International consultant in Expanded Programe on Immunization (EPI)

Purpose of consultancy

To provide technical support to intensify immunization efforts in priority states and regions in Myanmar and to also support efforts to strengthen Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance to achieve WHO surveillance global benchmarks. Support the country in improving coverage of MCV vaccination to achieve the goal of Measles Rubella Elimination according to the revised targets set by the region. Ensure advocacy at all platforms for prioritizing VPD Surveillance, especially, Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance to maintain Zero-Polio status and ‘Fever-Rash’ Surveillance for Measles Rubella Elimination. Review and update VPD surveillance outbreak preparedness and response. Support the Big Catch-up as a part of the immunization recovery plan (reaching the zero-dose children, un-immunized and under-immunized children) in Myanmar. Assist EPI team in risk prioritization to identify low coverage pockets for targeted and tailored interventions to increase vaccine uptake. To engage with MoH and other stakeholders in planning and implementation of the catch-up plans in the country with a focus on vulnerable areas. Provide support to the country’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccination plan with a focus on completing primary doses and booster doses into high priority groups, especially from vaccines received through COVAX facility.

Background

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing political conflict, it is observed that VPD Surveillance performance has been dismal. Most of the available health manpower continue to be engaged in COVID-19 control activities. There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases in April-May 2023 in Myanmar. As the country continues to ensure COVID-19 control measures are in place, there is need for improvement in Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance and response to outbreaks detected.

Routine immunization coverage had dropped drastically in 2021. However, in 2022 there has been improvement, but this is not up to the pre-pandemic levels. The performance in not uniform and there remains large areas of poorly performing areas. Delays in the recovery of immunization will lead to loss of herd immunity and could potentially lead to significant outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases to spread across the country and spill across borders. It is essential to revitalize the routine immunization services and ensure reaching zero-dose, under-immunized children and missed communities.

The country has missed the global benchmark of 70% coverage for COVID-19 by June 2022. Presently the coverages are Presently the coverages are 93% of one dose, 81% completed primary series and 32% received booster dose. There is need for increasing the vaccination coverages to reach near 100% coverage as soon as possible. The National Vaccine Deployment Plan is under review. Country has requested vaccines from COVAX facility.

Deliverables

• More than 80 % township level microplans are developed for phase wise catch up immunization activities
• Based on feasibility Roll out of catch up vaccination in priority states/ region
• More than 80 % MLM trainings conducted
• Based on NITAG recommendation , HPV vaccination program initiated in country
• Develop a quarterly VPD surveillance bulletin
• Revise and update VPD and Measles surveillance guidelines
• Roll out of COVAX supported COVID-19 vaccination plans

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Medical degree from recognized university.

Desirable: Advanced university degree in public health/ Epidemiology or Specific trainings related to Immunization and VPD Surveillance.

Experience

Essential: Minimum 5 years of experience in immunization and Vaccine Preventable Disease surveillance in field. Experience in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

Desirable: Experience on training modules, guidelines, and SOP development

Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of working on Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and public health programmes
• strong analytical and documentation skills

Technical Expertise:

Strong knowledge on Immunization and VPD surveillance

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Advanced****):

Expert level of English is essential (Read-Write-Speak)

Location

On site: WHO Office Yangon, Myanmar, and travel to Naypyitaw and other States/Regions and townships.

Off-site: Till such time the visa is granted depending on the work schedule and nature of work.

Travel

• The consultant may travel to Naypyitaw to facilitate the trainings and for the coordination with MOH. He/she may also travel to the assigned states/regions to facilitate some trainings and supervision, if required.
• The exact date and purpose of travel will be identified based on the requirement.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

1. Remuneration: Band Level-B @ US$ 7,000/month
2. Living expenses: ASD per-diem rate for the period of presence in Myanmar, for work purpose, during the contract period.
3. Expected duration of contract: 11 months (1 October 2023 to 31 August 2024)

Additional Information:

1. This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
2. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
3. A written test may be used as a form of screening.
4. If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/ diploma(s)/certificate(s) in English required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
5. For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
6. WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
7. WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
8. Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
9. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
10. WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
11. Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
12. WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.