Consultant - Newborn and Child Health - (2300979)

Purpose of consultancy

To contribute to the implementation of the MCA-coordinated multi-center, multi-country research projects for:

1. the management of possible serious bacterial infection in young infants < 2 months of age.
2. the management of childhood pneumonia.   

Background 

• iApproximately 2.4 million neonatal deaths still occur globally. Neonatal infections are a major cause of death. Of nearly 7 million cases of PSBI / suspected clinical neonatal sepsis, nearly 10% die. To improve PSBI management in young infants, currently, MCA is coordinating two large multicentre, clinical trials to evaluate the antibiotic regimens, appropriate place of therapy and duration of hospitalisation. The research sites are in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India (two sites), Nigeria, Pakistan and Tanzania. 
• ii. Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children and contributes to around 800,000 under-five deaths. 
• To increase access to appropriate and timely treatment of pneumonia MCA supported two large community-based multicenter, multi-country research trials [Enhanced Management of Pneumonia in Community (EMPIC)], which showed positive results, which have been published. In the second phase, MCA is now supporting implementation research for evaluating enhanced community case management of pneumonia in a programme setting in four countries i.e., Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Malawi.
• MCA is also coordinating observational studies to document the existing pneumonia case management practices and clinical outcomes at health facilities in children in light of the current WHO pneumonia guidelines in six countries i.e., India, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda, and Zambia.
• MCA, under Pneumonia Research Partnership to Assess WHO Recommendations (PREPARE) project, is undertaking an in-depth analysis of pooled data from several regions of the world. The findings of this in-depth analysis will help MCA to review the current algorithm for pneumonia diagnosis and treatment at the first-level health facility level.

Deliverables: 

Output 1.  Contribute to the implementation of the PSBI research study. 

• Facilitate the online refresher training for the research staff. 
• Provide technical input to the study sites by responding to project implementation queries. 
• Monitor the progress of the study and finalize the site monitoring report.

Output 2.  Contribute to the implementation research of enhanced community case management of pneumonia in community programme settings.

• Provide technical input to the study sites by responding to project implementation queries. 
• Monitor the progress of the study and finalize the site monitoring report. 
• Facilitate the refresher training as needed. 

Output 3.  Contribute to the observational research of pneumonia case management at health facilities.

• Provide technical input to the study sites by responding to project implementation queries. 
• Monitor the progress of the study and finalize the site monitoring report. 
• Provide support and facilitate the refresher training as needed. 

Output 4.  Contribute to the analysis and writing the results of the PREPARE project.

• Contribute to the development of draft manuscript (s). 

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• Advanced degree in medicine or epidemiology, or public health from a recognized university. 

Experience

Essential:

• Over 10 years’ relevant experience in pediatrics’ research or epidemiology, or public health. 

Skills

Essential:

• Knowledge of Integrated Management of Childhood illness (IMCI) and Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM).
• Skills in research methodology.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage converging priorities and deliver high-quality products under tight deadlines. 
• Ability to present clearly in oral and written presentations.

Languages required:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: 

• Intermediate knowledge of French.

Location 

Off-site - Home based. 

Travel 

The consultant is expected to travel. 

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration:

Band level C - USD 500 – 625 per day.