International Consultant (Immunization Officer)

1. Area of expertise :

Specialization on Immunization.

2. Purpose of consultancy :

The Consultant position aims at strengthening the national immunization programme, including routine immunization, integration of COVIDI-9 vaccination, other new vaccine’s introduction, and supplementary immunization activities in accordance with established technical guidelines, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to vaccine preventable diseases. The consultant will support the EPI programme to meet new demands, whilst ensuring that delivery of routine vaccines is uninterrupted.

Background

The WHO country office in collaboration with partners provides technical support to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to achieve set objectives. The need for technical support is even greater in the face of Measles Outbreaks, to mitigate the impact on of recent COVID-19 on routine immunization systems and to step up herd immunity. Within the last 2 years, the Sierra Leone immunization system faced unprecedented challenges of concurrently introducing multiple new vaccines, (COVID vaccines, nOPV2, IPV dose 2 and a two-dose Ebola [EVD] vaccines) in vaccination campaign formats over a relatively short period of time, while at the same time maintaining and restoring immunization services in the context of primary health care. Furthermore, the programme intends to introduce Malaria vaccine, single dose EVD vaccine, HPV-MAC immunization for adolescent girls in 2024.

Strong immunization systems lay the foundation for successful introduction of new vaccines. At a more strategic level, the health sector is embarking on targeted ‘UHC reforms’ and key UHC 2030 policy directives, which provide opportunities to reduce the number of individuals unreached by lifesaving vaccines.

Organizational Context

The International consultant - Expanded Programme of Immunization, is a member of the EPI team at the WHO Country Office. The WCO EPI team provides support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) EPI national programme and partners to implement Sierra Leone’s third generation comprehensive multiyear plan for immunization (cMYP) now transitioning into National Immunization Strategy (NIS). Aligned with the GVAP, and 1A2030, the NIS for Sierra Leone outlines a) Sustaining Certification standard indicators for Polio eradication; b) Attaining Penta3 coverage of at least 95% in all districts; c) extending the benefits of immunization by introduction of new vaccines (Malaria Vaccine, HPV-MAC, MR, COVID-19, and EVD Vaccines, as well as Hep B birth dose and TT to Td switch); d) Strengthening the immunization supply chain; e) Advocacy and social mobilization for immunization as a right to be demanded by all citizens; f) Effective and improved vaccine preventable diseases surveillance systems using the IDSR framework and g) strengthened programme management in the context of Health Systems strengthening.

Additional technical assistance is needed to help drive the implementation of interventions and activities outlined in the cMYP (now NIS) as well as support optimization plan and upscaling of COVID-19 vaccination integration into Primary Health Care (PHC).

3. Deliverables:

1. Planning and implementation:

• Technical support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of routine immunization (RI) activities to increase coverage.

• Support the development of micro plans and implementation of strategies and activities within the NIS and annual EPI operational work plans.

• Support planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of supplemental immunization activities for VPDs e. g. Malaria, Measles, Rubella, Human Papilloma Virus.

• Improve Routine Immunization (RI) coverage and strengthen systems to achieve set key performance indicators for RI, including for the second year of life (2YL).

2. Strengthened EPI Program management and coordination:

• Track and actively engage with the TWG and partners to expedite implementation of action points from IAR as well as quarterly and other review activities.

• Provide technical support to the TCC and its various working groups, and the COVID-19 vaccination TWG.

• Maintain a functional NITAG as per WHO criteria.

• Support a coordinated approach to training and capacity building initiatives.

3. New Vaccines Introduction and Catch-Up activities

• Support a coordinated approach to introduction of new vaccines, learning lessons, and applying them to strengthening immunization systems in Sierra Leone

• Support Routine Immunization (RI) catch-up activities including Periodic Intensified) Routine Immunization activities in identified poor performing districts.

• Support resource mobilization efforts for strengthening routine immunization systems, including from domestic and other resources.

4. Strengthened Data generation and Use, Surveillance

• Expedite implementation of the revised and consolidated data quality improvement plan

• Technical support for periodic active monitoring of essential immunization services.

• Support real time monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine doses allocations; vaccine delivery/uptake; vaccine stocks, with weekly reporting as per reporting template(s)

• Support conduct of periodic coverage surveys and operations research, performance reviews, joint supportive supervisions and tracking implementation of recommendations.

• Leverage investments in enhanced surveillance systems to work of VPD surveillance .

5. Strengthened technical capacity of the National EPI staff through

• Support the development and implementation of the long-term capacity building strategy for the national EPI programme.

• Training & refresher training for key staff, (national, DHMT), on key EPI approaches including integrated comprehensive IIP/REC and tools used for planning and M&E.

• Jointly draft guidelines and training materials for upcoming introduction of new vaccines such as HPV-MAC, Malaria, EVD vaccination.

• Facilitate national level ToT trainings and other planned trainings such AEFI for all new vaccines and strengthening AEFI surveillance and response systems.

6. Resource mobilization

• Support national EPI to develop health systems strengthening applications to GAVI, and to support implementation and monitoring of GAVI HSS activities to meet set targets.

• Participate in identifying and advocating resources for EPI.

• Timely compilation and submission of periodic and incidental programme progress reports.

Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Education

Essential: Advanced University Degree in public health, Medicine, or Community Health.

Desirable: Formal training on communicable diseases control, epidemiology, AEFI Surveillance or child survival.

Work experience

**Essential****:

Essential: At least 5 (Five years) of relevant work experience in vaccine preventable diseases, immunization programs, new vaccine’s introduction, and supplementary immunization campaign.

Desirable: Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of immunization programs.

Skills/Knowledge:

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications (e.g. Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.).

Capacity-building through multiple methods, including training, mentoring and example setting;

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English

5. Location:

c/o World Health Organization, Sierra Leone, 21 A&B Riverside Drive, off King Harman Road

P.O. Box 529 Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone

6. Travel

The candidate will travel from home to Sierra Leone.

7. Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

The duration of this consultancy is 6 Months. Remuneration will be at applicable fees as per the World Health Organization scale.

a. Living expenses No living Expenses. DSA to the Consultant

b. Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year):

6 Months.