Measles Rubella and \Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Consultant

Overview

Provide technical expertise for TCV and MR SIA implementation

You have:

• Postgraduate degree in a public health-related field
• A minimum of seven years of experience in Immunisation
• Experience in integrated SIA and new vaccine introduction
• Advanced English language proficiency
• Demonstrated knowledge of immunization programs for routine immunization, new vaccine introduction, and conduct of Supplementary Immunisation Activities
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Specific training in Vaccinology, Epidemiology, Data Management, and Public Health Policy Development and Implementation
• Work experience in WHO, other UN and partner agencies

Background

In March 2018, WHO recommended introducing typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) for infants and children over six months of age in typhoid-endemic countries. This new policy expanded access to typhoid vaccination in communities most impacted by the disease. Typhoid is responsible for nearly 12 million infections and between 128,000 and 161,000 deaths yearly.

The TCV recommendations were issued following a review of evidence on TCVs by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization in October 2017. The group considered data on vaccine safety, efficacy, feasibility, and affordability, as well as growing rates of drug-resistant typhoid. Based on these discussions, SAGE recommended TCVs for children over the age of six months.

The WHO guidelines emphasized the use of typhoid vaccines to control endemic and epidemic typhoid. Where feasible, vaccine introduction was recommended to be accompanied by catch-up vaccination campaigns for children up to 15 years of age in endemic countries. Furthermore, the position paper recommended prioritizing TCV introduction in countries with the highest disease burden or a growing burden of drug-resistant typhoid.

Given the high burden of typhoid disease in Malawi, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its partners commenced processes to introduce the TCV vaccine into the country to control the burden of the disease.

Since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, most countries, including Malawi have experienced declining coverage in routine immunization. The country’s Measles-Rubella coverage has been significantly affected, and the occurrence of measles outbreaks in neighboring countries further heightens the risk of measles- rubella outbreaks in the country.

Achieving optimal immunization coverage (≥ 95%) with 2 measles- and rubella-containing vaccine doses at all subnational levels while bridging immunity gaps in all age groups is crucial for the elimination of measles and rubella.

To reduce the burden of Measles–Rubella and Typhoid whilst addressing the immunization coverage gaps, the MOH and its partners have initiated processes to introduce TCV into Malawi and conduct Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) for Measles-Rubella to reach all zero- dosed under-immunized and unreached communities with these life-saving vaccines.

It is against this background that WHO would like to hire a consultant to provide technical expertise for the conduct a TCV/MR SIA.

Task/Assignment

In collaboration with the National EPI team, the consultant will conduct the following tasks:

1. Support high-quality implementation of the integrated TCV and MR SIA

   1. Coordinate and organize calls and meetings with partners to monitor the preparedness of the integrated SIA (i.e., development of the agenda and taking minutes, etc…)
   2. Develop work plans and budgets for the TCV introduction and conduct of MR SIAs and follow-up on implementing planned activities.
   3. Provide technical expertise for developing integrated national implementation guidelines, training manuals for introducing the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine, and Measles–Rubella supplementary activities.
   4. Support in preparing the integrated coverage survey of TCV and MR SIAs
   5. Support monitoring and evaluation of the planning, preparation, and implementation of integrated SIAs, such as guiding the national EPI team for immunization data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and using the data for identifying gaps in immunization services and for advocacy and resource mobilization.
   6. Provide technical expertise for applying regulatory approvals for Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) introduction.

2. Provide technical support for the development of a Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategic plan and implementation in collaboration with the communication specialist/officer

   1. Support, in collaboration with the EPI team, the development of RCCE guide in collaboration with the communication specialist/officer.

Output and Deliverable

Output 1. Support high-quality implementation of the integrated TCV and MR SIA

1. 1. Budgeted work plan of integrated TCV-MR SIA
   2. National guidelines for integrated TCV- MR SIA
   3. Training materials of integrated TCV-MR SIA

Output 2. Provide technical support for the development of a Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategic plan and implementation in collaboration with the communication specialist/officer

2.1. RCCE document for TCV SIA

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Education Qualifications

Essential: Postgraduate degree in a public health-related field

Desirable : Specific training in Vaccinology, Epidemiology, Data Management, and Public Health Policy Development and Implementation.

Work Experience

Essential: A minimum of seven years of experience in Immunisation.

Experience in integrated SIA and new vaccine introduction.

Desirable: Work experience in WHO, other UN and partner agencies; experience working in relevant non-governmental organizations. An experience in maternal and child health programs including school health programs will be an asset.

Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of immunization programs for routine immunization, new vaccine introduction, and conduct of Supplementary Immunisation Activities.
• Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Languages and level required

Advanced English

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Effective communication
• Producing results
• Knowing and managing yourself

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: who.int