1. Detailed Description of Tasks to be Performed:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in Vietnam's private healthcare sector, fueled by prevalent over-the-counter sale and use of antibiotics without prescriptions. This misuse contributes to the soaring rates of AMR infections, adding to the existing challenge of antimicrobial-resistant diseases in the country. Vietnam's healthcare system, consisting of four primary levels, faces an additional hurdle with the unofficial 'fifth level' represented by private pharmacies and drug outlets serving as the initial point of care. Despite regulatory requirements for prescriptions, unregulated sales of antibiotics driven by consumer demand persist, exacerbating the issue.

Thus, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive report of literature review and stakeholder consultation aimed to evaluate and strengthen the regulatory framework governing antibiotic prescription and usage in Vietnam's private healthcare sector, effectively addressing AMR. The activity involves an in-depth literature review, engagement with stakeholders, comparative analysis of global strategies, and the formulation of evidence-based policy recommendations.

FHI 360 is seeking a qualified local consultant to collaborate with the Global Health Office (GHO) of Ministry of Health (MOH) in Vietnam, focusing on conducting a literature review and engaging with stakeholders to assess and potentially enhance the regulatory framework governing antibiotic prescription, dispensing, and usage in Vietnam's private healthcare sector, with a focus on addressing AMR. The ideal candidate should possess expertise in Medicines or Public Health, and have a good understanding of AMR/AMU.

2. Objectives:

Under this scope of work, the consultant is expected to achieve the following objectives:

• Collect current regulations, academic literature, and successful global regulatory approaches in the private healthcare sector's antibiotic usage (ABU).
• Collaborate with the Senior Consultant to develop policy recommendations and an action plan for strengthening regulations related to antibiotic prescription and usage in Vietnam's private healthcare sector.

Note: Additional deliverables and working days may be included in a contract modification to align with the agreed-upon plan

3. Scope of work and expected deliverables:

#	Scope of work	Deliverables	Days	Due Date
1	Collecting and sorting out all existing regulations, guidelines, and academic literature on antibiotic use and successful regulatory approaches from other countries controlling antibiotic use (ABU) in the private healthcare sector.	A list of the existing regulatory framework for antibiotic use in the private healthcare sector in Vietnam, and summary of international best practices in regulating antibiotics in private sectors.	14 days	20 Nov 2023
2	Attend and report the meetings with stakeholder to: Identify core interventions, regulatory models, and strategies adaptable to the Vietnamese context Conduct a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis.	Minutes of the meetings with stakeholders which include the following contents: Stakeholder insights and concerns related to antibiotic regulation. Policy recommendations for strengthening regulations on ABU in private sectors.	5 days	4 Dec 2023
3	Collaborate with the Senior Consultant in developing policy recommendations and an action plan for strengthening regulations related to antibiotic prescription and usage in Vietnam's private healthcare sector.	Contributing to the development of an action plan outlining the implementation steps for proposed changes.	8 days	18 Dec 2023
4	Preparing materials and facilitating a consulting workshop with Senior Consultant to review the report,  share findings, and validate recommendations  with stakeholders.	Set of documents in the consulting workshop Contributing to the final policy review report and implementation plan	8 days	26 Dec 2023
		Total (days)	35 days

 

Location of work

Hanoi, Vietnam. Travel to other localities will be upon request.

Qualifications

• Master level, background in Medicines, Policy, Public Health.
• 3 years of experience in Public Health or related fields..
• Understanding of national and international regulations, guidelines, and relevant academic literature on antibiotic use in both public and private healthcare sectors.
• Good analytical and report writing skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience working with government agencies under MOH or international organizations in Vietnam or similar contexts is desirable.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the applicants’ experience and qualifications as detailed above.

Required Documentation

Proposals must include the following components:

• Applicant’s CV and highest-level degree
• Letter of interest that briefs relevant qualification and experience
• Proposed daily rate
• FHI 360 Biodata form

Application

Application to this call should be submitted by email to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected] no later than 5PM October 30th, 2023 with subject line “FF_ Literature review and stakeholders consultation”

All prospective vendors must comply with the safeguarding policies of our organization. Any violations of the policies may result in immediate contract termination without liability for the organization.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

FHI 360 Disclaimers

• FHI 360 may perform a background check on any selected candidates
• FHI 360 may cancel the solicitation and not award
• FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received
• Issuance of the solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by FHI 360
• FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on failure of the offeror to follow solicitation instructions
• FHI 360 will not compensate any offeror for responding to solicitation
• FHI 360 reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion
• FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities
• FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition
• FHI 360’s supplier terms and conditions can be found here while our consultant terms and conditions can be found here 

Organization: FHI 360
Location: Hanoi
Application deadline: 2023-10-30
Send application to: [email protected]; [email protected]