Home based: Public health Expert Consultant to support COVID-19 vaccine roll-out - 12 months as from May 2023 - Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECARO)

Consultant Medical & Health Programme & Policy

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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, an advocate

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The objective of the consultants’ support is to assist the health team in specific tasks for the management and coordination of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and to restore routine immunization in the region.

The consultant will report to the Regional Immunization Specialist and routinely liaise with the Regional Health Adviser, as well as the Health and C4D teams at RO and in Country Offices.

Scope of work

Background & Rationale COVID-19 has strongly impacted the ECA region, and Omicron is quickly spreading in all countries in the region. While 46,2% of the population in ECA region is fully vaccinated, there are significant differences between countries, and some countries are lagging with vaccine uptake below 30%.

Different factors are playing a role, to a different extent in each country, in preventing higher coverage: vaccine hesitancy and resistance in the population, including among health professionals and in priority groups; weak capacity of health systems to reach priority groups with ad hoc strategies; lack of coordination among partners to provide effective support (both on improving access and in promoting vaccination).

ECA Regional Office provides continued support to countries to accelerate vaccination uptake, recently better informed by a series of deep dives with each country, to identify the specific issues and provide support to improve COVID vaccination, especially among groups at higher risk of complications and death (to prevent mortality), among health professionals (who are at higher risk of infection and need to lead by example) and among teachers (to keep schools operational). In addition, the Regional Office has initiated regular calls with WHO counterparts, to harmonize support to countries, which require then timely follow ups. Tools to inform communication and behavioral change efforts have been developed and circulated to Country Offices, some of which need support to adapt and implement them. Additional fund-raising efforts are needed to sustain activities in countries to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination uptake.

At the same time, routine immunization has been dramatically affected by the pandemic. Over 90% of countries in the region registered a decrease in coverage within the range of 5-27%. This resulted in polio outbreaks in Tajikistan and Ukraine, while thousands of children are at risk from measles outbreaks. Countries need additional support to restore routine vaccination and improve immunization coverage.

UNICEF ECARO is seeking assistance in the form of a consultancy for 12 months, to provide technical assistance and guidance to countries to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine and restore routine immunization in coordination with other relevant sections in the ECA Regional Office. To ensure that information and documentation flows properly between the country, regional and global level, the consultant will participate in all key global and regional meetings and provide close support to the Regional Office team and countries, in addition to preparing different documents (e.g. developing presentations, briefing documents, analysis of immunization coverage, etc.) and reporting activities.

Work Assignment Overview

Tasks / Milestone******Deliverables / Outputs******Timeline / Deadline• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Follow-up with documentation consultant and COs for case studies

• Immunization country profiles based on 2021 data. • Contribute for the finalization of regional advocacy and communication strategy for Regional Immunization

Monthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days) • Follow-up with documentation consultant and COs for case studies (5 days)

• Immunization country profiles finalized based on 2021 data for all countries of ECA region. (5 days) • Contribution completed for the finalization of regional advocacy and communication strategy for Regional Immunization (3.75 days)

31 May 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region

Prepare: • COVAX meetings discussion points • Covid-19 and RI integration discussion points • COVID-19 vaccination case studies on lessons learned and best practices for covid-19 vaccination & sustaining routine immunization

Monthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

• COVAX meetings discussion points submitted (2 days) • Covid-19 and RI integration discussion points submitted (2 days) • COVID-19 vaccination case studies (12) finalized on lessons learned and best practices for covid-19 vaccination & sustaining routine immunization. (9.75 days)

30 June 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Analyse Data for Compliance of WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunization coverage (WUENIC) 2022 for ECA region.Monthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

Data for WUENIC 2022 analyzed for ECA region. (13.75 days)

July 31 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Prepare COVAX meeting discussion points • Prepare updated regional immunization background note based on 2022 WUENIC dataMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

COVAX meeting discussion points prepared and submitted (2 days)

Updated regional immunization background note based on 2022 Wuenic data (11.75 days)

August 31 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Update regional immunization equity profiles • Develop tools and approaches for improving integrated service delivery modalities at PHC level using home visiting, education and social protection systemsMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

Updated regional immunization equity profiles for all countries in ECA region (5 days)

Development of tools and approaches for improving integrated service delivery modalities at PHC level using home visiting, education and social protection systems is started. Progress report submitted (8.75 days)

