Development, updating of training curriculum and manual on effective vaccine management in 4 states in 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 hero

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 FSMs 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.

UNICEF provided technical assistance to conduct an Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) Assessment in 2019. The EVM assessment identified 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. The assessment report shows that only few out of the 9 criteria reach minimum 80% in central and all four states. FSM has developed a comprehensive EVM improvement plan for next 5 years. In response to this, UNICEF wishes to provide technical and financial assistance to build the capacity of the Department of Health and Social Affairs and its State level counterparts in EVM. The aim is to contribute to increased coverage of immunization against preventable childhood illnesses. The deliverables and results from this consultancy will be used by the DoHSA to strengthen the outreach services, routine immunization, cold chain management and documentation of immunization services, data management, mentoring, and supervision.

UNICEF pacific is seeking a qualified and skilled international consultant for FSM to strengthen the capacity of FSM National and State Health counterparts staffs in up to date comprehensive effective vaccine management.

Scope of Work

UNICEF in agreement with the DoHSA FSM will provide in kind technical assistance to facilitate the process and fund the travel of national level facilitators to all 4 states for pilot trainings. The technical expert will update and develop, where needed, protocols and implementation guidelines including (wastage documentation and management, SOPs for maintenance, cleaning, handling, shipping ice lines, cold boxes). After each state level training, the consultant will document adaptations for each state in the National Documents ensuring that agreed adaptations are signed off by each state leadership (Director, Private Clinics, Pediatricians, Chief of Public Health). This will strengthen the DoHSA’s delivery of effective vaccines through a well-maintained cold chain, while providing a training package that is adapted and takes into consideration the needs of each of the 4 states.

Through the provision of technical assistance and advice, the National and State level health staff will be equipped with improved vaccine management skills to be assessed against a benchmark of performance standards with the following questions to be answered:

1. What is the status of existing immunization and vaccine management training package for effective vaccine management and outreach activities?

2. What are the health workers knowledge and skills gaps for all components of the effective vaccine management and outreach activities?

3. What additional measures need to be taken by the DoHSA to ensure sustained transfer of health workers knowledge and skills for quality and effective vaccine management and to further improve routine coverage with equity through outreach services?

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

  • An advanced university degree Post-graduate qualifications (Master’s or higher) in medical science and public health or equivalent
  • 8 year's experience working in low- or middle-income settings in implementing immunization programme.
  • Specific and proven expertise in 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

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