Roster of National Consultant/Experts – Immunization and Vaccine development

Purpose of consultancy

This is a generic description of duties developed for a roster of consultants/experts. The final terms of the reference for the assignment/contract for consultant positions will be based on the actual requirements of the assignment. The purpose of the activity to provide technical support to the government in area of immunization, new vaccine introduction, VPD surveillance, policy and strategies, polio transition, monitoring and evaluation and research.

Background

The WHO country office for Bangladesh continues to provide technical and policy guidance and assistance to the government in area of VPD surveillance, immunization, capacity building, new vaccine introduction in Dhaka, data management, monitoring and evaluation.

The vision of National Immunization Strategy (NIS 2023-2027) “Healthy life of all people of Bangladesh is ensured through equitable, quality and timely vaccination”. The NIS has set objectives of achieving high routine coverage, maintaining polio free status, maintaining MNT elimination status, achieve elimination of measles, rubella and CRS, maintaining Hep B control goal, ensuring access to high quality vaccine and enhance protection of population against VPD by introducing new and under used vaccine and Sustain operation of critical immunization system components while transitioning from foreign to domestic sources of financing.

Summary of assigned duties:

Under the overall guidance of the WR Bangladesh and direct supervision with Team Leader (IVD) and of close collaboration with WHO country office EPI focal persons and government, the consultant/Experts will be expected to carry out assignments in one or more of the following areas.

• GIS Specialist - Support for setup and configuration of a GIS-based microplanning software solution, GIS analysis and development of plans for all health facilities, Develop new strategies and carry out spatial data and metadata handling procedures for vaccine deployment, Support to implement interoperable Geographical information management system, which will be integrate with other systems (DHIS2, KOBO, ODK and HRIS etc), Support to organize training and workshop activities for Govt. staff on data collection, management, quality control and use of GIS tools for microplanning and build capacity to Govt. and WHO team on dealing Geographical information Management System and future upgradation and other GIS related activities as required.
• Data Management and Monitoring Experts - Develop a M&E strategy/guideline for EPI Programme (VPDs, AEFI, service delivery, supply chain, vaccine wastage, surveillance, COVID-19 and Immunization) to identify and assess programme performance against the key milestone, develop and implement monitoring mechanism to mitigate data quality and denominator issues of EPI programme, Develop an analysis package for Data handler and EPI Managers based on Data quality and Data triangulation, Assess the impact and effectiveness of EPI programme at the national level, evaluate the relationship between EPI programmes and operational structures in WCO; identify gaps, recommend capacities required to improve effectiveness; suggest remedial actions to allow greater predictability, accountability, and partnerships and other M7E activities as required
• Urban Immunization (Health) - Strengthening of urban immunization program through close collaboration and coordination between the MoH&FW (DGHS, EPI) and MoLGD&C, Arrange and facilitate high level advocacy with mayors of city corporations and other stakeholders for strengthening of urban immunization, Explore possibility of better integration of PHC with routine EPI program in city corporations, Support to include implementation of National Urban Immunization Strategy in 5th sector program, Support immunization related assessment, evaluation, and operational research with CCs and other activities as required
• Immunization and Surveillance training experts – Revise and develop a comprehensive handbook on immunization and surveillance for the mid-level managers in English (doctors) including a facilitators guide, based on the approved module develop training materials related to EPI and VPD Surveillance for Mid-Level Managers (doctors), Assist EPI-HQ in planning and organizing the training programmes for the mid-level managers and other training related activities
• Immunization Financing – Support developing immunization financing, advocacy with parliamentarians and other policy makers on vaccination financial sustainability, ensure appropriate funding for immunization in its OP and HPNSP, Support EPI developing and assessing immunization financing and monitoring of implementation and other immunization related financing activities.
• New Vaccine Introduction - To assist in the finalization of the New GAVI vaccine Applications documents and submission, support EPI on planning, training, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of introduction of new vaccine, develop training package and other activities related to new vaccine introduction
• Policy and Planning: Technical assistance at National / CC level for overall immunization implementation including policy/strategies/guideline development and performance reviews including development of costed multi-year/ short term plans for immunization, financing for immunization and integrating immunization services with the health system, vaccination act and other policy related activities
• School immunization: Develop school immunization strategic and operational guideline in consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders in context of Bangladesh, Support workshop and meetings with relevant stakeholders to plan on initiation of school immunization in Bangladesh and other immunization related activities
• MR program: Technical assistance at the National/ District level for strategic guidance and operational support for activities targeted towards the achievement and maintenance of measles and rubella elimination through the development and implementation of national plans. This will include support for policy advocacy at highest level and mobilization of professional organizations, CBO and local communities.
• Polio Transition: Technical and policy guideline for smooth transition of IVD SIMO network (as per polio transition plan).
• Routine Immunization: Technical assistance at National/ District/CC level for strengthening immunization systems and services to support improvements in routine immunization coverage, including an analysis of the cause of low coverage as well as the development, implementation and monitoring of operational plans to overcome the barriers to achieve high immunization coverage; development of guidelines and facilitating the training activities. Support developing plan/strategies to strengthen immunization in urban areas and City Corporations. Develop and high-level advocacy for immunization sustainable financing. Digitalization of AEFI data management and integration with DHIS2. Develop policy guideline for initiation of school immunization and integration of immunization with various PHS services
• VPD Surveillance: Technical assistance at National/ District level to support reviews, evaluation, and capacity building
• Operational Research, Assessment and Survey: Technical guidance at the National/ District/ CC level to develop and conduct various research, assessment and survey in immunization and surveillance as relevant for the achievement and maintenance of elimination/control of vaccine preventable diseases, including operational research to improve immunization coverage and surveillance performance.

