of Preventive Health Services National Ministry of Health as well as the Global Fund Coordination Advisor, who both will review progress and will certify delivery of outputs.

  • Travel: All travel costs will be covered by UNDP according to its rules and regulations. Travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be agreed upon, between UNDP and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be covered and paid by UNDP. The fare will always be.

“most direct, most economical” and any difference in price with the preferred route will be paid for by the expert.

Evaluation:

Applicants will be evaluated based upon their submitted expressions of interest and financial proposals, which includes a cumulative analysis method based upon a combination of technical and financial evaluation results.

  • Payment Method:All-inclusive Daily Fee

  • The consultant will be paid on a daily rate (based on the number of days worked).
  • Payments will be based on the Certificate of Payments that will be submitted;
  • Time Sheet will be attached and verified by the direct supervisor; and
  • Final tranche upon performance evaluation from the direct supervisor

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will:

  • Provide technical advice on the content and process of the review and provide guidance and support to the review team including the other consultants.
  • Design the overall TB Programme review process in consultation with Review team that will include 3 to 4 international consultants and national consultants, MOH – National TB and Leprosy Control Program, Technical Partners such as WHO and USAID, UNDP and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Take lead in review of policy, governance, institutional and organisational capacity and management structures component of the National TB program in consultation with evaluation team.
  • In liaison with the National TB program and other consultants, identify background information and documents required for the review, prepare the protocol and the assessment checklists.
  • Take lead in identifying list of facilities to be visited for field observation, List of stakeholders to be consulted during the review process in liaison with the National TB Program Manager and the task for team, plan and coordinate data collection.
  • Provide leadership in compilation of field reports, overall analysis and the generation of findings.
  • Facilitate and present the draft review findings and recommendation to the MOH and stakeholders for validation.
  • Lead the drafting of the final review report in collaboration with other consultants and review members.

Deliverables: The expected deliverables from the program review exercise will include

  • Inception report detailing
  • Design of the review/Approach/workplan
  • List of stakeholders to be visited.
  • Sample of facilities to be visited
  • Schedule of field visits
  • Review tools
  • The findings of the SWOT analysis (SWOT) of the TB Programme
  • Evaluation of different programmatic aspects and outcome/impact assessment of different funding support mechanisms on the performance of the program clear and feasible recommendations aimed at improving programme performance

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in dealing with sensitive and complex situations.
  • Able to work in difficult and remote areas for extended periods of time

Professionalism:

  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment;
  • Shows pride in work and in achievements;
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Planning & Organizing:

  • Organizes and accurately completes multiple tasks by establishing priorities while taking into consideration special assignments, frequent interruptions, deadlines, available resources and multiple reporting relationships;
  • Plans, coordinates and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines; Establishes, builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff and clients to achieve the planned results

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Medical degree in medicine with post-graduate specialization in Public Health, Internal medicine or a related field.
  • Postgraduate training or diploma in TB or HIV/AIDS management is an added advantage.

Experience:

  • Good understanding of the TB epidemic and National or regional TB control programs in a developing country.
  • Experience in conducting Tuberculosis Program Reviews in developing countries
  • Experience in leading multi-disciplinary team on evaluation of large-scale public health interventions, especially TB programme.
  • At least 10 years of working experience in designing and managing program/project Reviews/evaluations. ?
  • Computer skills including Microsoft office, spreadsheet, database, etc.

Language:

  • Proficiency in English Language is important.

How to Apply

For consideration, the nominated consultant (s) should submit their applications by 26 July 2019 on the UNDP jobsite. Incomplete applications will not be considered and only candidates for whom there is further interests will be contracted. Proposals must include:

  • CV of the consultant and any other individuals who will contribute to the project or complete?
  • 2 or 3 references most recent in related works / assignment
  • Download completed? Letter of interest with? all Methodology of Approach? With attachment of? financial proposal (as per the requirements mentioned below)?
  • Read and agree to the General Terms & Conditions;
  • Click the ‘apply’ icon and complete what is required; Scan all documents into 1 pdf folder and then upload

Technical Proposal:

  • Explain in a cover page (maximum 2 pages) how candidate’s qualification and experience in makes? Him/Her? suitable for the work and can lead towards the successful deliverable of ALL the objectives of this consultancy within the required timeframe.
  • Please list and summaries at least 3 samples of related work previously involved.

Financial proposal

Specify a lump sum amount which is all inclusive and considers various expenses the candidate expects to incur during the contract, including:

  • The cost of travel from the home base to the duty station UNDP Office, Rep. of South Sudan? and vice versa;
  • Communications, utilities and consumables; and
  • Life, health and any other insurance.

Evaluation:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following’s methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  • a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

  • b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

  • * Technical Criteria weight; [70%]

    * Financial Criteria weight; [30%]

  • 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.

    UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.