Individual Consultancy: International consultant to support Equity based Immunization strategy and support for COVID19 vaccine introduction

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Individual Consultancy: International consultant to support Equity based Immunization strategy and support for COVID19 vaccine introduction

UNICEF is a UN organization mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF is working with its partners to support the Government to realize children’s rights on survival, development, protection and participation.

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, support

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UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for Individual Consultancy: International consultant to support Equity based Immunization strategy and support for COVID19 vaccine introduction. The duration of this assignment is 11 months, starting from 1 May 2021 until 31 March 2022. The assignment is based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, with limited travel (up to 50 days in total) to the field.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

To achieve the incumbent will be working on multiple areas of the strategy that is comprehensive, sustainable in nature and aligned with RMNCH strategies.

1. Develop and implement a bespoke strategy for zero-dose children using the AIRMM (Advocate, Identify, Reach, Monitoring, Measure) framework
2. Develop a conceptual strategy note to improve immunization coverage in hard to reach areas.
3. Support in quality revision and feedback to training materials on cold chain
4. Provide technical support to NIP technical team in supervising implementation of quarterly coordination meetings with emphasis on immunization data analysis, cold chain, communication and participation community leaders of ethnic groups to improve immunization program in low performing Districts.
5. Contribute to strengthen capacity of health staff at all level on data management, expand the functionality of DHIS-2, in line with programmatic priorities, for better availability, quality and use of data for action
6. Strengthen coordination between NCLE and NIP, toward shared objectives of diseases control/elimination, especially during outbreak response
7. Strengthen AEFI surveillance, especially investigation and causality assessment, by clarifying roles and responsibilities of all levels and by developing further legal basis
8. Engaged in coordination of the implementation of strategic priorities, especially in the context of diminishing the donor’s funding/transition
9. Establish an M&E framework and accountability system, to monitor the impact, outcomes and activities, linking it to strategic and annual operational plans (AOP)
10. Support planning, budgeting and coordination in relation to the Covid-19 vaccine, while mitigating any potential negative impact to the immunization program and health service

11. To ensure financial sustainability, MOH to develop strategic financial plans and identify sources of income, particularly pro-health taxes (alcohol, tobacco, etc.)

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

Education:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health/nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field.

Relevant Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience on designing and implementing EPI programs at national level
• At least 10 years’ experience working in low- or middle-income settings
• At least 10 years relevant experience in implementing immunization programme in low- or middle-income settings, new vaccine introduction experience, an advantage
• Minimum of 10 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
• Ability to work independently, under pressure, and within deadlines, including strong planning and coordination skills
• High-level communication and cross-cultural skills

Technical knowledge:

• Knowledge on immunization, introduction of new vaccines, knowledge on AEFI, risk management, writing strategies, policies, knowledge and experience with data collection, data management analysis and reporting are essential.
• Solid knowledge and expertise working with multiple technical agencies working in the immunization field.
• Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills, with ability to lead/train a group of individuals and impart knowledge. Skills in adult training methodology are strongly preferred.
• Experience working in the UNICEF and WHO is an asset
• Have good communication, advocacy and people skills and the ability to communicate with various stakeholders and to express concisely and clearly ideas and concepts in written and oral form.

Languages:

Professional level knowledge of Written and Spoken English is a must. All reports must be submitted in English.

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and upload the following documents to: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

• Letter of Interest (cover letter)
• CV or Resume
• Performance evaluation reports or references of similar consultancy assignments (if available)
• Financial proposal: Monthly fee as per work assignment, medical insurance covering medical evacuation should be included in the financial proposal. All field travels will be covered by UNICEF

The deadline for applications is 18 April 2021.

1. Assessment Criteria:

Two stage procedure shall be utilized in evaluating proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared.

Applications shall therefore contain the following required documentation:

1. Technical Proposal, including a cover letter, updated CV, and copies of 2 relevant evaluations performed earlier by the consultant.

2. Financial Proposal: Monthly consultancy fee as per assignment. The local travels (if involved) will be covered by UNICEF office.

No financial information should be contained in the technical proposal.

For evaluation and selection method, the Cumulative Analysis Method (weight combined score method) shall be used for this recruitment:

a) Technical Qualification (max. 100 points) weight 70 %

• Degree Education in ……… (30 points)
• Knowledge of …….. (20 points)
• Experience in…….. (30 points)
• Quality of past work (e.g. understanding, methodology) (20 points)

b) Financial Proposal (max. 100 points) weight 30 %

The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened /evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum 70 points score in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

The Contract shall be awarded to candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores, subject to the satisfactory result of the verification interview.]

The applicants should provide medical insurance covering medical evacuation for the whole duration of the assignment -as part of the financial proposal submission.

The Contract shall be awarded to candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores, subject to the satisfactory result of the verification interview.

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.

View our competency framework at here

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.