National Vaccine Management (VM) Consultant, 165 working days, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for Tajik nationals only)

Contract

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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, Health and Nutrition

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

On January 30, 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), and on March 11, 2020, the outbreak was described as a pandemic. On June 4, 2020, GAVI established Advance Market Commitment for COVID-19 Vaccines (Gavi Covax AMC), a new financing instrument aimed at incentivizing vaccine manufacturers to produce sufficient eventual COVID-19 vaccines to ensure access for developing countries. As eligible for GAVI COVAX AMC country, the Minister of Health and Social Protection of Population of the Republic Tajikistan (MOHSPP) developed an operational deployment plan and introduced the COVID-19 vaccines in the country.

Staring from 17th of March 2021, the country has been receiving the covid vaccines through the COVAX AMC and other countries. By 13th of October 2021, around 2,5 mln target population (43.5%) received the first dose and 35.4% the second dose of the covid vaccine. In parallel to Covid vaccination, the Republican Center for Immunoprophylactics (RCIP) ensures continuation of routine vaccination of children through implementation of the National Programm for Immunoprophylactics. This process involves coordination, planning and budgeting; vaccine, cold chain and logistics management; surveillance and reporting; and advocacy, communication and social mobilization (ACSM) including risk communication and media management. UNICEF is leading the ACSM/C4D, vaccines and logistics management, and cold chain systems maintenance as well as technical advice/assistance on micro-planning and programme management.

The Vaccine Management (VM) consultant will support UNICEF Country office and the Ministry of Health (MoH) on vaccines and related immunization logistical services planning and delivery to effectively support implementation of the operational deployment plan for COVID-19 vaccination and national immunization program.

How can you make a difference?

The Vaccine Management Consultant has a pivotal role in supporting the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis in comprehensive vaccine management encompassing planning, utilization, stock oversight, disposal, monitoring, and tracking of both COVID-19 and routine immunization vaccines. Reporting directly to the Health Officer, the Consultant operates within the overarching guidance of the Health & Nutrition Chief Section. Stationed at the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis, the Consultant's primary responsibility is to furnish technical support to the pertinent staff involved in the management and monitoring of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). This entails deploying specialized expertise to optimize processes, enhance accountability, and ensure the efficient execution of vaccine-related activities. By bridging strategic planning and hands-on support, the Consultant contributes significantly to the operation of vaccine initiatives, aligning with public health goals and reinforcing the Republic's commitment to immunoprophylactic measures.

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

Duration: 165 working days (15 days per month) between December 2023 - November 2024

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Supervisor: Health Officer, UNICEF Tajikistan

The Vaccine Management (VM) consultant will support UNICEF Country office and the Ministry of Health (MoH) on vaccines and related immunization logistical services planning and delivery to effectively support implementation of the operational deployment plan for COVID-19 vaccination and national immunization program.

In the role of Consultant for Vaccine Management, operating under the supervision of the Health Officer and guided by the Health & Nutrition Chief Section, the incumbent is entrusted with a spectrum of responsibilities aimed at strengthening the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) at the Republican Center for Immunoprophylaxis (RCIP).

1) Provide technical support to RCIP in EPI Management: The Consultant will play a pivotal role in addressing challenges in vaccine management at the local level, generating comprehensive monthly reports on vaccine distribution and stock levels at both national and regional tiers. Ensuring the integrity of the cold chain is paramount, encompassing tasks such as temperature monitoring, recycling of ice packs, and meticulous packaging of vaccines. The planning, reception, storage, deployment, and monitoring of COVID-19-related logistics, including waste management, will adhere strictly to manufacturer guidelines. The Consultant will facilitate the sharing of distribution plans, management tools, and communication strategies with all levels seven days before shipments commence, ensuring seamless coordination. Additionally, they will assist in updating stock management data, including forecasted and actual quantities, consumption rates, and critical operational challenges, contributing to a comprehensive vaccine management report. Leading the development of monthly vaccine accountability reports at national and subnational levels, the Consultant will meticulously document stock receipts, distribution, utilization, and wastage rates, producing detailed reports for both regional and national assessment. 2) Provide technical support to RCIP in EPI Monitoring: The Consultant will conduct field visits focused on Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) management and the monitoring of recommendations from Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) systems. His / her expertise will be pivotal in ensuring the efficacy of these systems, fostering a seamless integration into the vaccine management processes. Additionally, the Consultant will provide technical support to RCIP staff on the effective utilization of digital solutions, including ViVa, TRVST, 1C warehouse, and other EPI digital systems. This support is designed to enhance the technological capabilities of the team, ensuring optimal use and troubleshooting as needed. Provide technical support to RCIP with preparation for the Supplementary Immunization Days (SIA) and introduction of new vaccines (demand-based). 3) Reporting and documenting: Monthly reporting is a critical component of the Consultant's responsibilities. They will provide detailed updates on the status of activities under Deliverables 1 and 2, offering insights and recommendations for continuous improvement. Reports can be presented in local languages, such as Tajik and Russian, although a preference for English reports is stipulated. These reports will serve as vital communication tools, not only documenting achievements and challenges but also providing a roadmap for ongoing enhancements in vaccine management and monitoring. Ensure relevant RCIP specialists are capable to produce basic vaccine management reports on vaccine stocks. In essence, the Consultant for Vaccine Management is positioned at the nexus of strategic planning, technical execution, and meticulous reporting, ensuring that the RCIP operates at the forefront of effective immunoprophylactic measures. Their multifaceted role is instrumental in steering the success of the EPI, contributing significantly to public health initiatives at both regional and national levels.

