Consultancy Opportunity
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR TB PHARMACEUTICAL MANAGEMENT
Background & Rationale: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Africa is among 22 high burden countries that account for approximately 80% of Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world. The incidence of TB has been steadily increasing in the country, fuelled by concurrent HIV infection and compounded by the emergence of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR) TB. The Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceutical Services (SIAPS) program, managed by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and funded by the United States Agency for International development (USAID), in collaboration with the National Department of Health TB Directorate, wishes to engage a suitably qualified consultant/organization to conduct a national pharmaceutical management for TB (PMTB) assessment in six provinces in South Africa.
Objective: The national PMTB assessment is aimed at assessing those aspects of the pharmaceutical management system that are critical for ensuring availability of first and second line TB medicines in the public sector. The specific objectives include:
a. To assess the status of the TB supply chain, its strengths and weaknesses
b. To document best practices in TB pharmaceutical management
c. To describe the current practice in budgeting and resource planning for TB supply management at different levels
d. To describe the quantification process for TB medicines at all levels
e. To make recommendations for strengthening TB pharmaceutical management
Competency requirements: The consultant or organization will have expertise in medical/pharmacy or public health, with proven track record and the following criteria:
a. Extensive working experience in the field of public health , health systems and policy and programme implementation
b. Have demonstrated expertise of at least 5 years or more in consulting, research, policy and data analysis
c. Experience with TB programme implementation including supply chain management will be an advantage
d. Capacity to conduct an assessment in 6 provinces and present final report with recommendations within an estimated 60 working days from signing of contract
Selection procedure and criteria: The selection process will conform to the USG procurement Integrity Standards of transparency and fairness. Submitted Expressions of Interest will be scored based on eligibility criteria and responsiveness to the guidelines for submission.
Prospective candidates/organizations can request detailed TORs from: Mr Jean-Pierre Sallet, Project Director, Management Sciences for Health (MSH), SIAPS; Ditsela Place; Corner Park and Duncan Streets; Po Box 11471; Hatfield 0028; South Africa. Tel: +27 12 364 0400; Fax: +27 12 364 0416.
Email: [email protected]. A cover letter and proposal must be sent not later than the 24th of February 2012 by email to Email: [email protected]