Malaria Anticipation Project - Research Consultant

Background

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. The Malaria Anticipation Project (MAP) is sponsored by MSF UK through the Manson Unit and being piloted in project locations managed by Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA). The MAP is funded by MSFs Transformational Investment Capacity.

What is the aim of the Malaria Anticipation Project?

In many contexts where MSF works, communities can experience unexpected changes in the timing and intensity of malaria peaks, which presents a challenge for timely and effective operational response planning. There is evidence that different rainfall, floods, and other environmental factors affect malaria transmission and could be a driver of such changes. The Malaria Anticipation Project (MAP) aims to understand if environmental variables and routinely collected malaria data can be used to predict the timing and intensity of malaria peaks using mathematical machine learning-based models. This early warning system can then help MSF teams to better anticipate and act upon any predicted rise in malaria cases with the goal of reducing malaria related mortality and morbidity.

The MAP moves MSF from a real-time monitoring of unexpected peaks/outbreaks to using predictions. Relying on surveillance of malaria cases seen in health facilities is often too late to plan and deploy a timely and effective preventative response. The MAP moves us from reactive to anticipatory action, however using predictions also comes with a level of uncertainty. This is a new way of working for MSF and so the MAP is being carefully piloted and evaluated at each stage.

We are presently piloting the MAP tool in Lankien, South Sudan and will launch in Zamfara, Nigeria, in June 2025. This phase of the project will also produce a toolkit of resources to facilitate the operationalisation and adoption of anticipatory action, develop long-term data architecture and management of the system, and initiate a sustainable business strategy that can support wider scale-up.

Scope of consultancy support required

The project requires an experienced researcher to support the research components of the MAP, including the integration of findings from the study ‘Malaria Anticipation Project (MAP) – community understanding of malaria and its relationship to the environment’ conducted in Lankien, South Sudan. The researcher will help contextualise early action protocols for malaria and update key research documentation. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for writing research articles and providing recommendations to inform future research direction within this project.

This consultancy will be based remotely.

Requirements

1. Finalise the write-up of two MAP articles: one presenting the modelling approach used by partners ARUP and Equal Experts, and the other reporting on a qualitative study conducted in Lankien, South Sudan in 2023, titled ‘Malaria Anticipation Project (MAP) – community understanding of malaria and its relationship to the environment’. Ensure accuracy and relevance by seeking input and advice from field epidemiologists, the Technical Advisory Committee, and other key stakeholders and team members.
2. Ensure delivery of the project’s research objectives and expected outputs, in line with its agreed Theory of Change.

Specific deliverables

1. Development and adaptation of the MAP research protocols and workplans.
2. Having kept abreast of new malaria-related research developments and literature/evidence reviews conducted where appropriate ensuring alignment with the research scope.
3. Evaluation and write up of the MAP research outputs, having gained and incorporated feedback from key stakeholders and resources e.g. reports, peer-reviewed articles.
4. Input provided into MAP communication and advocacy materials for internal and external dissemination of MAP.
5. Project Manager supported where required in delivering workshop and/or engagement events to support the wider adoption of MAP and anticipatory action for health.

Deadline:30 September 2025

Profile of consultant:

Essential:

• Advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, data science, environmental science, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent knowledge or experience of climate change adaptation in health projects.
• Prior knowledge or experience of developing early warning systems.
• Excellent knowledge of research systems, processes, and ethics frameworks.
• Excellent scientific writing skills and in-depth understanding of research dissemination.
• Demonstrated ability to cooperate and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to transfer knowledge effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, oral as well as written.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision and under pressure.
• Fluent in English, written and speech.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver in an international and multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge and working proficiency of Microsoft 365 environment including Teams and SharePoint.

Desirable:

• MSF, or equivalent, experience.
• Previous experience of working in an NGO humanitarian organisation is also an advantage.
• Working knowledge of French desirable.

How to apply

To be submitted:

1. A proposal to include:

• Proposed approach
• A high-level plan
• What you see as being in/ out of scope
• Assumptions made, questions or areas of uncertainty.
• Examples of previous work – provide a summary of similar work that you have developed and delivered before.

2. Your CV.

3. Total fee proposal

Deadline: 15th May 2025

Submit to: admin.mu@london.msf.org