NATIONAL MEDICAL WASTE PROJECT EXPERT CONSULTANT (NPE)
Location :
Home-based, ZAMBIA
Application Deadline :
25-Jul-13
Type of Contract :
Individual Contract
Post Level :
National Consultant
Languages Required :
English
Duration of Initial Contract :
estimated July 2013 – December 2013
Expected Duration of Assignment :
approximately 55 working days
A Project preparation grant (PPG) – as per GEF terminology – has been approved as funding is required to
finalise the Full-size project (FSP) for an Africa Regional healthcare waste project. This FSP would start in
2014. The project on “Reducing UPOPs and Mercury Releases from the Health Sector In Africa” will focus on
4 countries, as per the approval of the GEF Council: Ghana, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zambia.
The PPG is necessary in order to refine the project's objectives, outcomes, and outputs as well as the work
plan, budget and timeline for each of the five project components:

(Regional component) Disseminate technical guidelines, establish mid-term evaluation criteria and
technology allocation formula, and build teams of national experts on BAT/BEP at the regional level;

(National component) Health Care Waste National plans, implementation strategies, and national
policies in each recipient country;

(Regional Component) Make available in the region affordable non-incineration HCWM systems and
mercury-free devices that conform to BAT and international standards;

(National component) Demonstrate HCWM systems, recycling, mercury waste management and
mercury reduction at the model facilities, and establish national training infrastructures;

(Regional Comnponent) Evaluate the capacities of each recipient country to absorb additional nonincineration HCWM systems and mercury-free devices and distribute technologies based on the
evaluation results and allocation formula;

(National and regional component) Expand HCWM systems and the phase-out of mercury in the
recipient countries and disseminate results in the Africa region;

Monitoring, learning, adaptive feedback, outreach, and evaluation.
The PPG grant will be applied to finance consultations, assessments and assistance provided by national
project consultants and technical experts, for the purpose of improving baseline scenario mapping, further
defining the project activities, determining an appropriate execution modality, securing co-financing
resources, and ensuring the cost-effectiveness and global benefits of the project.
The PPG and the FSP are under the Chemicals focal area as it relates to POPs which are covered by the
Stockholm Convention, and will also aim at reducing mercury usage in the medical sector.
The objective of this contract is to be the National medical waste project expert for the Zambia project
component throughout the project preparation phase (PPG).
The preparation of the necessary project documentation for submission to the GEF and UNDP is being
coordinated by the Project Document Coordinating Consultant (PDCC) in consultation with the International
Medical Waste Technical Expert (ITE), the UNDP Country Office in each project country and UNDP’s Montreal
Protocol and Chemicals Unit located in Bratislava.
The national consultant will report to the UNDP Country Office in Zambia and the UNDP’s Montreal Protocol
and Chemicals Unit located in Bratislava. The national consultant will work closely under the guidance of the
international PDCC.
The PDCC will come twice to Zambia. The initial visit is to provide advice/guidance to the national expert and
further explain the methodology and tools (www.gefmedwaste.org) for completing the tasks, participate in
an inception meeting (see next bullet point) as well as have meetings with key project partners. The second
time, the PDCC will participate in the project’s final consultation meeting towards the end of the project’s
preparation phase.
Duties and Responsibilities

Undertake research, data collection and preliminary assessment of Health care waste management
(HCWM) and Mercury (Hg) practices in health care sector in Zambia;

Review and assess national HCWM and Mercury related policies and plans (including a review of
regulatory aspects), existing national strategies and programmes/activities related to healthcare
waste management as well as related national training programmes;

Support the review of the national plan on Health Care Waste Management, make recommendations
for its enhancement and support the drafting of an improved version;

Support the review of the national HCWM Road Map to achieve the national plan (or the
development of a roadmap if none exists in Zambia) – including a timetable;

Identify transport and recycling infrastructures, landfills, and incineration practices in the country.

Make an inventory of past, ongoing and future planned activities related to healthcare waste
management.

