Request for Proposal For Strides Ethiopian Zonal Polio Surveillance Consultants

Request for proposals for STRIDES Ethiopian Zonal Polio Surveillance Consultants. Scope of Work The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity is seeking a zonal polio surveillance consultant to lead polio surveillance activities in Oromia and Somali regions (See Chart below). The zonal polio STRIDES surveillance consultants will work under the day-to-day guidance and supervision of the Project Director. They will provide technical support to an assigned zone for AFP and environmental surveillance activities, including active case search, supervise reporting sites, support AFP case investigation, strengthen implementation of standard surveillance protocols in coordination with existing surveillance structures, support coordination of any outbreak response activities, and evaluate outbreak response activities. This position is field based, and the consultant is expected to work very closely with and support the Zonal Health Department (ZHD), Ethiopia Public Health Institute (EPHI), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), GPEI partners and woreda health offices. The consultants will work under the direction of STRIDES Ethiopia leadership in collaboration with EPHI and GPEI partners to support the following surveillance systems assessment activities: General Provide technical support to the Zonal Health Department (ZHD), Regional Health Authorities, FMOH and EPHI in planning, implementation, supervision and monitoring of AFP and environmental surveillance and outbreak response activities. Assist in training and building the capacity of zonal, woreda, facility and community-based disease surveillance and response focal persons. Catalyze and support the rapid and effective implementation of proven strategies to reduce emergence and circulation of poliovirus and other public health events. Undertake any other related responsibilities as assigned by supervisors. Detailed duties and responsibilities Coordination and Partner Engagement 1. Closely collaborate with government counterparts and multiple levels, EPI team and GPEI partners in polio outbreak investigations and other response activities. 2. Conduct zonal and woreda level surveillance and immunization review meetings with the government and polio partners. 3. Closely collaborate with government counterparts (national /regional polio Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) and GPEI partners in identifying, planning and implementing polio outbreak response activities. Surveillance and Case Detection 1. Identify and engage special populations including internally displaced populations (IDPs) and establish locally functioning surveillance mechanisms to promptly detect events/outbreaks and monitor trends. 2. Keep database of health facilities and other potentially active sites for AFP, jointly make active site prioritization, Zonal risk assessment for polio and other vaccine preventable diseases, develop and implement risk mitigation activities as part of surveillance enhancement in the outbreak and risk areas. Request for Proposals October 20 26 3 3. Make priority-based and well-documented (using mobile/electronic platform) regular active case search and integrated supportive supervision visits to focal sites including IDP camps and conduct AFP investigations and 60-day follow-ups. 4. Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance reports are prepared and transmitted to the next higher level. Outbreak Response 1. Support outbreak response activities; participate in investigations, household surveys, monitoring supplementary immunization activities (SIA) and routine immunization, and other response activities, and ensuring reports are prepared and transmitted timely. 2. Support microplanning activities for outbreak response including mapping of special populations (e.g. internally displaced populations (IDPs), urban slums, refusals, nomads), verification, and establish locally functioning strategies to access all target children. 3. Assist in conducting quality trainings, mobile/electronic based supervision, daily monitoring meetings and sitreps during outbreak responses. Reporting and Documentation 1. Assist in the writing and submission of complete technical reports to the National Polio Eradication Program documenting all the processes of outbreak responses, surveillance (active and passive) and other activities undertaken. 2. Verify, conduct detailed analyses, and facilitate timely submission of epidemiological, surveillance and outbreak response reports to National Polio Eradication Program within the recommended timeframe. Training, Supervision, and Monitoring 1. Support supervision, on-the-job training and monitoring of surveillance and response activities ensuring adherence to guidelines, standard case definitions and tools used. Logistics and Supplies 1. Support logistics and ensure appropriate surveillance supplies and equipment are available at every level (case definitions, case investigation forms, stool cups/specimen bottles, vaccine carriers, etc.) General Duties 1. Carry out any other assignments assigned by supervisors. Note: Selected contractors will be given a monthly transportation stipend to cover active surveillance activities in targeted zones. A true and accurate accounting of these funds will be required on a monthly basis to reconcile travel-related expenses. Tender Link : https://solicitations.fhi360.org/ConsultantSolicitation.aspx