Call for consultancy: Consultant to develop an AMR Action Plan for Environmental Health

1. Detailed Description of Tasks to be Performed:

The Prime Minister's recent approval of the National Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Prevention and Control underscores the growing importance of addressing AMR in environmental health. This strategy, spanning 2023 to 2030 with a vision towards 2045, emphasizes a comprehensive approach to managing AMR across humans, animals, and the environment. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), through its Pollution Control Department (PCD), is tasked with leading efforts to address environmental factors contributing to AMR. To ensure the successful implementation and ongoing monitoring of this strategy, with a vision towards 2045, the MONRE recognizes the need for developing AMR action plan in environmental health (EH) sector in the period 2024 - 2030.

Thus, FHI 360 seeks for a consultant expert to assist the PCD to provide technical expertise to support the develop of the AMR Action Plan for the EH sector. This includes overseeing the integration of feedback, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring that the action plan meets national and international standards. Specifically, the consultant will work with FHI 360 and PCD to facilitate the implementation of the above services, including reporting to project according to the scope of work in the table below.

2. Objectives:

The specific tasks for this position include but are not limited to the following: 

• Develop a comprehensive framework: Collaborate with the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) to draft a detailed framework for the AMR Action Plan for the environmental health (EH) sector, covering 2024-2030.
• Assess current regulations and policies: Review and analyze existing legal documents, policies, and research on antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment to evaluate current management practices.
• Conduct international best practices research: Research and draft a report on international experiences in managing antimicrobial resistant bacteria, highlighting relevant lessons for Vietnam.
• Design and execute surveys: Develop and implement tools and methodologies for surveying sources of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in environmental settings, and compile findings into a comprehensive report.
• Facilitate Consultation meeting/workshop for stakeholder engagement: Organize and summarize feedback from internal and external stakeholder meetings to refine the AMR Action Plan.

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:

#	Tasks	Deliverables	Days	Due Date
1	Collaborate with the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to develop the initial framework for the AMR Action Plan in Environmental Health (EH)	Draft framework for AMR Action Plan in EH	3	30 Sep 2024
2	Review, update and analyze existing legal documents, policies, and available research to evaluate the management of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment Identify the roles and responsibilities of MONRE and relevant stakeholders	List of legal documents, international and domestic researches on antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment; Draft comprehensive overview report update on policies, laws, and current management practices of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment with specific roles and responsibilities of MONRE and relevant stakeholders	7	15 Oct 2024
3	Conduct a comprehensive review of international best practices for monitoring antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment. Develop indicators, action plans, and evaluation criteria for AMR monitoring in the environment in Vietnam	Draft report on international best practices in managing antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the environment	8	30 Oct 2024
4	Develop initial survey tools and plans; conduct surveys and assess facilities discharging antimicrobial resistance into the environment (including healthcare facilities, livestock farms, aquaculture, pharmaceutical/food processing facilities…), and evaluate the AMR situation in the environment	Initial survey plan and tools; Draft survey results report	10	15 Nov 2024
5	Organize internal meetings to review and discuss the draft action plan (involving experts, consultants, FHI360 representatives, and PCD representatives); participate in meetings and compile feedback	Meeting plan and agenda; Meeting minutes	3	20 Nov 2024
6	Consolidate relevant information and materials to develop the draft Action Plan for AMR surveillance in the environment (2024–2030); develop an implementation plan and budget/resource estimation	Explanatory Report and Proposal on key elements for the implementation of the environmental Action plan for AMR Surveillance.	10	10 Dec 2024
7	Organize a technical meeting to gather feedback on the second draft (involving related agencies, units within and outside MONRE, and relevant international organizations); participate in the meeting and compile feedback; finalize the draft	Meeting plan and agenda; Summary report of stakeholder feedback	3	15 Dec 2025
8	Develop a plan and program for an extended meeting with broader stakeholders (including agencies within and outside MONRE, Environmental Monitoring Centers, and Provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment); coordinate and participate in the meeting	Meeting plan and agenda; Summary report of stakeholder feedback	3	15 Jan 2025
9	Organize a meeting to review and finalize the main deliverables and draft decision (involving related agencies and units within and outside MONRE); consolidate feedback and finalize the draft Action Plan	Meeting plan and agenda; Summary report of stakeholder feedback	3	10 Feb 2025
		Total (days)	50

Location of work: Hanoi, Vietnam.

Travel: The consultant is not expected to travel.

Qualifications

• Master degree in Environment, Biology or Chemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental policy development, including the creation of indicators and targets for ecological strategies, as well as expertise in drafting national action plans, strategies, environmental monitoring networks, and technical guidelines for environmental monitoring.
• Strong experience in conducting literature reviews, stakeholder consultations, and data analysis related to environmental indicators and targets related to environmental ecology.
• Previous experience working with PCD, government agencies or international organizations in Vietnam or similar contexts is desirable. Environmental Quality Management Division (EQMD) or One-Health focal point at PCD reference ‘s letter is higher consideration.
• Familiarity with national and international guidelines and best practices on AMR prevention and control.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

 

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 September 20th, 2024 with subject line “FF-Consultant – AMR Action plan in EH”
• 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

 

Organization: FHI 360
Location:
Application deadline: 2024-09-20
Send application to: [email protected]; [email protected]