Throughout the entire project preparation phase, and under the guidance of the PDCC and the
UNDP CO, identify and establish good relations with project stakeholders, organize and facilitate
regular meetings to provide updates and solicit suggestions, and provide the opportunity for
stakeholders to shape the proposal while creating buy-in and strengthening commitment to the
project; in particular develop excellent working relationships with the Ministries of Health and of
Environment, as well as the UNDP Country Office;

Help the project team identify potential sources of co-financing and subsequently help leverage cofinancing (1) for project implementation from project stakeholders by obtaining official letters of cofinancing. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) requires that for each 1 US$ that is contributed to
the project from the GEF trust fund, non-GEF project stakeholders are expected to commit 4 US$
essential to meet the GEF project objectives. Note that these committed co-financing resources
remain within the ownership of the contributor and are generally not transferred to UNDP or the
project’s executing agency to implement the project;

Assist the PDCC in assessing the current institutional capacity, identify barriers and other obstacles
to enhance HCWM and reduce UPOPs and Hg releases in the country. In particular, review current
national HCWM plans, available budgets and hindrances to implementation;

Using tools/guidance as developed under the UNDP/GEF/WHO global medical waste
project; (www.gefmedwaste.org), estimate current UPOPs and mercury releases at national level;

Support the PDCC and ITE in the development of criteria for the selection of ~ 3 pilot model
facilities in Zambia – selection criteria for model healthcare facilities will have to be in line with the
National Health Care Waste Management Plan and Road Map;
Based on the developed criteria, and under the guidance of the UNDP and WHO office in Zambia and the
PDCC, establish meetings with potential pilot project sites (pilot hospitals), conduct site visits to obtain
additional information and data.
GEF Co-financing comprises the total of cash and in-kind resources committed by governments, other
multilateral or bilateral sources, the private sector, NGOs, the project beneficiaries and the concerned GEF
agency, all of which are essential for meeting the GEF project objectives.
Monitoring and progress controls:
The national consultant should:

Periodically report to UNDP’s Montreal Protocol Unit / Chemicals (Bratislava), the UNDP’s Country
Office in Zambia and closely coordinate and receive guidance on a weekly basis (or as often as
required) from the PDCC (by phone/Skype, etc.);

Participate actively in periodic conference/Skype calls with the PDCC and International medical
waste Technical Expert (ITE) and provide regular feedback to the rest of the international team
consisting of the project’s international experts as well as national experts in each of the project
countries.
Expected outputs and timeline:
Tasks:
Organize an initial stakeholder Inception Meeting

Deliverable: Inception Meeting Report;

Timeline:1 week after Inception Meeting.
Plan for and organize meetings with key national project partners and a number of field visits to potential
pilot facilities during the first visit of the PDCC to Zambia

Deliverable: Summary of meeting minutes;

Timeline: 1 week after mission.
Conduct a preliminary assessment of Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) and Mercury (Hg)
Management in the health care sector in Zambia (incl. assessment of nat. policies/plan/road map, regulatory
framework, training opportunities, infrastructure, etc.)

Deliverable: HCWM and Hg Assessment Report;

Timeline: 2 months after contract signature.
Support the review of the national plan on Health Care Waste Management, make recommendations for its
enhancement and support the drafting of an improved version.

Deliverable: Enhanced version of national HCWM Plan submitted for approval;

Timeline: Towards the end of contract.
Support the review of the Road Map (or the development of a roadmap, if none exists) to achieve the
national plan, including a timetable

Deliverable: (Improved) National Road Map and timetable;

Timeline: Towards the end of contract.
Estimate current UPOPs and mercury releases at national level (and potentially for the 3 model facilities if
their selection takes place during the project’s preparation phase)

Deliverable: UPOPs and Hg release estimates;

Timeline: 3 months after contract signature.
Organise and facilitate regular meetings with national project stakeholders, to provide updates and solicit
suggestions while shaping the project proposal.

