International Consultant – Sub National Immunization

Purpose of consultancy

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the WHO Representative to Timor Leste and the direct supervision of the EPI Technical Officer / WHO Timor Leste support the Ministry of Health and assigned Municipality Health Administration in all aspects of strengthening the routine immunization programme including vaccine preventable disease surveillance and outreach re-activation.

Background

In Timor Leste, being a country with a fragile health services delivery system, the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on immunization as staff were repurposed to outbreak response activities and had to also take on the huge task of vaccinating the entire population with COVID-19 vaccines. As such outreach services on which at least 30% of the population reply came to a complete halt in 2021 and during the first half of 2022. Revitalization of routine immunization and catch-up vaccination of missed children are critical to lower risks to infectious diseases outbreaks, polio-free, measles and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination status.

Technical support is needed at immunization programme implementation levels to strengthen capacities for catch-up vaccination of missed and under-immunized children, complete revival and strengthening of routine immunization, planning, supervision and monitoring of activities and quality data management.

Deliverables

Complete immunization reports for 2022 and data submission for the current year, followed by municipality situation review to identify low coverage areas and develop action plans.

Development of catch-up micro plans and monitoring their implementation; through supportive supervision at fixed vaccination sites and during door-to-door campaigns at village level.

Outlining requirements for the proposed new vaccine introduction (HPV) in 3rd quarter 2023

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: University degree in public health/medicine or related field.

Desirable: Advanced/Master’s degree in public health/medicine or related field.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of professional work experience at the National/ international level in public

health.

Desirable: Experience in Expanded Programme on Immunization and past experience in Timor Leste.

Skills/Knowledge:

Team management capacity and data management skills.

Languages

Advanced English in speaking and writing.

Location

On site: Timor-Leste WHO country office; to decide deployment to municipality level.

Travel

If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required. The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Local travel within the country, where needed, will be arranged by WCO Timor-Leste.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

• Remuneration: Band level A; monthly remuneration starting from USD 3,955 to USD 6,980, depending on the consultant’s experience and educational background.
• Living expenses: Per diem will be paid as per WHO rules applicable to international consultant for travel.
• Expected duration of contract: Six (6) weeks expected to start from 15 May 2023 to 30 June 2023.

Additional information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• 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.
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• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
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• 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.
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