APW (Technology need assessment (TNA))

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ONLINE

• Purpose of the APW

The main objectives for conducting the TNA within the health sector of Pakistan are:

• To strengthen the healthcare system and build institutional and technical capacity through evidence-based planning.


• Identification of existing gaps and shortcomings in policies, resources, and healthcare infrastructure


• To build climate resilience of the healthcare system by identifying climate-related diseases and finding solutions to prevent and remediate them through informed policy and planning approaches.


• To identify technological interventions for adaptation and mitigation to achieve sustainable goals in healthcare objectives for conducting the CRVA within Pakistan are.

2. Background

Climate related disasters such as heat waves, floods, and environmental hazards like air pollution directly affect the healthcare system. These events lead to a general decline in the overall physical and mental health of the population and put a burden on the healthcare system that is not properly equipped to handle diseases borne from climate change. The impacts of climate change on the human health constitute an increase in vector borne diseases, lung and gastrointestinal diseases due to increased air and water pollution, food and water borne diseases, heat strokes due to temperature shifts, food insecurity causing malnutrition, and increased poverty and loss of livelihoods.

Developing countries are the most vulnerable to climate change, and having a weak healthcare infrastructure only exacerbates the problem. According to WHO estimates, the death toll is expected to increase by 0.25 million between 2030 and 2050, due to climate induced diseases and health concerns, leading to an additional finance requirement of 2-4 Bn USD yearly. Although the healthcare system plays an important and essential role in the well-being of communities, it is also a growing industry responsible for 4.6% of the global GHG emissions. These emissions also contribute to the overall decline in human health.

Pakistan has seen numerous climate related disasters in the past 2 decades, including floods, heatwaves, droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns. These extreme climate events have jeopardized the food security and health of the country’s population, especially the most vulnerable segments. Urgent action is needed to meet the SDGs of the country as well as build resilience against the threats induced by the climate crisis. According to the Ministry of Climate Change, the country has suffered huge losses due to the recent climate-related disaster events. Only in 2022, the death toll due to flooding and heatwaves has reached 1700 and displaced 30 million people, which has put a huge burden on the healthcare system as well.

The current assessment follows the WHO guidelines to investigate the climate resilience of healthcare systems, and follows an elaborate approach suggested by the UNDP to conduct technological need assessment (TNA) of the healthcare system of a country to improve its resilience to climate related disasters. The strategic plan encompasses a holistic approach to improve the healthcare system, through the capacity building and training of the healthcare workforce, issuance and implementation of strict and sustainable WASH practices as well as hospital waste management, utilization of sustainable sources of energy, and infrastructural and technological advancements for climate resilient health systems.

3. Planned timelines:

Start: 5th Oct 2023 (tentative)

Draft report & stakeholder consultation: 20 October 2023

End: 15 Dec 2023 (tentative)

Number of days: 2 months

4. Geographical coverage (to be decided in consultation with the WCO and national authorities)

• This TNA will be undertaken at both national and subnational level.

5. Work to be Performed

For the achievement of the above-mentioned objectives, the following tasks are to be performed:

• Identification of relevant stakeholders involved directly and indirectly in the healthcare sector.


• Organization of a national team that would work towards the main goal of this technological assessment and fulfilling its objectives.


• Develop a framework for the evaluation of the existing gaps and opportunities, and the implementation of remedial measures and technological interventions.


• Identify the existing development and NDC priorities of the country and tailor the interventions according to the plans and policies.


• Evaluate sub-sectors and cross-cutting themes to coordinate interventions and mechanisms among relevant authorities and line ministries.


• Identification of the technological interventions and needs of the current healthcare system within the country, need for capacity building and training programs for the workforce, and streamline the logistics of funding and resource acquisition.


• Development of a national plan or strategic framework to coordinate efforts towards introduction of mitigation and adaptation measures, as well as revision of existing policies and action plans to incorporate these interventions.

6. Deliverables

• Deliverable 1 Stakeholder identification


• Deliverable 2 Identify gaps and opportunities in existing policies and plans through desk research.


• Deliverable 3 Identify key players and consultants.


• Deliverable 4 Evaluate the need for technological interventions.


• Deliverable 5 Establish a plan for implementation.


• Deliverable 6 Progress reports


• Deliverable 7 Procurement of funds and resources


• Deliverable 8 Capacity building and training workshops for health workforce


• Deliverable 9 Final Strategic Plan for Technology Interventions in Healthcare

7. Payment Schedule:

• Completion of Deliverable 1-3 (25%)


• Completion of Deliverable 4-5 (25%)


• Completion of Deliverable 6-8 (25%)


• Completion of Deliverable 9 (25%)

8. Technical Supervision

• The selected individual/firm will work on the supervision of Team Lead HPLC, WHO Pakistan.

9. Specific Requirements

Qualifications required for the individual:

• Core team University Degree in Environmental Sciences, preferably with additional public health qualifications.

Experience Required:

• Core team having 18 years of University Degree in Environmental Sciences, preferably with additional public health qualifications.

Skills/ Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge and adequate proficiency in sustainable and climate-resilient technological-based needs of the various sectors, in particular the health sector.


• Ability to collate, analyze and synthesize data and information from diverse sources.


• Excellent report writing skills in the English language, with added attention to detail, along with proficiency in conducting detailed research, coupled with attention to technical details, and producing a comprehensive technical report on the TNA in Pakistan.

10. Languages:

• English (reading, writing and speaking)


• Working language of Urdu / regional language to facilitate communication.

11. Place of assignment

• Islamabad with a requirement for frequent domestic travel/ and provincial travel as identified by supervisor.

Do not apply online. The Proposals are required to be submitted in sealed envelopes on the following address with the title of assignment on envelope by 27th September 2023.

Address: c/o Team Lead HPLC, Promoting Health through the Life Course (Room No .6), WHO Country Office Pakistan, Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad-Pakistan