Consultant for Regional Working Group Secretariat for Immunization

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to ensure the full functionality of the Regional Working Group (RWG) Secretariat for Immunization in East and Southern Africa (ESA) during UNICEF's chairing period from January to December 202

• The consultant will be responsible for providing technical coordination, monitoring, knowledge management, and partner engagement support to implement the RWG mandate under Gavi 6.0 holistic application, VPOP process, and the development/reprogramming of National Immunization Strategies (NIS). This role is crucial for UNICEF to fulfill its leadership responsibilities as RWG Chair and to coordinate the work of partners across 25 countries in the ESA region. The consultant will be a core member of the RWG Secretariat and the Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Working Group (TWG), collaborating closely with UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and regional partners. The tasks will include technical coordination, monitoring, and partner engagement, ensuring that the RWG's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing technical coordination for the RWG Secretariat, ensuring that all activities align with the RWG's mandate and objectives.
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of immunization strategies across the ESA region, ensuring that progress is tracked and reported accurately.
• Engaging with partners to foster collaboration and support for immunization initiatives, facilitating communication and coordination among stakeholders.
• Managing the harmonization of technical assistance provided to countries, ensuring that support is tailored to meet specific needs.
• Strengthening the five technical working groups within the RWG, ensuring that they operate effectively and contribute to the overall goals of the RWG.
• Ensuring timely follow-up on RWG recommendations, tracking progress and outcomes of actions taken.
• Producing high-quality technical documents and reports that reflect the work of the RWG and its impact on immunization efforts in the region.
• Participating in meetings and workshops, representing the RWG and UNICEF, and contributing to discussions on immunization policies and strategies.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Education: A Master's degree in Public Health, Global/International Health, Health Policy and Management, or other relevant fields related to immunization.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional work experience at both national and international levels in primary health care, with substantive experience and technical knowledge in immunization.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating health and immunization processes, programs, and/or strategies is essential.
• Skills: Strong communication and negotiation skills are required, along with the ability to produce high-quality technical documents, including reports. Experience with UN agencies is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Global/International Health, Health Policy and Management, or other areas pertinent to immunization. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and immunization strategies.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant professional work experience, which should include both national and international levels of primary health care. Candidates should have substantial experience and technical knowledge in immunization, as well as demonstrated experience in coordinating health and immunization processes, programs, and strategies. This level of experience is necessary to effectively manage the responsibilities associated with the RWG Secretariat.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the ESA region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for the duration of UNICEF's chairing period from January to December 202

• The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any processing fees at any stage of its recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF.