Short Term Consultant - One Health Governance

Summary

The Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS) under the USAID Integrated Health Systems IDIQ helps low- and middle-income countries transition to sustainable, self-financed health systems as a means to support universal health coverage. The project works with partner countries and local stakeholders to reduce financial barriers to care and treatment, ensure equitable access to essential health services for all people, and improve the quality of health services. Led by Abt Associates, the five-year, $209 million project will build local capacity to sustain strong health system performance, supporting countries on their journey to self-reliance and prosperity. The LHSS Activity in Jamaica is working with the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) to enhance the nation's preparedness and response to global health threats, particularly emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and pandemics. Due to its geographic position and limited pandemic preparedness infrastructure, Jamaica is increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks of EIDs of potential global significance. Land use change—including agricultural degradation, mining, and other harmful human activities—increasingly disrupts the balance among human, animal, and environmental health. Climate change has prolonged drought and intensified storms. Additional threats are posed by deforestation and landscape fragmentation caused by human encroachment into natural habitats due to economic development, mining, and tourism. In this context, outbreaks of zoonotic vector-borne diseases, such as Zika, chikungunya, and dengue have become more frequent. In Jamaica, there is increasing recognition of the importance of the One Health model, but the country lacks a cohesive, integrated approach to addressing health challenges across the public and private health and non-health sectors to prevent, detect, and respond to EIDs. In light of this, LHSS, seeks the expertise of a consultant to: Develop recommendations for a robust and adaptable One Health governance model tailored to Jamaica’s context and need. Provide recommendations, technical inputs and concepts for the development of a One Health policy based on the current GOJ’s policy guidelines and requirements. Develop a One Health concept paper that will act as a foundational document for future policy development Note: LHSS reserves the right to issue one more or consultancies through this terms of reference. DURATION OF CONSULTANCY: February- June 2025

Responsibilities

LHSS is seeking a local short-term consultant to:

• Task 1 – Develop Recommendations for a One Health Governance Model:

  • • Developing recommendations for a One Health governance model tailored to the Jamaican context. Conduct a situational analysis of Jamaica’s existing governance platforms, leadership structures, communication and information-sharing platforms, and institutional roles and responsibilities among stakeholders related to human, animal, and environmental health.
  • • Develop a practical and evidence based One Health governance model that integrates these sectors at the national and sub-national levels.
  • • Suggest actions and strategies for the implementation of the One Health model, including a proposed leadership structure, communication and information-sharing platforms, and institutional roles and responsibilities.

• Task 2 – Provide Recommendations for a One Health Policy:

  • • Prepare a concept paper on One Health that will inform a One Health policy. The concept paper will serve as the first step in the GOJ’s policy development process, providing an evidence-based rationale for establishing a One Health policy.
  • • Review Jamaica’s existing health policies, strategies, and legislative frameworks relevant to One Health (human health, animal health, environmental health, agriculture, etc.).
  • • Conduct consultations with relevant One Health stakeholders to gather information on the gaps and areas for integration or improvement on which the policy will address.
  • • Develop a One Health concept paper based on the GOJ’s policy development process, which must include;
  • • Develop a One Health concept paper based on the GOJ’s policy development process, which must include; An Action Plan, which outlines timelines and resources for development of a One Health policy. a proposed Policy Steering Committee and terms of reference outlining its mandate, membership, functions, reporting responsibility and frequency of meetings; and identification of stakeholders and methods to facilitate their participation in developing and reviewing the policy document

• Desk Reviews:

  • • Review existing policy documents, guidelines, and frameworks related to One Health in Jamaica.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  • • Organize and facilitate consultations with key stakeholders from public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, veterinary services, environmental agencies, community leaders, and relevant NGOs.
  • • Gather insights from stakeholders on current policies in relation to One Health.

• Reporting:

  • • Compile a report that includes detailed findings and actionable recommendations (Task 1)
  • • Develop a One Health concept paper that includes the components discussed above (Task 2)

• Deliverable 1:

  • • Compile a report on existing health policies, frameworks, and actionable recommendations for a One Health governance model in Jamaica (Task 1)

• Deliverable 2:

  • • Develop a One Health concept paper that outlines the rationale for and approach for implementing One Health in Jamaica and that reflects the current GOJ’s policy development process (Task 2)

Qualifications

• • Advanced degree in public health, veterinary medicine, environmental health, or a related field.
• • At least 5 years of experience in public health policy, or multisectoral coordination, with a demonstrated understanding of One Health or related areas.
• • Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and qualitative data collection.
• • Familiarity with the health context in Jamaica or the Caribbean region is preferred.
• • Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills.

Additional Information and Instructions

• Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following documents:

  • • Cover letter explaining your fit for the role.
  • • Updated CV with relevant experiences.
  • • Application Deadline

Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following documents: Cover letter explaining your fit for the role. Updated CV with relevant experiences. Application Deadline: January 31st, 2025

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