Short-term International Consultant to develop National Clinical Practical Guidelines in Psychological Interventions for mental health in Viet Nam
Call for Expressions of Interest and Proposal
VN048 A Short-term International Consultant to develop National Clinical Practical Guidelines in Psychological Interventions for mental health in Viet Nam
1. Background
In line with these policy documents, the MoH recently approved Circular No17/2022/TT-BYT issuing regulations on mental health examination and treatment of health facilities. These regulations took effect on 15 February 2023 and expands the scope of mental health services offered in the community to include non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) such as psychological interventions (PIs) These regulations also support the further integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). To support its implementation, clinical practice guidelines are needed to inform the implementation of PIs in community settings and capacity building activities. The Medical Service Administration (MSA), the focal point of MOH to develop the clinical practice guidelines on PIs asked technical and financial support from WHO to develop the guidelines. The MSA also asked WHO’s support for development of related regulations such as licensing HCWs and scope of practice on PIs for each type of HCWs.
To develop the guidelines, MOH will establish a drafting committee chaired by a leader of MSA. Members of the committee are experts from related Department of MOH and national institutions. A working group will also be established to support the Drafting Committee in the development of the guidelines. After the draft of the guidelines is available, the MSA will organize some consultation meetings to get comments to finalize the draft and then submit them to MOH for approval.
2. Planned timelines.
Start date: 25 September 2023
End date: 31 December 2023
3. Work to be performed.
Deliverables:
Deliverable 1:
1A) Finalizing technical report drafted by local consultant(s) describing the current status of delivery of non-pharmacological interventions for mental health in Viet Nam, focusing on psychological interventions (PIs). The report will be based on a review of relevant literature, technical reports from government and other stakeholders, and empirical findings from a scoping mission to Viet Nam that will be organized with the Ministry of Health and local consultant(s)/team.
1B) Analysing the need assessment for the clinical guidelines for PIs from different stakeholders (MOH, psychiatrists, psychologists, MD, etc) at different levels of health system in Vietnam (commune, provincial, national, etc). Recommendations from the report will provide the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines on PIs for mental health in Viet Nam.
Deliverable 2:
Technical report describing the recommended process for developing clinical practice guidelines and a proposed outline of the guideline document. The report will include (1) literature review of the clinical practice guidelines for PIs in the world, particularly LMIC; (2) technical notes (e.g., comments or inputs on draft documents, presentations, etc); (2) summary reports from meetings and consultations, conference with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders during the period of assignment.
Deliverable 3:
Draft national guidelines on PIs for mental health in Viet Nam. The practical guidelines will include but not limited to (1) general principal for PIs, psychological assessments and diagnostic, evidence-based interventions, management, as well as the qualifications of the providers; (2) clinical protocol for specific mental health problems. The draft guidelines will comprise approved chapters from the proposed outline incorporating feedback from meetings and consultations, expert feedback and other inputs gathered during the period of assignment.
These guidelines will be developed with the support of the Ministry of Health and local consultant(s).
Methods and tasks to carry out the proposed scope of work include, but are not limited to, the following:
The international consultant (IC) will work with the local consultant(s) as a team to develop the specific methodology for each deliverable, for example the criteria inclusion for literature and desk view, interview guideline for the need assessment, etc. The IC will review global and regional strategic and technical guidance, scientific literature, existing global and regional goods, training materials, and other relevant technical or policy documents; serve as technical secretariat for the development of clinical practice guidelines on non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on mental health in Viet Nam providing technical oversight and inputs; develop technical reports as specified in the list of deliverables; participate in country support missions, meetings and consultations; participate in regular teleconferences with WHO (frequency to be determined) for the duration of the assignment; collaborate with relevant units on the implementation of project activities; and other tasks that may be assigned as appropriate.
At least two visits to Viet Nam will be arranged during the period of assignment (NB: exact dates to be determined):
- A 1-2 weeks scoping mission early in the assignment to support the development of a technical report describing the status of delivery of NPIs on mental health in Viet Nam.
- A 1-2 weeks project implementation mission to support a technical consultation on the development of clinical practice guidelines for NPIs on mental health in Viet Nam.
Timeline and days of work:
25 September 2023 to 31 December 2023, total of 60 working days or three days a week.
4. Specific requirements
Qualifications required:
Essential: Postgraduate degree in medicine, social sciences; preferably with knowledge of psychiatry, psychology, behavioral science, sociology and/or public mental health.
Desirable: Postgraduate training in public health.
Experience required:
Essential: At least seven years of work experience in public health, health promotion, psychiatry, psychology, behavioral medicine and/or programme management.
Desirable: Experience with the UN system or international organizations.
Skills and knowledge:
Public mental health, psychiatry, health promotion, health system development, research and technical writing, and networking.
Language requirements:
Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
Competencies
- Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others, actively listens. Produces effective written communication and ensures that information is shared.
- Producing results: Produces and delivers quality results. Action-oriented and committed to achieving outcomes/outputs.
- Moving forward in a changing environment: Open to, and proposes, new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change.
5. Place of assignment:
The selected consultant will be working offsite for the period of assignment, except for two 1-2-weeks country support missions to Viet Nam (NB: exact dates to be determined). While the consultant will be working remotely to perform the tasks related to this activity, the consultant will be required to have regular interaction with the technical unit at the Viet Nam Country Office and local consultants(s) via teleconference on the fulfilment of the above-mentioned deliverables.
6. Travel
The Consultant is expected to travel to carry out missions in Viet Nam, as conditions allow in light of COVID-19. All travel arrangements will be made by WHO and WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.
Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.
7. Medical clearance
- The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
Those who are interested can submit the following documents:
- Most updated CV.
- Technical proposal with detailed budget break-down
Please indicate post title and vacancy notice # and should be addressed to:
Administrative Officer
World Health Organization
UN Building, 304 Kim Ma Street,
Hanoi, Viet Nam
OR
Before/by 11 September 2023.
For further information on this TOR, please contact:
[email protected]