JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore in the implementation of activities aiming to address vision and hearing impairments, including increasing access to health services and promoting disability inclusion.

Background

Vision and hearing impairments are significant public health concerns in Malaysia, affecting the quality of life and productivity of those impacted. In addition to strengthening health services to address these sensory impairments, disability inclusion is crucial to ensure that individuals with impairments can participate fully in society.

Vision impairment in Malaysia is a prevalent issue, with an estimated 4 million people experiencing some form of vision loss, including 160,000 who are blind. The primary causes of vision impairment include uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts. Uncorrected refractive errors account for 48% of low vision cases, while cataracts contribute to 36%. Amongst other initiatives, following the global SPECS 2030 initiative, Malaysia has started the MySPECS, which aims to increase effective refractive error coverage.

Hearing impairment is another significant concern, often going unnoticed or untreated. In Malaysia, hearing loss affects individuals of all ages, with a notable impact on children. Approximately 6.6% of children aged 3-12 years old suffer from hearing loss. The consequences of untreated hearing loss include speech and language development delays, social isolation, and poor educational performance. Early intervention and therapy are critical for children with hearing impairment to ensure they develop language abilities, social skills, and academic performance at par with their peer.

While improving access to health services, Malaysia has also made strides in promoting disability inclusion. The Persons with Disabilities Act of 2008 affirms that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public facilities, healthcare services, and recreational activities. Despite these efforts, challenges to health access remain, which the Ministry of Health is addressing through the National Plan of Action for Inclusive Health Care for Persons with Disabilities.

Addressing vision and hearing impairments and promoting disability inclusion in Malaysia requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, healthcare providers, and civil society. By implementing strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration, Malaysia can ensure that individuals with disabilities can lead fulfilling and productive lives.

A consultant is expected to support planning and implementation of activities aiming to improve access to health services related to vision and hearing, including conducting situation assessments and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration, as well as strengthen disability inclusion in the health system.

Deliverables

By working closely with the WCO, WPRO and HQ technical units, the consultant will be responsible for providing high quality technical support to MOH and other partners, to achieve the following outputs:-

Output 1. Support to increase the effective refractive error coverage.
Deliverable 1.1: Conduct a situation analysis using the WHO refractive error situation analysis tool (RESAT), including a desk-based review and stakeholder consultations.
Deliverable 1.2: Develop an activity plan aligned to SPECS 2030 in support of the implementation of MySPECS in Malaysia.
Deliverable 1.3: Organize and facilitate cross-sectoral stakeholder meetings and workshops.
Deliverable 1.4: Support the implementation of the identified activities, including to strengthen health data management.

Output 2. Support to improve the ear and hearing care services.
Deliverable 2.1: Conduct a situation analysis using the WHO Ear and hearing care situation analysis tool.
Deliverable 2.2: Conduct stakeholder consultations and workshops.
Deliverable 2.3: Develop an activity plan to strengthen access to the ear and hearing care services.

Output 3. Support to strengthen health system disability inclusion.
Deliverable 3.1: Advocate for inclusion of evidence gaps around disability inclusion in the next national health research agenda.
Deliverable 3.2: Advocate for collection and analysis of disability-disaggregated data.|
Deliverable 3.3: Support adaptation of health promotion programs and activities for PWDs.
Deliverable 3.4: Facilitate engagement of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in program and activity planning and design.

Other Deliverables
Monthly progress reports
Technical materials (e.g., policy briefs, presentation slides) produced throughout the consultancy period.
Final implementation report written in the specified format.

Methods to carry out the activities

Work with stakeholders within and outside of the MOH and facilitate the discussions.
Conduct literature search, gather data and conduct relevant analysis, draft technical briefs, presentations.
Maintain regular communication and engagements with WHO and with MOH by emails, video calls, face-to-face meetings, etc.
Closely work with WHO and MOH for documentation, such as drafting the strategic plan, guidance notes, progress reports, etc
Provide technical support under the supervision of technical leads in the WHO Country Office and WPRO.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Policy, Optometry, Audiology, Rehabilitation and/or related fields, from an institution or university recognized in the International Association of Universities’ Worldwide Database of Higher Education Institutions, Systems and Credentials (WHED)
Desirable: Postgraduate (Master’s or PhD level) qualification in related field.

Experience

Essential: Minimum three years’ work experience in the areas of optometry, audiology, or other relevant areas.
Desirable: Research experience; Relevant work experience in UN agencies or relevant nongovernmental organizations.

Skills/Knowledge:

Knowledge of the specific or technical area related to obesity prevention and management
Familiarity with the WHO recommendations and frameworks
Good communication skills and a teamwork spirit
Strong writing skills and a good attention to detail
Persistence in follow-up, tact, and diplomacy in working with diverse stakeholders
Languages and level required

Fluent in written and spoken English. Fluency in Bahasa Malaysia will be an advantage.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements