Job Title : Consultant (Kangaroo Mother Care)
Location : Islamabad
Company : United Nations Pakistan
Salary :
Open Date : 2023-10-23
Close Date : 2024-02-23

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ONLINE

1.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to review and revise national guidelines on Kangaroo Mother Care.

2. Background

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an evidence-based approach to newborn care that promotes early and continuous skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her preterm or low birth weight baby. In Pakistan, where preterm birth rates are high, KMC has gained recognition as an effective intervention for improving the health outcomes of vulnerable newborns. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) published updated recommendations on KMC, emphasizing its importance for routine care of all preterm or low birth weight infants.

In recent years, Pakistan has made significant strides in promoting and implementing KMC as a standard practice, despite challenges in resource-limited settings. The government, non-governmental organizations, and international partners working in maternal and child health have played a vital role in supporting these efforts. Healthcare providers have been trained on KMC implementation, and dedicated KMC units have been established within healthcare facilities. These units ensure a conducive environment for mother-baby bonding, including continuous skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding, and proper monitoring of infant growth and development.

Furthermore, awareness campaigns and community-based interventions have been initiated to educate families and communities about the benefits of KMC and encourage its adoption at home. These initiatives aim to empower mothers with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide KMC to their infants, even after discharge from the hospital.

However, recognizing the need for continuous improvement and alignment with the latest global updates, it is essential to review and revise the national guidelines and training materials on KMC in Pakistan. This revision process will involve a consultative approach, engaging key stakeholders such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan (SOGP), Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP), and Neonatology Group of Pakistan Pediatric Association (NN group of PPA). A core team of experts from these professional bodies will provide technical oversight, supported by technical advisors from WHO Geneva and EMRO. Additionally, a technical consultant or institution will be engaged to lead the guideline development process with support from relevant stakeholders.

3. Objectives

By undertaking this revision process, Pakistan aims to ensure that the national guidelines and training module on KMC align with the latest evidence-based recommendations and best practices. This collaborative effort will strengthen the implementation of KMC across the country, further improving the health and survival rates of preterm and low birth weight infants. The continued collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders will be pivotal in sustaining and scaling up KMC implementation, ultimately benefiting the newborn population and advancing the overall well-being of Pakistan's healthcare system.

4. Planned timelines

• From November 15th – December 25th, 2023

5. Work to be performed:

The revision of national guidelines on KMC in Pakistan will follow a consultative approach involving key stakeholders, including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP), Midwifery Association of Pakistan (MAP), and Neonatology Group of Pakistan Paediatric Association (NN group of PPA). A team of core experts from these professional bodies will provide technical oversight for the guideline revision process. Technical advisors from WHO Geneva and EMRO will also offer necessary assistance as required. The guideline review process will be led by a technical consultant/institution, supported by relevant stakeholders.

The team of consultant will:

• Develop an inception report that provides timelines and methodology for the assignment
• Conduct a thorough review for the current Pakistan KMC guidelines and the latest global KMC guidelines
• Synthesize and conduct comprehensive analysis for the available information and revise the Pakistan KMC guidelines and training package in line with the global guidance.
• Facilitate stakeholders' meetings (online and/or in-person, as applicable) to build consensus and validate the documents with country maternal and perinatal health partners (e.g., government, NGOs, UN agencies, professional societies, etc.) at the national and provincial levels
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders' meetings, MOH, WCO, and EMRO/HQ, and finalize the national KMC guidelines and training package.
• Disseminate the KMC guidelines at the national level
• Facilitate the first TOT using the revised KMC training package.

6. Deliverables:

• First Deliverable: Signing of contract (by 15th November 2023)
• Second Deliverable: Presentation and submission of Inception report (by 21st November 2023)
• Third Deliverable: First draft of revised National KMC guidelines and training module (by 30th of November 2023)
• Final Deliverable: Submission of final approved versions of revised National KMC guidelines and training module (by 25th of December 2023)

7. Payment Schedule:

• Completion of Deliverable 1 (0%)
• Completion of Deliverable 2 (30%)
• Completion of Deliverable 3 (40%)
• Completion of Final Deliverable (30%)

8. Technical Supervision

• The selected consultant will work under the supervision of Team Lead HPLC.

9. Specific requirements

Qualifications required:

• Essential: Advanced university degree (Master’s or above) in paediatrics, neonatology, Obstetrics and gynaecology.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 10 years’ experience in neonatal, Obstetrics clinical practice or providing technical support and leadership in antenatal, intranatal and newborn health in Pakistan with a demonstrated contribution and dedication to maternal and neonatal survival, health and development in the country.
• Experience in managing, Labour and delivery, neonatal unit including KMC Centres or neonatal intensive care unit.

10. Language:

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English and the local language.

Other Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications and computer skills including the ability to make high quality technical presentations and report writing.

11. Place of assignment and travel

• This is a local assignment; but domestic travel may be required.

To Apply:

Interested applicants are required to submit a technical proposal.

Do not apply online. The Proposals are required to be submitted in separate sealed envelopes on the following address with the title of assignment on envelope by COB 29th Oct 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

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