Deliverables

Deliverables will be specific to individual consultancy and terms of reference

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• For NO-A, NO-B & NO-C: University degree in medicine, social science, management, health economics and financing, health information, human resource of health or policy from recognized university.
• For NO-D: Advanced university degree medicine, social science, management, health economics and financing, health information, human resource of health or policy from recognized university.

Desirable:

• Doctorate degree in medicine, social science, management, health economics and financing, health information, human resource of health or policy from recognized university.

Experience:

Essential:

Below mentioned experience for specific grade level at national level is essential in ANY of the following health systems functions:

• Governance and policy planning
• Health finance
• Health Information management and digital health
• Immunization, VPD surveillance, Supplementary Immunization Activities, new vaccine introduction
• Health policy and systems research

For NO- A: 2 to 5 Years of relevant experience in Bangladesh

For NO- B: 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in Bangladesh

For NO- C: More than 10 years of relevant experience in Bangladesh

For NO-D: More than 15 years of relevant experience in Bangladesh

Desirable

• Working experience in developing policy, guidelines, strategic plan in relevant area

Skills/Knowledge:

1. Proven ability to lead the area of expertise and requirement
2. Knowledge of principles of public health and health systems, immunization services, management, monitoring, evaluation, social science, management, financing, statistics, research, economics, or policy
3. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely.
4. Demonstrated ability to maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in government and beyond, including other development agencies.
5. Skills in training and facilitation.

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural difference
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving forward in a changing environment

Languages required:

Expert knowledge of English with excellent written and verbal communication skills is essential

Computer Literacy:

Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications and computer skills, including to make high quality technical presentations and for data analysis

Location:

Dhaka, Bangladesh. Selected candidate may be asked to perform on-site and/or off-site (virtual/remote) as per nature of assignment

Travel:

The assignment may involve travel and details of which form part of ToR for specific assignment. Travel related expenses will be reimbursed as per WHO policies.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: Remuneration currency – BDT

1. For NO.A pay band range:

Daily: BDT 17,639 to 23,379.00

Monthly: BDT 352,781 to BDT 467,576.00

2. For NO.B pay band range:

Daily: BDT 24,611.00 to 32,672.00

Monthly: BDT 492,211.00 to 653,433.00

3. For NO.C pay band range:

Daily: BDT 34,383.00 to 45,498.00

Monthly: BDT 687,657.00 to 909,968.00

4. For NO.D pay band range:

Daily pay range: BDT 44,205.00 to 58,322.00

Monthly pay ranges: BDT 884,099.00 to 1,166,434.00

Actual remuneration (monthly or daily basis) will be offered based on the requirements of the terms of reference for the individual consultant contract and in relation to the individual’s academic and professional experience in accordance with WHO’s consultant’s pay band ranges.

Expected duration of contract:

Expected duration of contract: 2 weeks to 22 months depends on actual requirement (Separate communication will be made with listed candidates under roster): full time over several months, or part-time (few days per week/month)

Instruction for application:

• Applicants are requested to indicate technical expertise from the following areas that you wish to be considered in your application (cover letter):

1. GIS Specialist,

2. Data Management and Monitoring Experts,

3. Urban Immunization (Health),

4. Immunization and Surveillance training experts,

5. Immunization Financing,

6. GAVI application for New Vaccine Introduction,

7. Policy and Planning,

8. School immunization,

9. Immunization and Surveillance Program, Assessment, survey

10. Polio transition

11. Routine Immunization

12. VPD Surveillance

13. Operational Research, Assessment and Survey

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice is being issued for establishing “Roster of National Consultant / Experts – Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD)”.
• 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.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• 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.
• This assignment is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station/assignment location.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.

Apply now

Added 11 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: who.int