Consultancy services to develop a written document for integration strategies of tier-specific diagnostic testing for the animal, environment, and human health sector — Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project Using the Multiphase Programma

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI Ministry of Health and Sanitation REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION Country : Malawi Name of Project : Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program Project ID No : P505187 Assignment Title Consultancy services to develop a written document for integration strategies of tier-specific diagnostic testing for the animal, environment, and human health sector Reference No. : MW-MOH-573848-CS-INDV Date of Issue : 7th October, 2026 Background The Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health is implementing the Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience project (MHEPRR). The project is financed by the International Development Association (IDA) and Global Financing Facility (GFF). The five-year project seeks to strengthen the capacity and resilience of Malawi’s health system to prevent, prepare for, detect and respond effectively to public health emergencies. It places particular emphasis on strengthening multisectoral coordination, surveillance, laboratory systems and other core capacities required for health emergency preparedness and response. Laboratories across human, animal and environmental sectors are essential for surveillance, diagnostics, research and response, but often function in silos, leading to fragmented data sharing, inconsistent protocols and inefficient resource utilization. Harmonizing these laboratories strengthens collaboration, improves early detection systems, and supports evidence-based policies at national, regional and global levels. The MHEPRR Project therefore seeks to engage a consultant to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing laboratory landscape and develop a strategic framework for strengthening inter-sectoral laboratory collaboration in Malawi. Objectives of the consultancy Main objective: To develop and provide clear, actionable strategies and a framework for strengthening inter-sectoral laboratory collaboration to achieve more effective, efficient, and sustainable health outcomes in Malawi. Specific objectives: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current state of inter-sectoral laboratory collaboration, identifying existing mechanisms, gaps, challenges, and opportunities. Engage with key stakeholders to understand their perspectives, roles, and potential contributions to collaborative One Health initiatives. Develop a strategic framework that outlines different levels of collaboration in areas of communication, partnership, integration, and potential mechanisms like joint committees, policy agreements, and others. Provide concrete, evidence-based recommendations and action plans for implementing a strategic framework that includes specific activities such as achieving SLIPTA 3-star accreditation, strengthening point of entry laboratories, establishing national proficiency testing programs, etc. Scope of work Conducting a situational analysis of existing diagnostic and laboratory services. Identifying opportunities for test integration, economies of scale, and cost savings. Proposing recommendations for policy harmonization and coordination. Providing technical advice and supporting stakeholder interaction. Developing strategies to integrate tier-specific testing for human, animal, and environmental health. Specifically, the consultant will perform the following tasks: Analyze existing policy documents, reports, and strategic plans related to health and development. Identify and analyze the roles, interests, and potential influence of key stakeholders from different sectors: human, environment, veterinary, plant and wild-life health. Conduct in-depth interviews with senior officials and experts from relevant sectors. Facilitate participatory workshops with stakeholders to build consensus and gather insights. Develop a detailed report outlining the collaboration framework, strategies, and implementation plan. Present the draft findings and recommendations to stakeholders for feedback and validation. Deliver a final, comprehensive report incorporating all feedback and detailed action plans. Deliverables The consultant is expected to produce the following: Inception report: A document detailing the consultant's understanding of the TOR, proposed methodology, work plan, and timeline. Data collection and analysis report: A report summarizing data collection findings and the stakeholder mapping of roles, interests, and influence. Draft collaboration strategy: The main report presenting the harmonized strategic framework, recommendations, and action plans. Final collaboration strategy: The final validated report, including all annexes such as interview and workshop summaries. Deliverables and Timelines Deliverables Timelines Acceptance Criteria Responsible Inception report 7 days after signing contract Report demonstrates a clear understanding of the TOR and objectives; includes a sound methodology and analytical framework; identifies key stakeholders across human, animal, environmental, plant and wildlife health sectors; includes appropriate data collection tools; provides a realistic work plan and timeline PHIM/PIU Data Collection and Analysis Report 30 days after approved inception report Report provides a comprehensive assessment of existing diagnostic and laboratory services and inter-sectoral collaboration mechanisms; identifies gaps, challenges, opportunities and duplication; presents stakeholder mapping covering roles, interests and influence; identifies opportunities for test integration, documents consultation findings; and provides evidence to inform development of the collaboration strategy. PHIM/PIU Draft Collaboration Strategy 10 days after approved analysis report Strategy provides a clear and practical framework for collaboration across human, animal, environmental, plant and wildlife health sectors; defines roles and responsibilities; proposes appropriate coordination mechanisms; identifies opportunities for integrated testing and shared services; includes evidence-based recommendations and prioritized action plans; and includes timelines and proposed resource requirements. PHIM/PIU Final Validated Collaboration Strategy 10 days after the approved draft collaboration strategy Final strategy that will incorporate feedback from stakeholders and from the validation process. PHIM/PIU Consultant qualifications and experience The consultant should possess the following: An advanced degree (Master's or higher) in Laboratory Sciences, One Health, Public health, Health System Management or other health related fields. Minimum of 5 years proven experience in health systems strengthening, strategic planning, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, preferably in a developing country context. Demonstrated experience in conducting research, stakeholder engagement, and developing actionable strategies. Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills. A strong understanding of the dynamics and challenges of inter-sectoral laboratory work. Demonstrated experience in developing national or regional laboratory networks. Proven ability to work with One Health approaches and integrated disease surveillance. Experience in areas like disease outbreak investigation, antimicrobial resistance, or specific diagnostics is highly desirable. Excellent technical knowledge in diagnostics, laboratory systems, biosafety and Biosecurity. Duration of the assignment The assignment shall be completed within 120 calendar days . Management and supervision The consultant will be hired under the terms of the MHEPRR Project and will be supervised by the Public Health Institute of Malawi, in collaboration with the Project implementing Unit, solely for the purpose of delivering the agreed outputs. The Ministry, as the client, shall provide the necessary support to the consultant to facilitate the execution of the assignment throughout the consultancy period. This support will include: Access to relevant project documents necessary for the execution of duties under this consultancy. Contact details of relevant stakeholders. Regular progress updates will be required to ensure alignment with the project objectives and timelines. 9. SELECTION METHOD The Consultants will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section I, paragraphs 1.9 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations” Selection and Employment of Consultant under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants by World Bank Borrowers, July 2016 Revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“Procurement Regulations”- Consultant Guidelines) , setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Further information can be obtained at the address 9 (a) below during office hours from 08.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 16.30 hours local time, except on Weekends and Public Holidays SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Expression of Interest, clearly marked on the outer envelope with EoI name and reference number must be delivered to the address at 9 (b) below and deposited in the tender box located at Ministry of Heath, 2nd Floor at or before 10:00 hours local time on 28th October , 2026 9 (a) Address for Clarifications and Further Information The Chairperson Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Health Procurement Unit – Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program (MHEPRRP) Ground Floor, Room No. 17 Capital Hill Circle, Lilongwe, Malawi. Attention: Procurement Specialist Email: andrewngwend@gmail.com cc: lingonda@gmail.com 9 (b) Address for Submission of Expression of Interests The Chairperson Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee, Ministry of Health Headquarters, Tender Box: Second Floor, Capital Hill Circle, Lilongwe, Malawi.