Re-Advertisement : National consultant - to conduct gender assessment on immunization services (Open to Myanmar National Applicants Only)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

National consultant_ to conduct gender assessment on immunization services (Re-Advertisement)

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, HOPE

Background

Immunization is the most cost-effective and efficient way to control and eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases that contribute significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. In Myanmar, the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) started in 1978, and since then, has gradually increased the number of vaccines required by children under the age of 1 year. Despite expansion of the EPI programme and significant advances in routine immunization, just over 50% of children aged 12 to 23 months receive all basic vaccinations, with 8% not receiving any vaccination at all. Disparities exist across the country, with basic vaccination coverage ranging from as low as 34% in Ayeyarwady Region, to 81% in Mandalay Region. In general terms, children who are less likely to be fully immunized, are those living in hard-to-reach locations, in conflict affected areas, in rural settings, those who come from lower welfare quintile families, and those whose mothers are less educated. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data indicates slight differences in coverage exist between boys and girls, with boys being more likely to be fully immunized than girls (58% and 51% respectively). With respect to maternal education, children of mothers with higher education (more than secondary) received all basic immunisation with 80 % while only 41 % of children of mothers with no education received all basic immunisation.

UNICEF Myanmar is supporting the cEPI on strengthening national capacity on developing and implementation of gender-sensitive immunization services. The purpose this consultancy is to assess existing literature, studies and data on the gender sensitivity around health seeking behaviors and norms in Myanmar that can effectively inform gender sensitive, responsive and transformative communication strategies for routine immunization services. The consultant will be responsible to conduct an assessment addressing 1) What is the extent to which various components (guidelines, SOPs, training curriculums, communication interventions and materials) of public health services particularly immunization services address gender issues? 2) How is the public health system preparing prospective health care workers to be gender sensitive and responsive? 3) What, if any, are the types of gender discrimination, gender biases/stereotyping, or gender inequality that exist in health system hindering the promotion of gender equality? 4) What are examples of good practices promoting gender equality in the public health system and immunization program? 5) What lessons can be learned in order to improve the gender sensitivity and responsiveness of immunization program?

Objectives of the consultancy:

The overall objective of this consultancy is to assess the gender sensitivity of immunization services and to provide concrete recommendations that might contribute to gender mainstreaming or integrating a gender equality perspective into immunization program and ultimately into the public health system including the following specific objectives

1. To assess the overall institutional context to ascertain what extent the public health system promotes gender equality in general, and in immunization program in particular;
2. To examine the extent to which immunization services are gender sensitive and responsive, promote fairness and inclusion, and embrace diversity;
3. To identify types of gender discrimination, gender biases/stereotyping, or gender inequality that exist in health system and immunization services hindering the promotion of gender equality
4. To identify examples of good practices and lesson learned on promoting gender sensitivity and responsiveness in health system and immunization program;

Geographic Area:

Yangon with frequent travel to Naypyitaw as necessary

Duration:

The assignment will be for 100 working days spread over 8 months

Description of Assignment

Task 1;

Search and collect relevant existing literature on gender equality in Myanmar, in health system and in the public health services specifically. Submission of shortlist of resources to be included in literature reviews to be discussed with UNICEF and cEPI

Deliverables 1:

Shortlist of resources on existing literature on gender equality in Myanmar, in health system and in the public health services

Task 2:

Analyse relevant literatures, data, articles, policies and guidelines addressing the abovementioned specific objectives – both in English and Myanmar language versions. The References section should also be included.

Deliverables 2:

Literature review in English and Myanmar languages

Tasks 3:

Coordinate for a gender sensitivity awareness workshop with relevant stakeholders by using key findings from the desk review.

Deliverables 3:

Gender sensitivity awareness workshop conducted

Tasks 4:

Draft a report on workshop recommendations, key findings and way forward for developing and implementation of gender-sensitive immunization services. Finalize the report after review by the cEPI and UNICEF.

Deliverables 4:

Final report and final presentation on workshop recommendations, key findings and way forward for developing and implementation of gender-sensitive immunization services

Detail Terms of Reference and the Expression of interest form to complete and to be included in the application is as follows;

TOR_Gender Assessment National Consultant_Final_extv.docx

EOI_National Consultant_Gender_Final.doc

Remarks: Applicants who have applied in the previous advertisement are not required to re-apply.

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

Education and Skills

• University degree in gender studies, women studies, social sciences, sociology, anthropology, public health or other relevant field and advance degree will be an asset.

Specialized knowledge and experience:

• Minimum five-year of working experience related to gender studies/research/assessment and/or women empowerment in Myanmar;
• In-depth knowledge of gender equity and general knowledge about Myanmar health system;
• Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently on delegated tasks;
• Excellent report writing skills in Myanmar and English;
• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings;
• Proven ability to conceptualize, perform, and direct technical assignments and provide quality control of deliverables;
• Experience of working with UN agencies is a plus

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.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.