Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organizational Context
Globally, over one billion people cannot access the health services they need because they are either unavailable or unaffordable[1]. In low and middle‐income countries, shortage of health workers, inadequate skill mix, and uneven geographical distribution of the health workforce are some of the key obstacles and reasons for non‐achievement of the health‐related Development Goals and many unmet needs of vulnerable communities. Addressing these challenges is essential for progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 3 to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well‐being for all at all ages”.
Industrialised countries, with ageing populations and high prevalence of the chronic disease, unequal distribution of healthcare resources, and staffing, will require the sharing of responsibilities with non‐health professionals and volunteers. More than 71 % of the deaths globally (i.e., more than 41 million) each year are due to Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Although people of all age groups, regions, and countries are affected by NCDs, more than 32 million NCD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries Tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets are the key risk factors for NCDs. It is also evident that people with pre-existing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the COVID 19. Prevention, control, early detection, screening, treatment and management, community-based care, and support like palliative care, are critical to addressing NCDs. Community mobilisation, private‐public‐people partnerships with the formal health system, safer drugs, and new information technologies all present new opportunities to tackle these issues. Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) volunteers have a personal understanding of people’s needs, circumstances, and overall social context. As community‐based humanitarian organisations and auxiliaries to the public authorities, National Societies are well-positioned to strengthen the link between vulnerable communities, thanks to their volunteers, and the formal health system.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) along with its National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have a long history of implementing health programs on NCDs and delivering services at the community levels. By using simple tools adapted to the local context and realities of different settings (development, emergencies, and protracted crises/ fragile settings), RCRC network volunteers at community levels can be mobilized to address these needs. Their role complements that of their government, and they are thus in a unique position to pioneer the implementation of NCD integrated prevention and care programs [1] WHO. The world health report—health systems financing: the path to universal coverage. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2010.
Job Purpose
IFRC seeks a consultant with technical expertise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and public/ global health to support the development of NCDs vision, Framework, and evidence-based Care in Communities Services delivery packages for Red Cross and Red Crescent Network.
The purpose of the consultancy is to support IFRC in revising and updating the existing IFRC NCD vision and framework and develop the operational components and priorities for the RCRC Network for all settings (development, emergencies, and protracted crises/ fragile settings). Developing evidence-based care in communities service delivery packages for community-based management of NCDs and the IFRC position paper on the role of NS volunteers working as community-based health workers in early diagnosis and screening of NCDs are key deliverables of this consultancy.
The vision, framework, NCD care in communities’ packages, and position paper will be developed for IFRC and RCRC National Societies, their program managers, other staff, and volunteers involved in planning, designing, and implementation of community health programs and interventions for NCDs.
This is an integral step in aligning and operationalizing Health and Care Framework, Community health strategy, Care in Communities guidelines, Community engagement, and its broader strategies in health and care, all in a view to supporting strategy 2030. Objectives of the consultancy
To revise and update the current NCD Vision and framework and develop the operational components and priorities for various settings (i.e., development, emergencies, and protracted/ fragile contexts) to facilitate the implementation of the framework for IFRC and RCRC National Societies.
To develop an evidence-based essential community health service delivery package for RCRC staff and volunteers providing NCDs care in communities for different settings focusing on secondary and tertiary prevention, care and support, screening, management, follow-up, palliative care, etc at the community levels using various task shifting, sharing and role delegation approaches.
To develop a position paper on the role of NS volunteers working as community-based health workers in early diagnosis and screening of NCDs in various settings.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Deliverables:
An inception report aligned with the TOR to demonstrate a clear understanding and realistic plan of work for the assignment,
RCRC network NCD vision, the framework with operational actions and priorities to implement in different settings.
Evidence-based NCD Care in Communities package for RCRC network
Position paper on the role of NS volunteers working as community-based health workers in early diagnosis and screening of various NCDs
Proposed steps to follow
Desktop research and review of existing tools and resources.
Review of existing Red Cross tools and studies as per different contexts
Consultation and interviews with various RCRC stakeholders including IFRC Geneva and field offices, National Societies in different regions, and other key stakeholders like academia, WHO, etc.
Submit the initial draft for feedback
Submit the second draft incorporating the feedback.
Final draft and presentation after incorporating the feedback and inputs.
Finalise and submit all deliverables.
Management of the consultant
The consultant will be line managed by the IFRC Senior officer, Care in communities, Health and Care Department, Geneva. The position may be home-based with travel to Geneva (if needed).
Proposed time frame The consultancy will be for 45-50 working days starting from 1st Jan 2021 to 31st Mar 2021 Minimum Requirements for the consultant
Education
• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Public Health/ global health
• Medical/nursing/clinical university degree
Experience
• Strong knowledge and expertise in noncommunicable diseases, community health, and care in the community
• At least 5-10 years of working experience in the humanitarian or development sector, with a focus on non-communicable diseases, community health, and care in communities.
• Experience in working with the RCRC movement
• Experience in noncommunicable diseases in emergencies/ humanitarian (conflict) setting is a plus
• Experience in practically applying knowledge into policy, programs, and positioning
Knowledge, skills and languages
• Fluent in English. Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish, or Arabic) is a plus • Displays gender & diversity sensitivity and adaptability
How to apply:
If you are available, please apply on this link before 15th January 2021.