Deliverable: Meeting minutes;

Timeline: Regular.
Develop and draft criteria for the selection of 3 model facilities in Zambia

Deliverable: List of criteria shared with and agreed upon by national project stakeholders;

Timeline: 2 months after contract signature.
Based on the developed criteria, establish meetings with potential pilot project sites (pilot hospitals),
conduct site visits to obtain additional information, data as well as photo/video material, and make
recommendations to the international team on which facilities could potentially be included in project
implementation

Deliverable: Reports on facility visits;

Timeline: 1 week after each visit.
Provide support in obtaining official letters of co-financing from the project’s stakeholders, initially by
helping the project team identify potential sources of co-financing and subsequently by helping leverage cofinancing for project implementation from project stakeholders (including but not limited to planning and
organizing for meetings with potential co-financers, explain co-financing requirements, support the drafting
of co-financing letters if requested by stakeholders, follow-up on the signature of official letters) by
obtaining signed official letters of co-financing

Deliverable: Analysis of potential co-financing opportunities at national level; Signed co-financing
letters shared with the project team;

Timeline: Starting after the Inception meeting and finalizing towards the end of the contract.
Organize a final national stakeholder consultation meeting and plan for and organize meetings with key
national project partners and field visits to (pre-selected) pilot facilities during the second visit of the PDCC
to Zambia

Deliverable: Meeting Report;

Timeline: 1 week after Consultation Meeting.
Actively participate in the review of (the) project documentation, provide critical feedback, suggest
improvements and provide requested information and data in a timely fashion

Deliverable: Detailed comments on the draft project document;

Timeline: Towards end of contract.
All tasks should be completed by estimated December 2013. The payment schedule will be agreed with the
selected consultant prior to contract issuance.
Conditions of work:
This assignment is home-based with some local travel within Zambia;
The national consultant will work in close relation with the Country office in Zambia, the PDCC and the MPU
and Chemical unit in the Bratislava Regional Centre.
The PDCC and the MPU and Chemical unit in the Bratislava Regional Centre.
Competencies
Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Treats all people fairly without favoritism;

Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Functional competencies:

Ability to analyse guidance documents, tools, and other resources related to health-care waste
management and occupational health and safety compliance;

Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;

Demonstration of commitment to the Project’s mission, vision and values;

Good writing and reporting skills;

Good presentation skills;

Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations, and to meet tight deadlines.
Required Skills and Experience
Academic Qualifications

A bachelor degree in public health, nursing or a medical professional degree. Or a bachelor degree
in science or engineering with experience related to health care.
Required Professional Experience:

A minimum of 10 years’ previous related professional experience with preference given to
candidates with professional experience in medical waste management;

Five years’ experience working with hospitals, health institutions, and health-related governmental
and non-governmental organizations;

Demonstrated professional experience and expertise in hospital waste management approaches,
including experience in the design and implementation of sustainable, hospital-specific waste
minimization and management programs in one or more countries;

Experience in one or more African countries is an advantage;

Knowledge of existing medical waste management system and challenges in the African region;

Experience in data gathering and research especially in a medical environment;

Experience in other international development project and in working with Government;

Good knowledge of the various types of medical structures present in the country;

Familiarity with chemicals management and the linkage between exposure to chemicals and health.
Language skills:

Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English.
Evaluation of Applicants
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the
combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.
The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and
determined as:

Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and

Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical P11 desk
reviews and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the
Financial Evaluation.
Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 55 points:

Criteria A: Experience in a field related to Health Care Waste Management – max. points: 15;

Criteria B: Academic background and competencies - max. points: 10;

Criteria C: Experience in Africa, working with Government, in a development policy context - max.
points: 5;

Criteria D: Experience in data gathering and research especially in a medical environment – max.
points: 10;

Criteria E: Knowledge of the medical structures present in the country – max. points: 5;

Criteria F: Relevance of the methodology proposed and quality of the cover letter – max. points: 5;

Criteria G: Familiarity with chemicals management and the linkage between exposure to chemicals
and health – max. points: 5.
Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 23,5 points.
Application procedures
Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a
brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work. Please paste the letter into the
"Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application;

Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank
form can be downloaded from
http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload
the P11 instead of your CV;

Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this
announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number
of anticipated working days, travel within Zambia, per diems and any other possible costs). Please
refer to the “conditions of work” section for details on related travel;

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested
materials.
Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred
by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, vaccination and any
other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs within Zambia
must be included in the financial proposal.
Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a
satisfactory manner. Milestones for payment will be discussed and agreed with the selected candidate.
Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to
certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with
the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org
General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under:
http://europeandcis.undp.org/home/jobs
Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.
Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about
the outcome or status of the selection process.