Role: Reviewing Verbal Autopsy Forms to assign Cause of Death 

Number: 3 (Three)

Duration: Tentatively two months part-time  

Location: Population Division of Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu or as assigned 

Reporting to: Senior Technical Advisor  

Background: 

Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), in collaboration with Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), and with financial and technical assistance from the development partners (USAID, UNCEF, UNFPA, WHO, GIZ and UKaid-NHSSP) is undertaking the Nepal Maternal Mortality Study following the Census (NMMSC) 2021 in order to confirm the cause of pregnancy related deaths and consequently, determine the true number of maternal deaths (MMSC 2021). USAID’s Strengthening Systems for Better Health Activity is supporting MoHP in assigning cause of death based on the filled-in Verbal Autopsy (VA) forms. The VA form used for the study is Available Here

Objectives and scope of the Assignment 

Review all the completed forms for assignment of cause of death following the ICD-11 coding. Two independent experts will review the VA forms and assign cause of death and in cases where the cause of death assigned by the two experts differ, the forms will be reviewed by a third expert independently and agree on the cause of death. Internationally standardized and MoHP agreed protocols and norms for VA should be followed. Confidentiality of all the information accessed in VA forms should be maintained as per the ‘Statistics Act 2015’. MoHP and SSBH/USAID will provide necessary guidance by organizing orientation sessions to the experts on detailed approach and task.

Eligibility:

• Medical degree in Gynecology and Obstetrics with registration with Nepal Medical Council. Additional research and public health courses and experience preferred.   
• Prior experience in assigning cause of death, maternal verbal autopsy, maternal health research preferred and able to work flexibly as per the need of the assignment 

Application Process:

Eligible and interest individuals should submit an expression of interest, updated CV (not more than 3 pages, including a list of two references)

SSBH is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and culture. Individuals from minority groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the further selection process. Canvassing at any stage of the process shall lead to automatic disqualification.