Consultant – Critical Care Expert, Brazzaville, Congo

Consultant

Critical Care expert

( 2212059 )

Contractual Arrangement : External consultant

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : Six (6) months

Job Posting: Jan 23, 2023, 11:56:41 AM

• Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has unmasked significant critical care gaps, such as the lack of appropriate critical care infrastructures and equipment such as ventilators, patient monitors, and oxygen devices, as well as the low numbers of HCWs with critical care training in the WHO African region. In addition, gaps in primary health care (PHC) remain, especially in responding to emergency care, and these gaps are leading contributors to mortality, negatively impacting the management of COVID-19 and other health emergencies. It is estimated that between 10 and 15% of patients infected with SARS-CoV2 progress to a phase of severe or critical illness. In this phase of the pandemic, appropriate care is essential. This includes invasive or non-invasive mechanisms to provide oxygen, drugs and other critical nursing care for patients survival therefore the importance of having skilled resources to support this area of work from the WHO regional office.

• Job Description

*Purpose of the Position

As key member of the COVID-19 IMST team, the purpose of the consultancy is to provide the necessary support to member states and partners in assessing, addressing and documents major operational gaps in terms of provision of Intensive care services in the region.

Under the direct supervision of the COVID-19 IMST Case Management pillar lead, and the overall guidance of the COVID-19 Incident Manager, the incumbent will support member states in assessing and addressing the operational gaps for the timely and effective provision of intensive care to COVID-19 patients. The selected consultant w ill support the development of guidelines, protocols and standard operating procedures for ICU care, admission criteria and referral. In addition, the incumbant will support the learning and documentation processes of main actions conducted in countries for the reinforcemet of the Intensive Care services in some selected member states.

*Summary of Assigned Duties

Under the direct supervision of the COVID-19 Case management pillar lead and the regional COVID-19 Incident Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following duties:

• Conduct regular assessment of ICUs capacities and identification of key operational and strategic to be addressed for improving the quality of ICU care in selected countries
• Support the establishment and reinforcement s tandardized care procedures in the Intensive Care Unit of member states.
• Support the training and capacity building of doctors, nurses and other professionals working in ICUs.
• Provide bedside training in the management of patients requiring intensive care and resuscitation.

• Contribute in the development and rolling out of more adapted training curruculas on ICUs in the region
• Assess and address the availability of equipment and working conditions in ICUs in member states
• Perform any other duty assigned by the supervisors for supporting the COVID-19 response and readiness of member states countries in the African region

3. Recruitment Profile

Competencies: Generic

Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required

(See WHO competency model

list in order of priority, commencing with the most important

ones.)

• Teamwork;
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences;
• Communication;
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Functional Knowledge and Skills

*Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position

• Demonstrated skills in and knowledge of clinical care for COVID-19 management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques of public health, communicable diseases and health service delivery.

Education Qualifications and required experiences

Essential

A Bachelor of Medicine from a recognized University with a specialization in critical care, anesthesiology or emergency medicine from a reputable university.

Desirable

Additional degree in global public health.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ related experience, at the national and international level, working on the managing critical care patients. A demonstrate experience in the organization and management of critical care services will be an asset.

4. Use of Language Skills

Languages

Expert knowledge of English or French language and a working knowledge of the other.

Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.