Tasks/Milestone: (in line with the scope elaborated in section-III)

Deliverables/Outputs:

Anticipated Timeline

% of payment (maximum up to 5 payments)

Deliverable 1. Analytical report on the performance of national immunization programs with focus on the appropriate vaccine distribution and stock, tracking of RTMDs, storage and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines

The report should include but not limited to the following aspects of immunization: Provision of support to RCIP with appropriate vaccine distribution and stock levels at both national and regional tiers; Tracking of the remote temperature monitoring devices; Planning, storage, deployment, and monitoring of COVID-19 and routine vaccines. Conduct field monitoring to the points of immunization at least in 4 districts (destinations to be confirmed with RCIP based on the low performing districts) with focus on vaccine management, provision of on-the-job support and improvement recommendations to RCIP and its branches at regional and district levels.

December 2023 – January 2024

16%

Deliverable 2. Analytical report with focus on planning and distribution of vaccines at regional and district levels, updating of stock management database, support with monitoring of vaccine forecast

Provide technical support to RCIP with development of vaccine distribution plans based on the available stocks of vaccines and immunization goods at regional and district levels; Provide assistance to RCIP specialists in updating stock management data, including forecasted and actual quantities, consumption rates; Train RCIP designated specialists on the development of monthly vaccine management reports and ensure timely submission of reports to UNICEF; Conduct of the field monitoring to the points of immunization at least in 4 districts (destinations to be confirmed with RCIP based on the low performing districts) with focus on zero dose and under-vaccinated children, provision of on-the-job support and improvement recommendations to RCIP and its branches at regional and district levels.

February 2024 – March 2024

16%

Deliverable 3. Analytical report with focus on the performance of cold chain equipment (CE), train RCIP staff on conducting of timely inventory of CCE and updating of IGA database, and field monitoring

Support and train RCIP staff to work with CCE database and timely updating of IGA platform. Monitor performance of the existing CCE at national, regional and district levels and provide recommendations on the performance of CCE by manufacturers. Conduct of the field monitoring to the points of immunization at least in 4 districts (destinations to be confirmed with RCIP based on the low performing districts) with focus on the quality of reports, provision of on-the-job support and improvement recommendations to RCIP and its branches at regional and district levels.

April 2024 – May 2024

16%

Deliverable 4. Analytical report with focus on execution of Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) report and Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) recommendations, effective use of EPI digital tools of stock management (1C warehouse)

Analytical report on the performance of national immunization programs, with focus on the following aspects: Provide technical support to RCIP with implementation of the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) report and Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP); Support RCIP with effective utilization of EPI digital tool 1C at national, regional and district levels; Conduct of the field monitoring to the points of immunization at least in 4 districts (destinations to be confirmed with RCIP based on the low performing districts) with focus on microplanning, provision of on-the-job support and improvement recommendations to RCIP and its branches at regional and district levels.

June 2024 – July 2024

16%

Deliverable 5. Analytical report with focus on effective use of ViVa for decision making and monitoring, support RCIP with potential SIA, and preparation for new vaccines (HPV), field monitoring on vaccine storage and documenting

Support RCIP with effective utilization of EPI digital tool ViVA at national level and ensure its effective utilization by the management; Provide technical support to RCIP with preparation of Supplementary Immunization Days (SIA) (demand-based) and introduction of new vaccine (HPV). Conduct of the field monitoring to the points of immunization at least in 4 districts (destinations to be confirmed with RCIP based on the low performing districts) with focus on vaccine storage, provision of on-the-job support and improvement recommendations to RCIP and its branches at regional and district levels.

August 2024 – September 2024

16%

Deliverable 6. Analytical report with focus on institutionalization of EPI digital tools (1C, ViVa, RTDMs, etc.) through on-the-job training of RCIP focal points, field visits to support low-performing districts.

Follow-up on the institutionalization of regular vaccine management reports by relevant RCIP staff. Focus on the capacity building and active utilization of digital management tools at national, regional and district levels (1C, ViVa, RTMDs and others), ensure focal points from RCIP are designated for each of these systems. Arrange round tables with RCIP management to discuss existing challenges and their potential solutions. Conduct of the field monitoring to the points of immunization at least in 4 districts (destinations to be confirmed with RCIP based on the low performing districts), provision of on-the-job support and improvement recommendations to RCIP and its branches at regional and district levels.

October 2024 – November 2024

20%

Total:

165 working days

100%

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

• Education: A university degree (Advanced degree is an advantage), preferably in relevant field (e.g., public health, supply chain management, economics, international development studies, medicine, procurement, logistics, or other quantitative degree).
• Work experience: Minimum 5 years of working experience in the field of immunization, vaccine management, and public health.
• Advanced knowledge of the health system in the country; Familiarity with inventory policies, allocation, ordering and distribution strategies and other supply chain operations.
• Advanced understanding of vaccine storage requirements, including cold chain management.
• Familiarity with digital solutions such as ViVa (Visibility for Vaccines), TRVST, 1C warehouse, and other Electronic Immunization Program (EPI) digital systems.
• Competencies: Strong coordination skills, analytical and conceptual thinking. Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills with stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe.
• Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication in Tajik, and Russian. Knowledge of English is an asset.

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

• Cover letter/application/CV.
• A technical proposal with the proposed methodology/approach to managing the project, showing understanding of tasks;
• Financial quote for the consultancy in Tajik Somoni per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in Tajik Somoni. Please also include travel fees in accordance with Travel Plan: 1) transportation costs for 38 trips and DSA for 38 days.
• List of references
• Applications without technical and financial proposals will not be considered.

Applications must be received in the system by 24 December 2023 on UNICEF website.

• Those who have applied already, no need to re-apply. Your qualification will be considered accordingly.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.