Consultancy on Surgical Device and Regulation
BACKGROUND
Globally, 5 billion people lack access to safe and affordable surgical care. Recognizing the urgent need to scale up surgical care as a component of universal health coverage, the Regional Committee in 2020 endorsed the Action Framework for Safe and Affordable Surgery in the Western Pacific Region (2021–2030). Cambodia, Fiji, Mongolia, the Philippines and Vanuatu expressed interest in being early implementing countries.
Through this “grounds up” process, critical gaps were identified, including the lack of essential surgical equipment and supplies (ESS), sterilization services and workforce capacity. Provincial-level providers contributed to generating ESS lists that will capacitate the provision of the Bellwether procedures (laparotomy, caesarean section and open fracture management) at first-level hospitals.
WHO has supported this work, including indicative pricing, and these lists have been uploaded onto the WHO PIEMEDS (Price Information Exchange for Medical Products) platform. Support to clearly understand how national regulatory authority (NRA) mechanisms can ensure the procurement of quality goods is ongoing.
PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
To support the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in generating and analyzing medical device regulation in the Region and to provide advice on national medical device policy that include quality oversight, access, pricing, listing essential diagnostics and devices including surgical device and instrument.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES AND METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
Under the supervision and guidance of the Medical Officer, RSS, EMT, DHS at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the consultant will provide technical assistance to in-country investigators and communicate with the NRAs and other stakeholders in order to deliver the following.
Outputs
- Policy review, situation analysis of surgical device/instrument safety regulation and price transparency in early implementing countries in the Region
- Data collection and analysis of access, availability, standard practice, and regulation of surgical device/instrument including sterilization devices and equipment
- A priority list of surgical devices for government regulation by consulting with country counterparts including surgeons, anaesthetists
- Analysis of what works, what does not work and why on national and sub national data collected from facilities/practitioners to capture the reality on the ground
- Regional mapping of country stakeholders on surgical device that include legislation, government bureaus, research institutions, regulatory authorities, manufacturers, supply chain flows
- Global policy review, situation analysis and regional mapping of surgical device nomenclature
Deliverables
- Documentary evidence on Outputs 1 to 6
- Monthly progress report
- Final internal mission report
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Essential: A university degree in medicine
Desirable: Residency in general surgery
EXPERIENCE
Essential: Minimum of three years of combined professional experience, including residency.
Desirable: Experience in volunteer programs in the Asia-Pacific
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Data management, analytical and professional journal article writing skills
Interpersonal skills and research experience
LANGUAGES
Written and spoken fluency in English is essential
COMPETENCIES
- Teamwork
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
- Communication
- Knowing and managing yourself
- Producing result
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Place of assignment
WPRO, Manila. Flexible working arrangement based on discussion.
Contract duration
7 November 2022 - 6 March 2023
Medical clearance
The selected candidate will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
Travel
The consultant is expected to travel, when situation permits and as needed.
APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 21 October 2022.
The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.
Please use Tender Notice No. 184192 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.