CONSULTANCY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOMALIA REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH COMMODITY SECURITY (RHCS) TRAINING CURRICULUM

1. Introduction to PAC

PAC has established itself as a leading provider of medical aid during humanitarian crises. In addition, PAC recognizes that short term emergency interventions are only a part of a solution to the health care crises that many countries face. We place a strong emphasis is placed on training and equipping local medical staff and hospitals to better support the building of healthcare infrastructure in the countries that PAC works in. By increasing local capacity, PAC ensures that the legacy of its humanitarian work continues.

PAC –Somalia has been operating since 2011, within the SRHR field and works closely with FMOH and receives funds from UNFPA and other partners to support MNCH/SRHR activities in Somalia. To date PAC has funds to support the capacity building of the in service and pre-service activities that are geared to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality of the vulnerable population.

2. Background

Availability and access to high-quality, affordable health commodities are fundamental to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services and the wider goal of universal health coverage.

Reproductive health commodity security (RHCS) is a crucial aspect of public health that ensures individuals have access to affordable, high-quality reproductive health supplies when and where they need them. This encompasses a wide range of products, including contraceptives, maternal health supplies, and medicines for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

RHCS exists when every person can choose, obtain, and use quality contraceptives and other reproductive health supplies whenever they need them. Key elements of RHCS include supply chain management, policy and advocacy, financing, access and availability, and monitoring and evaluation. All these are critical for the delivery of quality reproductive health services.

The purpose of reproductive health commodity security (RHCS) is to ensure that all individuals have reliable access to a consistent supply of affordable, high-quality reproductive health products and services. This is essential for the realization of reproductive rights, the enhancement of public health outcomes, the promotion of gender equality, the attainment of sustainable development, the strengthening of the health system, and the addressing of equity and accessibility. It ensures that reproductive health supplies are available and accessible to all individuals, supporting their health, rights, and well-being.

Reproductive health commodities are essential to the provision of quality reproductive health services. Effective Commodity Management which includes rational selection, efficient procurement, effective logistics management systems, and promoting rational use is important to ensure improved access to essential Reproductive Health medicines and medical supplies. It is crucial in enabling the availability of the right commodities at the right places at the right times and for all the clients. However, in Somalia, only limited efforts have been carried out to support effective commodity management.

The purpose of the Integrated Reproductive Health Commodity Management Training Curriculum for RHCS managers and service delivery point personnel is to address this gap by facilitating training of healthcare workers to improve and strengthen the management of Reproductive Health commodities which will eventually lead to mainstreaming management of Reproductive Health Commodities.

3. Purpose of the consultancy

This consultancy aims at developing a Trainer’s Participants’ Manuals of the Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS) Curriculum for Somalia that is based on evidence and proven best practices for training health managers, health workers and procurement and supply chain teams to strengthen the management of Reproductive Health commodities and improve commodity management knowledge and skills at all levels of the supply chain.

4. Scope of the assignment

Working closely with the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, PAC, and other RHCS partners, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Develop the RHCS training curriculum (Facilitator guide and Participants Reference Manual)

The training curriculum will cover but not limited to the following topics:

• Supply Chain Management
• Procurement and Supply Chain Guidelines, tools, and standards
• Quantification (Preparation, Forecasting, Supply planning)
• Waste management and disposal guidelines.
• Rationale use of Medicines
• Quality Assurance of RHCS
• Coordination
• Monitoring and evaluation.

2. Conduct a validation workshop for the developed curriculum.

3. Train Trainers on the newly developed and validated curriculum in Puntland, Somaliland, and the Federal government of Somalia

5. Deliverables:

1. Final Training curriculum (Trainer/ Facilitator Guide and Participants Reference manual/ Curriculum)

2. Training Reports for TOT training in the Federal government of Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland

3. Relevant Checklists, Job Aids and Standard Operating Procedures

   6. Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree in pharmacy, procurement, Health supply chain management, and any other Social Sciences or related field.
• 5 years of experience in increasing responsibilities at the national level in RHCS ideally, in logistics systems, public sector pharmaceutical supplies management in developing countries
• Knowledge of Public Health sector pharmaceutical program management at national and sub-national levels, especially in policy & management, Selection, Access, Quality Assurance, and Rational Drug Use is an asset.
• General knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of Integrated Reproductive healthcare.
• Health sector-specific experience, including Experience with Public Health systems in developing countries, Health Commodity Supply Market, Logistics, and inventory management related to pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, based on sound Supply Chain Management principles.
• International experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the Somalia context is an asset.
• Evidence of similar assignments undertaken. Past traceable references of similar assignments (strategy document development, reviews, and evaluations).