Consultant to develop the implementation Plan for the Multiple First-line Treatment (MFT) Strategy in Rwanda.

Consultant to Develop the Implementation Plan for the Multiple First-line Treatment (MFT) Strategy in Rwanda

1. Background

Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing the malaria burden over the past decade. However, recent evidence has confirmed the presence of partial artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites circulating in the country. This development poses a serious threat to the efficacy of existing artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the cornerstone of malaria treatment.

To address this emerging threat and preserve the efficacy of ACTs, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the adoption of the Multiple First-line Treatment  strategy. MFT involves the simultaneous use of more than one ACT as first-line therapy, distributed across different geographic or demographic segments. This approach aims to reduce drug pressure on any single treatment regimen and delay the further spread of resistance.

In line with this guidance, Jhpiego in collaboration  with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) is taking steps to develop a nationally tailored MFT implementation plan. This plan will guide the structured and evidence-informed rollout of MFT as part of Rwanda’s malaria control and elimination strategy.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this consultancy is to design a detailed implementation plan for the roll-out of the MFT strategy in Rwanda, aligning with national malaria strategic plan, Jhpiego-supported interventions, and international best practices.

3. Scope of Work

Over a period of 10 working days, the consultant will:

• Conduct a rapid desk review of national malaria policies, WHO MFT guidance, and relevant program documentation,
• Consult with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, RBC/Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, WHO, and implementing partners,
• Assess the current ACT deployment landscape and determine system readiness for MFT implementation,
• Identify key operational, logistical, and regulatory considerations for successful roll-out.
• Define stakeholder roles and responsibilities.
• Draft a costed, time-bound implementation plan with monitoring indicators and risk mitigation strategies,
• Present a draft for validation and revise accordingly

4. Deliverables

1. Inception Report – outlining approach, timeline, and stakeholders to be consulted (within first 2 days)
2. Draft Implementation Plan – for review and stakeholder feedback in 8 days
3. Final Implementation Plan – incorporating all feedback in 10 days

5. Duration and Location

• Duration: 10 worked days (within a 3-weeks period)
• Location: Kigali, Rwanda, with possible remote work for consultations and document drafting

6. Management and Reporting

The consultant will be contracted by Jhpiego Rwanda and will report directly to the Jhpiego UNITAID STOP AMDR Project Director , with oversight and technical input from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) – Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division.

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Pharmacy, or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of proven experience in malaria control programs, with a strong focus on antimalarial drug policy, deployment, and MFT strategy
• Demonstrated experience supporting Ministries of Health or working with organizations such as WHO, PMI, or other global health partners
• Demonstrated a similar consultancy work in the past and provided certificates of completion as evidence
• Solid understanding of ACT-based treatment policies and malaria program implementation
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and technical writing skills
• Experience working in Rwanda or in similar settings is an advantage

8. Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit:

• A detailed CV outlining relevant experience
• A cover letter expressing interest and availability
• A technical proposal with details
• A financial proposal must be submitted in Rwanda Francs, daily rate and cost of entire work

Submission Deadline: 5 days
Submit Applications To: iCIMS