Sexual and Reproductive Health expert in Lugansk and Donetsk Oblasts

Medicos del Mundo (MdM) has been operating in Ukraine since August 2015 and is currently implementing an emergency response and recovery program in the Eastern part of Ukraine

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is one of MdM's four global strategic priorities and recent studies in Ukraine have highlighted several issues of concern regarding the reproductive health of the nation. Medicos del Mundo is interested in finding the consultant/trainer for implementation the project to strengthen the Sexual Reproductive Health services in Lugansk and Donetsk oblasts.

According to Health reform in Ukraine family doctors are responsible for providing a wide range of services for patients, including some SRH services such as antenatal care for women with normal pregnancies, i.e. those without complications. It's also planned that they will provide advice and counselling on family planning and contraception.

According to WHO there is also a future intention for family doctors to take responsibility for breast and cervical cancer screening.

Primary Health Care's (PHC) staff are very weak in the area of SRH and require additional capacity building on this topic to fill gaps in skills and knowledge.

The consultancy design will require hiring of a national SRH expert, who will work in collaboration with the Health Manager (NGCA) and Medical Coordinator (MedCo).

Objectives of the Consultancy

MdM seeks an experienced training consultant to provide training sessions for PHC staff (family doctors, midwifes, feldshers, gynecologists) throughout MdM geographical reach. Trainings will be scheduled with the consultant on a task order basis based on approved training calendar.

Based on the results of SRH assessment which was conducted in 2018 the following trainings needs were identified: family planning (FP) and contraception, abortion and post-abortion care, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and breast and cervical cancer screening. These trainings will address other SRH issues and topics and how to encourage demand by target populations to seek SRH services.

Essential tasks

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Manager and technical guidance of the Medical Coordinator, the Consultant implements and follows up MdM capacity building activities on SRH in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts of GCA.

Development training materials (modules) and conducting trainings on the following topics:

• "Modern methods of contraception, including emergency contraception". Training for healthcare professionals on modern methods of contraception, with a strong focus on practical skills, at all levels of education.
• "Cervical and breast cancer prevention". Training for PHC level staff, with a focus on practical training, to support them to carry out manual breast exams and cervical smear tests and to ensure they have the confidence to include this as part of their regular work.
• "Prevention of sexually transmitted infections, screening". Training staff to properly use and interpret rapid sexual transmitted infection diagnostic tests.
• "Pre- and post- abortion care, including MH care". Training for health staff at all levels on abortion and post-abortion care, including specifically pre-abortion counselling to support women's right to make an independent decision and to reduce distress for women. Training on recently created protocols on abortion and post-abortion care for all staff as relevant, with a particular focus on improving post-abortion care - including advice and counselling regarding contraception.
• Include psychological support (PS) and mental health (MH) approach on SRH trainings.

Scope of work

Each training session will require the development of a full facilitation outline (module, handouts) in advance and report at end. These trainings usually have 15-20 participants, and need to be highly interactive. Consultant may be requested to follow-up trainings with in-country, on-site technical assistance/mentoring with those trained in the program. This is typically two days of travel with an additional 2-4 days of country outreach, monitoring, and technical assistance provision.

The consultant may be asked to additionally support MdM in the development of SRH tools and methodologies.

Planned number of training to be conducted in 2019-2020.

• 2019

Luhansk oblast - 4 trainings;

Donetsk oblast - 2 trainings;

• 2020

Luhansk oblast - 6 trainings;

Donetsk oblast - 5 trainings;

Qualifications and Experience

• An advanced degree with a Health background;
• Minimum of 3 years' experience of professional working experience conducting educational practices on Health, including SRH topics;
• Experience working with international NGOS and significant experience in remote and hostile environment;
• Excellent oral and written knowledge of English, Russian and Ukrainian

• Cultural sensitivity and political judgment. Experience in managements and establishing educational process in difficult operational environments;

• Good knowledge of reporting requirements;

Compensation

MdM will reimburse the consultant for all costs associated with conducting training activities, as well as directly pay for approved travel costs such as train, car rental, accommodation, and meals. In addition, MdM will offer a nominal fee for services rendered

HOW TO APPLY:

We are looking forward to your applications.

Please submit a cover letter and resume in one document (Word/PDF) and a proposed budget to Відправити резюме no later than 4th August 2019. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.