Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 06 Aug 2017
Term of Reference for consultancy
We are seeking the support of a variety of external experts across a large cross section of sectors to support IFRC in developing and implementing a new approach to community and civil society preparedness for epidemic and pandemics. Experts will support the development of new tools, review existing interventions and support on the ground implemenation (as needed) for a multi country epidemic and pandemic preparedness program.
Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organisation established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
To support this mandate IFRC is undertaking a program focused on epidemic and pandemic preparedness in a number of countries at risk.
Large-scale epidemics and pandemics pose a serious threat not only to global health security but also to countries, communities and individuals in their efforts to achieve resilience. Epidemics and pandemics affect all sectors, impacting routine health services, economic and food security, trade, education, civil order, communication, transportation, and many other areas of life. The threat of emerging infectious diseases, including those of zoonotic origin, and the increasing prevalence of diseases previously controlled by antimicrobials and vaccination efforts, is a cause for concern to the global health community. Communities play an important role in prevention, early detection and early response with regard to this threat
Engagement of communities and civil society in epidemic and pandemic preparedness is vital to ensure early response and mitigate impact, including the delivery of normative health services. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or the Federation) is uniquely placed to support whole-of-society epidemic and pandemic preparedness by leveraging its supporting role to 190 National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies.
The IFRC is launching a new program targeting community centric epidemic and pandemic preparedness utilising an all of society all hazard approach. This program will build on existing tools and actions being taken by Red Cross members but also external partners. A number of projects will occur within the program focused on three workstreams. Community Preparedness, Civil Society Preparedness and Private Sector Preparedness. Each project area will be allocated a technical lead that will support the IFRC in ensuring best practice and collaboration within the area of implemenation.
Therefore, we are seeking the assistance of experienced external experts to ensure the program is holistic, evidence based and innovative.
Objective of the consultancy
1.Within the consultant’s area of expertise, provide technical input, review of documents and participate actively as either a lead or sub lead of a work group area.
2.Participate in meetings and working calls as required.
3.Conduct technical field visits to country programs involved in the initial pilot on a needs basis.
Expected outcomes and Deliverables
It is envisioned that the IFRC will contract up to 30 external consultants across a variety of fields as outlined below. A 12-month contract will be issued with an expectation of up to a max of 30 days of work, either remotely or in the field, to be negotiated with each consultant based on availability, expertise and the needs of the field teams.
- Anthropology/ Social Science
- One Health
- Education/ training/ curriculum design
- Public Health – Epidemiology/ surveillance
- Public Health – Community Health
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Health Systems
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Health
- Field and table top simulation Consultant
- Supply Chain/ medical logs
- Risk Communication/ Behaviour Change
- Public relations/ Media training
Management of the consultant
The consultant(s) will be line-managed by the IFRC Global Health Security Team Leader in Geneva. The consultant can be based anywhere in the world with online discussions as necessary with the manager. The consultant(s) are expected to travel to workshop and meeting sites and potential country visits on a needs basis.
Proposed time frame
The proposed time frame is for a 12-month contract, with an initial maximum of 30 days of work.
Desirable Requirements:
- Global leader in area of expertise with demonstration thought leadership and innovative approaches to complex problems
- Epidemic and pandemic experience
- Work with communities is desirable
- Prior experience with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, IFRC and/or ICRC
- Prior experience on USAID projects
- Working knowledge of French language
Application material should include the following documents:
Curriculum Vitae addressing above requirements
Cover letter clearly summarizing your experience.
If applying as part of a team or consultant group, please include CVs of those consultants who would be best suited and are available for this role, daily non-profit rate, and references of three past or former clients with a similar profile.
Recruitment Process
On receiving a CV and cover letter, a short list of candidates will be provided with a formal scope of work per area of expertise will then be provided.
Candidates wishing to continue after reviewing the scope of work will be interviewed and selected.
Notes
The consultant will be contracted by the IFRC and the standard contractual terms will apply.
Agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed at cost in accordance with in the IFRC’s relevant regulations.
How to apply:
Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letters to: Amanda McClelland (amanda.mcclelland@ifrc.org) and Luc Soulié (luc.soulie@ifrc.org).