National Consultant- Immunization programme

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, How can you make a difference?

1. 1. Assist the National counterparts to prepare the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) application submission.
   2. Support a UNICEF-recruited international consultant working on a comprehensive cold chain assessment (CCCA) and effective vaccine management assessment (EVMA) with MOH.
   3. Support the CSD Chief to engage with key partners to support the COVAX readiness and rollout in Sri Lanka. This will include engaging with Regional Office/HQ, GAVI, World Bank, ADB, WHO and others to support information sharing and planning.
   4. Work with partners to improve and update guidance, tools and methods including supporting the activities/priorities of the National Logistics Working Group.
   5. Ensure the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective Immunization/COVAX programme and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation and ensure accuracy and appropriateness of data and coding.
   6. Assemble and provides updated data and information on national immunization/COVAX programme and on financial/administrative status for monitoring, and analysis. This will include preparing sound immunization programme budgets.
   7. Support the MoH to conduct studies/research to document best practices in improving iSCM.
   8. Work closely with UNICEF’s supply team to monitor UNICEF inputs, and timeliness of supply and non-supply assistance to MOH and local authorities. In collaboration with the supply team, record supply and non-supply inventory and bimonthly update on cold chain equipment, distribution and utilization.
   9. Undertake field visits to districts and sub-districts for monitoring activities.
   10. Prepare progress reports and other project documentation related to EPI/COVAX, ensuring accuracy and consistency with established rules, regulations and plans of action.

Work relationships:

Based within the UNICEF Sri Lanka CSD section, the post will report into the CSD Chief and will work closely with the H&N Officer, and CSD Assistant. The consultant is also expected to work in collaboration with UNICEF’s Supply team who support all procurement-related work. As required, the consultant will also work in coordination with the County Offices relevant programme sections, health/immunization personnel in other Country Offices and Regional Offices, and also external partners with relation to EPI/COVAX facility.

Duration - 11.5 months (tentative start date 11 January 2021)

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

Education:

• University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Social Sciences, Medicine, Health, Public Health, or a field relevant to international development assistance in Immunization and Child Survival & Health Care

• Background/familiarity with Emergency

  Years of experience:

• At least 3-5 years of experience at the national and/or district level immunization programmes

• Experience of EVM assessment and cIP development in Sri Lanka
• Experience in conducting cold chain equipment inventory
• Experience in temperature monitoring systems implementation, and studies
• Experience in SOP adaptation support

Competencies:

• Strong analytical, oral & written communication skills
• Experience in planning, budgeting and reporting
• Some expertise in adapting messages and visual aids to prepare concise, impactful presentations
• Good skills in coordination, facilitation with proven ability to assist in training a group of individuals
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team

Technical skills and knowledge on some or all of the following

• Proven experience working in multi-stakeholder settings
• Experience in developing inventories and cold chain rehabilitation and expansion plans
• Experience in writing funding proposals, developing multi-year budgets and operational plans for cold chain equipment management and temperature monitoring devices
• Experience in training, planning and delivery of technical assistance
• Proven track record in interfacing with national ministries of health
• Proficiency in WHO PQS-listed cold chain equipment
• Experience and knowledge on the Gavi CCE OP application documents and process
• Proficiency in the development of technical SOPs for cold chain equipment management is an advantage

Languages required:

• Fluency in English (written and oral) is required, along with fluency in either Sinhala (written and oral), or Tamil (written and oral).

Interested consultants should indicate ability, availability and all-inclusive fee rate (Daily/ Monthly fee- including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable) for expected deliverables to undertake the Consultancy.

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.