1. Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of the consultancy is to support the regional trauma operational and advisory team (TOpAT), in data collection, cleaning and analysis, using rigorous scientific methods. This will contribute to the development of the regional trauma and emergency care strategy for WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Under the supervision of the Regional Trauma Specialist, the consultant will be required to make direct contact with a range of stakeholders.
2. Background
There are over 133.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance globally, with 80% of that need driven by violent conflict. The Eastern Mediterranean is the most affected region, with 74.8 million in need, representing 56% of the global total.[1] These complex emergencies have also impacted neighbouring countries, either directly or indirectly. Surging migrant and refugee populations further increase the demands on emergency and trauma systems, while the political context and bureaucratic constraints applied by local authorities can constrain strategic and system planning.
Violent injury contributes a substantial disease burden in the region, especially in the on-going conflicts in Libya, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. High incidence of violent injury requires sophisticated and well-resourced response mechanisms, placing enormous strains on already under-resourced and over-burdened health systems. But traditionally, only a very small number of humanitarian agencies have developed capacities for providing trauma care in conflict settings. Most humanitarian health agencies have not prioritized injury care in conflict because of mandate issues, security concerns and capacity and resource gaps; when non-specialized agencies do engage, it is too often uncoordinated and inconsistent with international standards. But the growing burden of trauma in current-day humanitarian emergencies can no longer be ignored. In several recent major humanitarian operations, WHO therefore has stepped in to lead and coordinate the trauma response.
In spite of the demonstrated effectiveness of WHOs interventions, implementation of trauma services that apply best practice referral pathways and clinical care remains ad hoc and unpredictable, dependent on the technical and financial resources available at the time. WHO is committed to ensure that effective trauma services are consistently established during humanitarian emergencies in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and to use these services to build the longer-term resilience of emergency medical systems.
To do so, in 2020, WHO launched the regional trauma initiative, a high-level, dedicated trauma team that will directly support WHO country offices in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies that have a trauma component. Although the primary focus with be EMR, the trauma team will also be available for technical and operational support to other WHO activities related to trauma and injury world-wide.
3. Planned timelines **
Start date: 1st November 2020
End date: 31st March 2020
4. Work to be performed: Under technical supervision of the Regional Trauma Specialist, the Research Analyst will be responsible for the following key outputs
Output 1: Provide support to the Trauma and Operational Advisory Team by Conducting a desk review of grey and peer reviewed literature published in the last twenty years regarding trauma systems in the Middle Eastern Region.
· Deliverable 1.1. Develop a concept note outlining the rapid literature review objectives and proposed review methodology including key search terms, search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria and analytical approach.
· Deliverable 1.2. Draft a report of the background, methodology and findings of a rapid literature review of grey and peer-reviewed literature focused on examining evidence-based practice of trauma care in conflict in the EMR, taking into account the different components of trauma delivery:**
Prehospital, or referred to as emergency medical system in some countries
Hospital, encompassing emergency department and acute surgery
Post-hospital/ rehabilitation
Inter and intra-coordination
Trauma registry/ information
Output 2. Support the Regional Trauma Specialist in data collection of successes, gaps and challenges in developing operational trauma activities across the eight priority countries.**
· Deliverable 2.1 collect data in collaboration with WHO Country Offices, local NGOs and relevant authorities.
· Deliverable 2.2 Compile the outcomes from the selected eight priority countries and develop a matrix summary of the identified gaps in trauma care
Output 3:Provide support to the data collection, and analysis of data sets concerning trauma activities in a selected country. Work with the TOpAT to produce publishable material.
· Deliverable 3.1 Review the quantitative data available from the Limb Reconstruction Centre and develop a concept note outlining the objectives and proposed methodology and analytical approach.
· Deliverable 3.2 Prepare a report outlining the research methodology and results working with the TOpAT and the field team to produce publishable material.
6. Specific requirements
Qualifications required:
Essential: A Masters degree in epidemiology, biostatistics or related field.
Experience required:
Essential:
At least five years hands-on experience in analysis of health data with at least 2 years' experience at the international level.
Experience in writing technical reports and papers and application of research methods.
Desirable:
Demonstrated experience in quantitative analyses of health and health related outcomes and their determinants, preferably trauma and emergency services
Work and training experience in low- or middle-income countries.
Familiarity with WHO policies, strategies and activities related to measurement of health outcomes
Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:**
· Proven skills in data analysis of a range of data sources. Excellent knowledge of STATA and other statistical applications such as SPSS, SAS or R.
· Ability to work in a flexible manner under pressure to meet deadlines.
· Ability to work in a collaborative manner.
· Clear understanding of implementation methods and implementation science where applicable.
· Clear understanding of research methods
· Concrete skills and background of analyzing large data sets especially from low and middle-income countries.
Language requirements:**
Excellent knowledge English. Arabic is desirable.
7. Place of assignment
Remote
8. Medical clearance
The incumbent will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
9. Travel
No travel will be necessary.
[1] OCHA. Global Humanitarian Overview, 2019.
How to apply:
Please send your CV and cover letter, plus a sample of your published work to: Halimahs@who.int. Please make sure to subject the email as 'Trauma Research Analyst- [surname]', before the 20th October 12.00 GMT.
