Consultant, Research (Enhance Vaccine Access)

Join us to enhance vaccine access in Africa through research and strategic insights.

Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Open positions at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
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Overview

Join us to enhance vaccine access in Africa through research and strategic insights.

You have:

  • Experience with improving vaccine access in Africa, especially in the focus countries.
  • Strong background in conducting research and understanding of market dynamics in vaccine procurement.
  • Excellent communication skills in English and French for stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience in management consulting or working with government entities.
  • Advanced degree in life sciences or global public health is desirable.
  • Proficiency in conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses for the vaccine strategy.

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of over 800 changemakers, operating in more than 40 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

The Tony Blair Global Institute for Change is looking for a qualified and experienced research consultant to join our Africa Advisory teams on a project to enhance vaccine access in Africa, and to support our Global Health programs in Africa. The Research Consultant– Enhancing Vaccine Access will work with our Africa Advisory leadership, and the Senior Manager for Health Programs for Africa, and is expected to work closely with our Global Clients Solutions – Health Team and our Policy and Politics team.

TBI will be working in 5 focus countries across Africa (Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and Zambia) with various stakeholders to generate insights and improve strategies to enable improved and cost-effective vaccine uptake. This role will involve engagement with senior levels of Government, private sector, multilateral health entities and coordination across multiple TBI teams. The post holder will also be expected to consider how to incorporate learnings from their primary programme of focus into TBI assets and approaches going forward.

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience working with African governments and institutions, regional or international organizations, or private sector entities on improving vaccine access. They should understand the stakeholder landscape related to vaccine procurement and distribution in Africa, particularly in the focus countries. The candidate should have comprehensive knowledge of strategy, policy, and challenges surrounding vaccine access in Africa, including regional and national initiatives aimed at advancing pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing. Experience in vaccine procurement strategy and product access in African countries is preferred.

The position is for six months, candidates must be based or have the right to work in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal or Zambia. Candidates may be expected to travel.

The role starts as soon as possible on the identification of a suitable candidate.

Key Responsibilities

This senior position at TBI requires a candidate experienced in one of the five focus countries of the study, with a background in projects aimed at increasing vaccine uptake and access. This includes experience with programs such as the Extended Program for Immunisation, Ministries of Health, National Public Health Institutes, Pharmaceutical or Medical Supplies Agency or international organisations addressing these issues.

The consultant will be expected to lead the delivery of the scope of work agreed in one of the focus countries included in this research study. Key responsibilities will include:

  • Working closely with the senior advisor leading the study to adapt the scope and methodology to fit the context in the focus country (Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal and Zambia)
  • Leading the collection and analysis of key qualitative and quantitative data, including conducting literature review and analyses of vaccine strategies, processes, spending related to switching
  • Conducting stakeholder mapping to identify key national and regional players,
  • Leading stakeholder engagement in the focus country with senior government officials, private sector, multilaterals and other key stakeholders
  • Delivering a validated report that brings together the findings and recommendations in a compelling manner
  • Supporting the Technical Lead of the study as is required to enable successful delivery
  • Providing expert advice to TBI Global Health team and partners on vaccine access and procurement strategy and policy in the country context

Person Specification

  • Experience: Experience in undertaking research on vaccine optimization and switching is desirable. Experience in management consulting or centre of government/delivery work in Africa is an advantage. An advanced degree in a relevant subject be an added advantage, for example in life sciences, global public health or natural sciences.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong background in conducting research and understanding of market dynamics and the policy landscape relating to vaccine manufacturing and procurement in the African context. Strong numeracy and analytical skills.
  • Coordination and Stakeholder Management: Experience managing relationship with government clients and wider stakeholders in the vaccine space in Africa independently.
  • Problem Solving & Adaptability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to changing environments and work under pressure. Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multi-disciplinary and diverse teams to achieve project goals.
  • Work Planning and reporting: Develop and maintain a comprehensive work plan, ensuring timely updates and delivery of key milestones. Provide regular progress reports to line managers and stakeholders, while proactively communicating any risks or challenges.
  • Communication: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, networking, collaboration and communication skills, with an ability to develop and foster relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders. Maintain excellent communication with government counterparts and other stakeholders to ensure consistent updates and smooth coordination of data-driven initiatives.
  • Language: Fluent in written and oral English, and proficiency in French where the work is primarily in a French speaking country. Knowledge of other African languages is desirable.

Closing Date:

2025-05-19

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience with vaccine access initiatives in African countries. The interviewer wants to assess your direct experience related to the role's focus. Provide specific examples of projects you've worked on and their outcomes.
How do you approach stakeholder engagement in complex environments? Understanding your strategy for managing relationships is crucial for this role. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you elaborate on a challenging research project you led in the health sector? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to ensure successful vaccine distribution in a focus country? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle data analysis under pressure? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain your understanding of the policy landscape surrounding vaccine procurement in Africa. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to conduct literature reviews for health programs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to adapt your research methodology. What was the situation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 12 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: institute.global