Antimicrobial Resistance Consultant in Nauru

BACKGROUND

The Nauru standard treatment guideline was developed in 2014 to guide the rational prescribing and use of essential medicines and also to contribute to the constant availability of quality medicine to all Nauruan.  There is also a need to develop a separate Antibiotic guideline to complement the current guideline and to rationalize the usage of antibiotics and to establish consistency in the treatment of various infectious conditions. The data shared by the Republic of Nauru (RON) Hospital Laboratory revealed on the incidence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases identified in RON Hospital since 2014. Therefore, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS), Nauru has considered antimicrobial resistance to be one of the priority agenda and are committed to develop an evidence-based guideline relate to best practice standards in antimicrobial usage. By optimising use of antimicrobials, adverse events including the development of antimicrobial resistance can be minimised. Similarly, the antimicrobial list in the Essential Medicines List (EML) needs to be updated based on the revised guideline.

Hence, hiring of an expert is crucial to ensure the timely development and updating of both the Antibiotic guideline and EML to guide the selection, procurement, prescribing and use of antimicrobials in both public and private sectors.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To develop a new Antimicrobial guideline for Nauru

To update the antimicrobial list in the Nauru Essential Medicine List (EML) 

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant will support the development of new antimicrobial guideline and updating of antimicrobial list in the essential medicine list of Nauru

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Phase 1: Development of new antibiotic guideline

• Review the current standard treatment guideline 2014 and draw out the plan to develop a separate antibiotic guideline
• Work with pharmacy and laboratory team to organize the development of new antibiotic guideline 

• Use laboratory data and local antibiogram report at RON hospital
• Use the procurement and distribution data of antimicrobials in Nauru

• Interview prescribers, relevant health staff, key informants and members of the National Medicine Therapeutics Committee, when necessary.
• Use published and unpublished data and other references that are only relevant to the context of Nauru and will enable the development of new antibiotic guideline
• Facilitate a national workshop for prescribers on the use of new antibiotic guideline.
• Coordinate with technical staff at WHO/DPS the findings and recommendations of the review

Phase 2: Update the antimicrobial list in the EML

• Assess the current EML 2015 and develop the plan of its review and update
• Identify the sections that needs to be updated and amended in line with new antibiotic guideline
• Interview prescribers, relevant health staff, key informants and members of the National Medicine Therapeutics Committee, when necessary.
• Use published and unpublished data and other references to support the update of EML
• Coordinate with technical staff at WHO/DPS the findings and recommendations of the review

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  University degree in pharmacy or medicine

Desirable: Post graduate qualification in public health or clinical pharmacy from recognized university

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Minimum of five years of experience in pharmaceutical related fields, such as pharmaceutical practice, clinical pharmacy and procurement and experience in developing or reviewing treatment guidelines and essential medicine list.

Desirable: Experience in undertaking medicine policies and guidelines review in low-middle income countries.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Should demonstrate expertise in conducting guidelines and essential medicine list review.  Should also have knowledge on hospital and private clinical practice. Have the ability to identify challenges and provide appropriate solutions. Good interpersonal skills and capable of facilitating consultation meeting, interview, and workshop. Good analytical thinking and writing skills.

LANGUAGES

Fluent in English

COMPETENCIES

Teamwork, respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Knowing and managing yourself and producing results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Payment will be discussed upon issuing of contract. The Consultant will need to travel to Nauru for a number days between the contract timelines in order to carry out in-country consultation and review.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at wproungm@who.int by 18 October 2019. 

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. 98197 as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.