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1.    Area of expertise: 

Non- Communicable Disease (NCD)

2.    Purpose of consultancy

To assist in leading a systematic operational review in Somalia, with the central goal of generating a strategic action plan and recommendations. This strategic plan will guide the health system’s response to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country throughout the upcoming years.

3.    Background  

Despite some improvements in Somalia's peace and security situation following the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in 2012, the overall stability remains precarious, largely due to the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabab. The country faces a significant challenge with approximately 2.9 million people estimated to be internally displaced nationwide, making Somalia one of the nations with the highest numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) globally, as reported in the Somalia Humanitarian Needs Overview for 2021 (1).

Armed conflicts and natural disasters continue to be primary factors driving humanitarian needs, and they are expected to maintain this status in the years ahead. Climate-related crises are likely to trigger additional waves of displacement and place further strain on already vulnerable communities, especially those located in disaster-prone areas. 

The provision of health services in Somalia continues to rely heavily on humanitarian partners, who both fund and deliver a substantial portion of healthcare to the population. In cases where funding falls short, there is a risk of the deterioration of the basic standards of primary healthcare services. An increasing share of healthcare services is provided by the fast-growing private sector, a significant potential provided that a regulatory framework is established – ongoing work – and health insurance schemes are put in place – in future plans.    
 
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are estimated to be responsible for approximately 24% of deaths within the Somali population. This figure highlights the substantial impact of NCDs on the health and well-being of the people of Somalia (2).

In the efforts to rebuild the health system, Somalia recognized the heightened importance of addressing NCDs. The operational review aims to highlight efforts, drawing lessons learned to guide the strategic direction for health system strengthening for NCDs and creating a customized NCD roadmap to tackle Somalia's specific context.

1 OCHA. Somalia Humanitarian Needs Overview. 2021. Accessed at: https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1011#:~:text=Strategic Objectives&text=Sustain the lives of 4,by the end of 2021. 
2 World Health Organization. Noncommunicable Diseases in Somalia. Country Profile 2018. Accessed at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/ncds/som_en.pdf?sfvrsn=5a7b336e_38&download=true

4.    Deliverables

Output 1: Conduct a comprehensive operational review of the healthcare system response to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Somalia during the crisis.
Deliverables: 
1.1    Create a structured and detailed review outline that includes key areas of focus, objectives, and the scope of the analysis. Design the background for the analysis taking into account the country’s health sector strategies and plans and the Essential Package of Health services (Somalia EPHS 2020) as the service delivery framework, as well as considering the peculiar approach of the humanitarian response and overall the opportunities for the humanitarian-development nexus. 

1.2    Conduct situation analysis to capture the current and previous NCD efforts and response through different modalities including desk review of key documents, focus groups, national and international from humanitarian and developmental support.

1.3    Prepare a summary report of the findings from the interviews, focus groups, and document review. Highlight key observations and significant points that will inform the roadmap. 

1.4    Document stories from the field and lessons learned in efforts to tackle NCDs during the crisis.

1.5    Facilitate the operational review workshop to present and discuss the healthcare system response to NCDs, the development of strategic recommendations, and the way forward.  

1.6    Present the situation analysis results during the planned workshop in Mogadishu. 

1.7 Develop a structured report of the workshop including presentations, participants, discussions, and key recommendations.

Output 2: Provide technical advice and assist in formulating a strategic roadmap to promote for resilient system to efficiently address NCDs care within the crisis and post-crisis context.
2.1    Identify and prioritize key areas for improvement of integrated service delivery and reinforcement of the health system for NCDs in Somalia, drawn from the situation analysis results and workshop discussions.
2.2    Develop the operational review report to act as a foundational reference document for NCDs in the forthcoming years of recovery and building back better, incorporating stories from the field, lessons learned and recommendations, and clear way forward agenda.

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: 
Bachelor’s Degree in medicine, public health, or related field with experience in NCD management.
Desirable: 
Advanced university degree in one of the above fields.

Experience

Essential: 
5 to 6 years of experience in health situation analysis, developing strategic documents, or in research, writing, and modeling.

Desirable: 
•    Leading or participating in operational reviews.
•    Working with international organizations or governmental agencies.
•    Developing strategies for NCD management in resource-constrained settings.
•    Advocacy and policy development related to NCDs.
•    Track record of research or publications in NCDs or public health.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

•    Good knowledge of the setup of Somalia’s health system
•    Good communication, research, analytical and writing skills

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Somali and English proficiency are required. Arabic is an asset.  

5.    Location 

On site: The consultant will be based at the WHO country office in Mogadishu, Somalia

6.    Travel 

N/A- In case travel is to be undertaken, the travel unit in the country office will make the travel arrangements. 

7.    Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

a.    Remuneration: 
Pay band level: at national level equivalent to NO-C level 
Remuneration currency: USD

b.    Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year): 3 months.

Additional Information:

•    This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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•    A written test may be used as a form of screening.
•    If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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