International Consultant - Immunization training consultant in Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu

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, Survival and Development

To reduce disease burden of pneumonia, diarrhea and cervical cancer, the Governments of Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu recognize the importance of expanding their immunization programs with the addition of three new vaccines: human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus (RV) vaccine and using the introduction of these vaccines to strengthen immunization programs, health systems and regional cooperation.

Samoa comprises 10 islands, of which the largest two are Upolu and Savaii, and is located in the Polynesian part of the Pacific Ocean. Samoa has a population of approximately 195,000 people, of which approximately 46 per cent are 19 years or younger. Samoa is classified as a lower-middle-income country. Overseas development aid funded an estimated 40 per cent of government expenditure as of 2014. Samoa is vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding and earthquakes, all of which climate change exacerbates. A total of 70 per cent of Samoa's population is located in low-lying coastal areas, which are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.

Tuvalu is in the western Pacific, and is one of the Pacific's smallest States, made up of nine small islands, including the main island and capital, Funafuti. Prior to achieving independence from the United Kingdom in 1978, Tuvalu was known as the Ellice Islands, and separated from the Gilbert Islands after a referendum in 1975. The most recent World Bank data (2016) estimated the total population at 11,000.

Tonga is a Polynesian Kingdom comprised of over 170 islands, 36 of which are inhabited. The total area of the islands amounts to 747km2, spread over an area of around 700,000 km2 in the Pacific Ocean. Tonga is made up of four main island groups: Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou. The capital is Nuku'alofa. The total population is estimated at 107,000. Most of Tonga's population live in rural areas compared to urban areas. There is a significant trend of outward migration from Tonga, particularly to New Zealand, the US and Australia with more Tongans estimated to be living abroad than in the country.

Vanuatu is a republic comprising 83 islands and atolls (63 of which are inhabited) in the Melanesian region of the Pacific. The total land area is 12,281 km2. The total population of Vanuatu is estimated at 270,000. The capital, Port Vila, is located on the most populous island (Efate). The geography of Vanuatu creates significant barriers to the realization of children's and women's rights. Children and women living in rural areas and on outer islands generally experience worse outcomes and access to basic services than those in urban areas.

UNICEF will provide technical assistance to Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu government to procure vaccines (HPV, PCV and RV) through the Existing VII Agreement. UNICEF will procure and install WHO Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) pre-qualified cold chain equipment.

UNICEF will build the capacity of the MOH to establish and strengthen the reaching every child approach as part of the introduction of new vaccines and strengthen new vaccine integration into routine immunization services. This will entail micro-planning, outreach services, supportive supervision, strengthening production, quality and use of data for decision making, and linking services with communities. As part of this approach effective catch-up campaigns will also be prioritized including the planning of HPV school-based campaigns. UNICEF will provide advisory services upon request to the Government in leveraging existing community structures through partnerships with Ministries of Health and other Ministries, non-government and civil society organizations, community and church leaders and other local community groups on vaccine awareness and in developing vaccine communication material to address vaccine hesitancy concerns improve public health knowledge, attitude and practice for better overall health seeking behavior and vaccine acceptance.

How can you make a difference?

The deliverables and results from this consultancy will be used by the MoH for the introduction of three new vaccines, to strengthen the routine immunization and to increase the immunization coverage.

The Consultant will guide the MoH on the readiness of the countries health workforce to introduce the three new vaccines and build the capacity of the MoHs to improve the knowledge and skills of its health workers for the successful introduction of three new vaccines. As a result, the MoH will be able to close the gaps for all components of the routine immunization including vaccine management, planning, monitoring, data management.

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

Qualifications: Advanced Degree qualifications in medical science and public health, or equivalent

Experience

8 years experience working in low- or middle-income settings

8 years relevant experience in implementing vaccines programme in low- or middle-income settings, new vaccine introduction experience, an advantage

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

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English required.

Competencies

Solid analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.

Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the workplace.

Versatility, judgment and maturity

APPLICATIONS

Applicant must submit: (1) a cover letter including a narrative explaining why they are qualified for this consultancy and dates of availability; (2) financial offer (professional fees and living allowance); (3) scan copy of highest degree; (IV) examples of previous work relevant to the consultancy.

Attached is the detailed TOR TOR Consultant - NVI Immunsation Trainer (Ton, Tuv, Sam, Van) .pdf

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.