IPC/HCAI Strategic and Operational Plan/Framework Expert

Introduction

The Fleming Fund (FF) is a U.K. Department of Health and Social Care programme to help low and middle-income countries fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR poses a severe global threat, expected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. With potential costs reaching $100 trillion, its impact on the global economy is significant. Fleming Fund Grants aim to tackle the AMR challenge in developing countries including Pakistan. The grants are funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and managed by Mott MacDonald for the country, regional and fellowship grants. Pakistan has received Fleming Fund support since 2019 in the form of two Country Grants, 9 Fellowships, and central and local procurement of equipment, reagents, and consumables. Between 2017 and the end of phase-1 of the program in March 2023, the program has provided financial support to grantees to establish and support local development of national AMR surveillance systems.

In partnership with the Fleming Fund, DAI's programme in Pakistan collaborates with the Pakistani government to strengthen systems using a “One Health” (OH) approach – a multisectoral approach to complex health problems that reaches across human health, animal health, and environment sectors. As global leaders in One Health, the DAI team helps incorporate One Health across programme interventions. DAI is helping Pakistan become a leader in combating antimicrobial resistance, and a model for better management of antimicrobials in human and animal populations. DAI and its consortium partners have successfully secured an additional round, Phase 2, of the Fleming Fund Country Grant in Pakistan which spans from January 2024 to December 2025. The Phase 2 of the FFCG programme focuses on achieving four intermediate outcomes: 1) Production of quality AMR/U/C and burden of disease data; 2) Conducting quality data analysis; 3) Sharing quality data analysis with decision-makers; and 4) Contributing to sustainable investments at both the country and global levels to counter AMR.

Position Summary

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has initiated working under a project titled ‘Strengthening IPC, HCAI Surveillance, and IDSR Across 100 Tertiary Care Hospitals in Pakistan’. The Fleming Fund Country Grant Pakistan will provide Technical Assistance to the NIH for ensuring the alignment of the project implementation with IPC Strategic Framework (2021-2023), National IPC Guidelines (2020), and development of the National HCAI (Healthcare Associated Infections) Strategic Framework. The HCAI Strategic Framework will be developed based on the learnings of the HCAI Surveillance Pilot implemented by NIH. Following the revision of the IPC Guidelines, a National IPC Operational Plan will be developed through a consultative approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop IPC Strategic Frameworks, ensuring that it builds on and is aligned with existing National IPC Strategic Framework, WHO IPC Benchmarks, IHR, JEE Recommendations, and national health priorities.

• Develop HCAI Strategic Framework based on learning from pilot implementation of the HCAI Surveillance and aligned with recommended best practices.

• Ensure frameworks are aligned with NAPHS (2024-2028), AMR NAP (2024-2028), WHO standards and International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005).

• Draft a detailed National IPC Operational Plan with specific actions, timelines, roles, and resource allocations Conduct stakeholder consultations at national and provincial levels for inclusive framework development.

• Facilitate stakeholder workshops and validation meetings to achieve consensus.

• Submit finalized IPC and HCAI Strategic Frameworks and National Operational Plan

• Prepare reports summarizing stakeholder consultations and workshops.

Contract Duration: Six months, starting from January 2025.

Application: Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. Cover letter highlighting

a) relevant experience, achievements, and suitability for the role,

b) Confirmation of availability for the consultancy duration, and

c) Expected remuneration, clearly stated.

2. Updated CV with academic qualifications, professional experience, and references.

Required Qualifications:

• MBBS with advanced degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Health Policy (PhD or MPH preferred).
• Minimum 05 years of experience in developing public health strategies (Guidelines, SOPs, frameworks & operational plans).
• In depth knowledge of and experience of working on IPC and HCAI and understanding of IHR, GHSA, JEE Recommendations, and AMR.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.