1. Purpose of the Consultancy
The Technical Assistant will support the development of evidence-based trauma care across the Eastern Mediterranean Region and provide coordination and support in programme management to the Trauma Operational & Advisory Team (TOpAT).
2. Background
There are over 133.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance globally, with 80% of that need driven by violent conflict. The Eastern Mediterranean is the most affected region, with 74.8 million in need, representing 56% of the global total.[1] These complex emergencies have also impacted neighbouring countries, either directly or indirectly. Surging migrant and refugee populations further increase the demands on emergency and trauma systems, while the political context and bureaucratic constraints applied by local authorities can constrain strategic and system planning.
Violent injury contributes a substantial disease burden in the region, especially in the on-going conflicts in Libya, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. High incidence of violent injury requires sophisticated and well-resourced response mechanisms, placing enormous strains on already under-resourced and over-burdened health systems. But traditionally, only a very small number of humanitarian agencies have developed capacities for providing trauma care in conflict settings. Most humanitarian health agencies have not prioritized injury care in conflict because of mandate issues, security concerns and capacity and resource gaps; when non-specialized agencies do engage, it is too often uncoordinated and inconsistent with international standards. But the growing burden of trauma in current-day humanitarian emergencies can no longer be ignored. In several recent major humanitarian operations, WHO therefore has stepped in to lead and coordinate the trauma response.
In spite of the demonstrated effectiveness of WHOs interventions, implementation of trauma services that apply best practice referral pathways and clinical care remains ad hoc and unpredictable, dependent on the technical and financial resources available at the time. WHO is committed to ensure that effective trauma services are consistently established during humanitarian emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and to use these services to build the longer-term resilience of emergency medical systems.
The WHO has established the Operational Trauma Initiative, which aims to measurably improve health outcomes from trauma driven by humanitarian emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). As a new approach to working in humanitarian emergencies, at the heart of this initiative is a small, specialized Trauma Operational & Advisory Team (TOpAT). The TOpAT is a mobile team that works in humanitarian emergencies and provides both technical direction, and hands- on support. In some countries, where the needs are particularly high, the TOpAT will be complimented by a dedicated focal point in-country; an extension of the TOpAT. All of the interventions are judged by their ability to positively impact trauma patient outcomes.
3. Planned timelines **
The consultant is expected to work full time remotely beginning on the 1st February until the 31st December 2022.
4. Work to be performed: Under technical supervision of the Regional Trauma Specialist, the Technical Assistant will be responsible for the following key outputs
Output 1**:** Provide technical assistance to WCOs to assess trauma needs, gaps and resources and develop trauma programmes **
· Deliverable 1.1 Provide technical support to the countries in mapping the needs, resources and gaps, using the TOpAT tools, and the publication of TOpAT products. **
· Deliverable 1.2 Provide support in the delivery of training in-country for trauma care, hands-on or remotely
Output 2. Provide technical assistant to the regional Operational Trauma Initiative **
· Deliverable 2.1 Develop and monitor the TOpAT monthly activities in alignment with the donor agreement and produce appropriate media visibility for the Operational Trauma Initiative. **
· Deliverable 2.2 Design and coordinate the communities of practice (COP), TOpAT webinars and other public events **
· Deliverable 2.3 Design, develop and disseminate the various TOpAT tools, including the regional trauma tracker and other relevant material published through the TWGs**
· Deliverable 2.4 Support in donor proposals, reporting and evaluations **
Consultant should have:
Experience
· At least 5 years of experience in humanitarian medical aid
· Strong demonstrable experience in Programme management at the country level
· Experience of working on trauma care activities
Education
· MBBS, or a related health discipline
Other competencies:
· Proficiency in English
· Fluency in Arabic
Place of assignment
The Consultant may be requested to travel to countries, although this is not mandatory.
Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:**
· Proven skills in data analysis of a range of data sources.
· Proven skills and know-how in data representation and visualisation.
· Ability to work in a flexible manner under pressure to meet deadlines.
· Ability to work in a collaborative manner.
· Clear understanding of implementation methods and implementation science where applicable.
· Concrete skills and background of analyzing large data sets especially from low and middle-income countries.
Language requirements:**
Excellent knowledge of English
Fluent in Arabic
Place of assignment
Remote
Medical clearance
The incumbent will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
9. Travel
Some travel will be required. To be confirmed.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV and cover letter to Dr. Sara Halimah, Regional Trauma Specialist, halimahs@who.int