Development and update of Vaccine management protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines for FSM

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Application deadline 3 years ago: Tuesday 29 Sep 2020 at 11:55 UTC

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

For every child, a champion

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a group of 607 small islands, 65 of which are inhabited, located in the Micronesian region of the Pacific. FSM is divided into four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, which are spread over approximately 3 million km. FSM had a population of 105,000 as of 2016. The population is relatively young (with 35 per cent below 15 years), but out-migration and a reduction in fertility rates have recently led to a decline in the proportion of individuals aged 0–19 years old. A large proportion of FSM's population lives in Chuuk State (47 per cent) and Pohnpei (35 per cent). A total of 77 per cent lives in rural areas. FSM is highly prone to disaster and climate risks, including tropical cyclones and droughts. FSM is one of a number of PICs that is in a Compact of Free Association with the United States of America (US).

How can you make a difference?

Immunization coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases remains low in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), with only three out of 12 recommended vaccines reaching coverage rates above 90 per cent. In 2018, the proportion of children aged 12-23 months vaccinated for diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT3) was 75 per cent while measles containing vaccine (MCV 1 and 2) were estimated at 73 and 48 per cent respectively (JRF 2018). Immunization coverage is particularly low in Chuuk State, compared with the other three states. While the number of cases of vaccine preventable diseases in FSM is generally low, there were multiple outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases between 2010 and 2105, including a measles outbreak in 2013.Between 2010 and 2015, there were also major declines in reported vaccination coverage, and this is said to be due to more accurate data collection and reporting.

UNICEF provided technical assistance to conduct the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) Assessment in 2019. The EVM assessment identifies the key strengths and weaknesses in nine different areas of vaccine management at each level of the vaccine supply chain and makes recommendations to address any gaps. In response to the gaps, FSM developed a comprehensive EVM improvement plan for next 5 years. As per the approved plan UNICEF will provide technical and financial assistance to update and develop Vaccine management protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines for effective vaccine management. This will strengthen the capacity of the FSM National and State Health Departments in effective vaccine management, application and usage of standardized documentation adapted to FSMs unique operational context and strengthen the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DoHSA) immunization programmes through system strengthening for delivery of effective vaccines through a well-maintained cold chain system.

UNICEF Pacific is seeking a qualified and skilled international consultant for FSM to provide technical assistance to the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DoHSA) to update and develop Vaccine management protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Guidelines for FSM National and State health departments to achieve and sustain recommended global minimal standards for improved vaccine management.

Scope of Work

UNICEF in agreement with the DoHSA will provide in kind technical support to facilitate the process in addition to financial support for the stakeholder consultative processes. The technical expert will update and develop vaccine management protocols, SOPs and guidelines (including tools and registers for wastage documentation and management, SOPs for maintenance, cleaning, handling, shipping ice lines, cold boxes).

The consultant will conduct a desk review of all current documents and tools, taking into consideration improvements made since the 2019 EVM assessment utilizing an extensive consultatory process involving key National and State level stakeholders. A One-on-one stakeholder meetings will also be done with key informants, remotely and on the ground to begin incorporation and or development of new SOPs, policies or guidelines as needed. Finally, after all documentation has been reviewed and updated in each state using a participatory approach, the final set of documents will be presented to the State and then back to National level. UNICEF will provide support to Government for the process as agreed in the annual work-plan.

The deliverables and results from this consultancy will be used by the DoHSA to strengthen routine immunization and to increase the immunization coverage, through the provision of technical assistance and a participatory consultative process, the health workforce will be equipped with up to date vaccine management guidelines, protocols and SOPs for improved vaccine management to be assessed against a benchmark of performance standards with the following questions to be answered:

1.What is the status of existing vaccine management guidelines, protocols and SOPs since the EVM assessment?

2.What additional vaccine management guidelines, protocols and SOPs need to be developed and/or updated to the National and State specific contexts?

3. What context specific adjustments and/or additions are to be made to the current set of National and State level guidelines, protocols and SOPs to bring them up to date with recommended international standards?

Applications: Interested Candidates must submit along with their Cover Letter and most updated CV, a financial proposal for the consultancy.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

  • An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher)/Post-graduate qualifications in medical science and public health, or equivalent
  • 8 years experience working in low- or middle-income settings in implementing immunization programme
  • Specific and proven expertise in developing strategies, guidelines and SOPs, technical training, routine immunization, new vaccines introduction, logistics, supply chain, cold chain and related areas.
  • Minimum of 5 years working in child health, working in child health in low- or middle-income settings, an advantage
  • Familiarity with WHO/UNICEF guidelines in child health and immunization
  • Experience working in an international development context, particularly PICs, an advantage
  • Proficiency with relevant Windows-based technology at a high level, especially Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work independently, under pressure, and within deadlines, including strong planning and coordination skills
  • High-level communication and cross-cultural skills
  • Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

Added 3 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org