National Consultant – Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs)

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Purpose of consultancy

The national consultant, based at the Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division (QARD) of the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare (MOHFW), will provide day to day coordination and technical support for the development of national Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) including coordinating the guideline development process on the ground, liaise with local clinicians and stakeholders, and support the contracted technical firm, MOHFW and WHO throughout the project.

Background

Access to standardized, evidence-based clinical guidance is essential to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare delivery. Currently, variations in clinical practices, inconsistent prescribing patterns, and limited availability of updated treatment protocols contribute to disparities in patient care and increased risk of adverse outcomes in the Maldives.

The growing burden of both communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) highlights the urgent need for nationally endorsed Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs). These guidelines will serve as the reference for clinicians at all healthcare facilities, promoting rational use of medicines, reducing unnecessary clinical variation, and improving patient outcomes.

Deliverables

1. Serve as the day to day focal point at QARD/MOHFW for the STG development project available during government working hours.

2. Provide a monthly progress report to QARD/MOHFW leadership and WHO on the status of STG development process.

3. Facilitate access to any existing local data, clinical treatment protocols, and institutional resources required by the technical firm/agency to support the initial drafting process.

4. Assist in organizing and conducting consultations and technical review meetings with clinicians and experts.

5. Coordinate and liaise between the technical firm/agency and local clinicians, professional associations, and other stakeholders.

6. Track reviewer comments through the peer review and validation workshops process and ensure timely completion of review cycles.

7. Compile and document feedback from clinicians and stakeholders for incorporation into draft guidelines.

8. Oversee logistics for stakeholder consultations, technical review meetings, and validation workshops (venue, invitations, attendance, documentation).

9. Prepare submissions for internal MOHFW review and endorsement of the finalized guidelines by the end of the assignment.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from a recognized institution

Registration with the Maldives Medical and Dental Council (or equivalent regulatory body)

Desirable: Postgraduate medical qualifications or any other certification in public health, epidemiology or health systems strengthening

Experience

Essential:

· At least 1 year of relevant professional experience in clinical practice and/or public health.

· Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, including coordinating meetings, workshops or consultations with clinicians and other health professionals.

Desirable:

· Familiarity with clinical guideline development, adaptation or review processes, including prior involvement in developing or reviewing clinical protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), or treatment algorithms.

· Experience working within MOH, a government health institution, or WHO/UN agency.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential: Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert)

Essential: Proficiency in English (written and spoken) and Dhivehi (spoken).

Location

On site - During government working hours at Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare (Roashanee Building, Sosun Magu, Male’)

Travel

The consultant is not expected to travel internationally, however if local travel is requested for any orientation workshop the cost of accommodation and travel will be provided.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded)

· Remuneration - National consultancy Pay Band @NO- A (44,950 MVR monthly)

· Living expenses – Not applicable

· Expected duration of contract – Nine months starting in July 2026 till March 2027

Additional Information

· This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· A written test may be used as a form of screening.

· If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

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· Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.

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This assignment is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station/assignment location.