September 302023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Prepare COVAX meetings discussion points • Update Immunization country profiles based on recent data • Continue to develop tools and approaches for improving integrated service delivery modalities at PHC level using home visiting, education and social protection systemsMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

COVAX meetings discussion points submitted (2 days)

Immunization country profiles for all countries in ECA region updated based on recent data (6.75 days)

Development of tools and approaches for improving integrated service delivery modalities at PHC level using home visiting, education and social protection systems is advanced. Progress report submitted (5 days)

October 31 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Review and submit CDS report for Ukraine and Moldova • Finalize tools and approaches for improving integrated service delivery modalities at PHC level using home visiting, education and social protection systemsMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

CDS report for Ukraine and Moldova reviewed and submitted to HQ (5 days)

Tools and approaches for improving integrated service delivery modalities at PHC level using home visiting, education and social protection systems finalized and submitted (8.75 days)

November 30 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Prepare COVAX meeting discussion points • Provide inputs to Annual report for COVID-19 vaccine roll outMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

COVAX meeting discussion points prepared and submitted (2 days)

Inputs provided to Annual report for COVID-19 vaccine roll out (11.75 days)

December 31 2023• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Review and submit HAC reports of countries reviewed • Develop Gender profile related to immunizationMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

HAC reports of countries reviewed and submitted to HQ. (7 days)

Gender profile for countries in ECA region related to immunization developed and submitted (6.75 days)

January 31 2024• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Prepare COVAX meeting discussion points • Update regional immunization equity profiles based on new MICS data availableMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

COVAX meeting discussion points prepared and submitted. (2 days)

Updated regional immunization equity profiles for all countries in ECA region based on new MICS data available are submitted (11.75 days)

February 29 2024• Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region • Review and update Immunization SharePoint folderMonthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

Immunization SharePoint folder is reviewed and updated (13.75 days)

March 31 2024 Monthly progress report on: • Weekly updates on HAC ACT-A funds utilization status- Excel report submitted. Follow up with CO over email (4 days) • Bi-weekly updates on covid vaccination and covid epidemiology in ECA region- Report submitted. (4 days)

COVAX meeting discussion points prepared and submitted (2 days)

Inputs for the development of communication/SBC material for Immunization Week are submitted (11.75 days)

May 01 2024Estimated Duration of the Contract

12-month consultancy between 15 May 2023 and 14 May 2024

Consultant’s Workplace and Official Travel

This is a home-based consultancy contract with limited international travel to the ECA Region. As and when travel takes place, the consultant will be reimbursed based on actuals.

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy & Payment Schedule

Applicants are requested to propose a professional fee based on 261 working days between 15 May 2023 to 14 May 2024.

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

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

• Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology or health management;
• At least 8 years’ experience in epidemiology, public health, including health planning, immunization and health systems management;
• Sound understanding and knowledge of technical aspects of immunization services/programmes;
• Provision of supporting documents of analytical reports and health planning in the field of immunization, epidemiology, public health and health systems strengthening;
• Previous experience in working with Gavi is an asset;
• Previous experience working in the ECA region is an asset;
• Knowledge of the United Nations system or other international organizations is an asset;
• Knowledge of international development, humanitarian issues and children’s rights is an asset.

Skills and attributes:

• High level of analytical ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, including using relevant software packages;
• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality, concise, analytical and insightful reports and presentations in English;
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas;
• Strategic thinking and critical analysis;
• Commitment and drive, with a clear focus on results;
• Ability to manage competing priorities under pressure, whilst maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines;
• Good facilitation and communication skills.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the ECA region is an added advantage.

Assessment Criteria (applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria):

A) Technical Evaluation

1. Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology or health management – 10 points
2. At least 8 years’ experience in epidemiology, public health, including health planning, immunization and health systems management – 10 points
3. Sound understanding and knowledge of technical aspects of immunization services/programmes – 25 points
4. Provision of supporting documents of analytical reports and health planning in the field of immunization, epidemiology, public health and health systems strengthening – 25 points
5. Knowledge of international development, humanitarian issues and children’s rights – 10 points
6. Previous experience in working with Gavi, the United Nations system or other international organizations – 5 points

Each Proposal will be evaluated against a weight allocation of 85% for the technical proposals and 15% for the financial proposal. The total maximum obtainable is 100 points.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Please include a full CV, and a Financial Proposal in your application by indicating your availability and a lumpsum based on 261 working days to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a professional fee will not be considered. 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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

Apply now

Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: unicef.org