Consultant for Gavi Application Process

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 is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of building careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNICEF Health Specialist (Immunization) and collaborate closely with UNEPI and key stakeholders. The primary function is to support the Ministry of Health and UNEPI in developing a detailed roadmap and operational workplan for the Gavi 6.0 application process. This role involves facilitating technical coordination among various stakeholders, reviewing national strategies and policies related to immunization, and compiling evidence required for the application. The consultant will also support discussions on cash prioritization, health systems strengthening investments, and alignment with other financing streams. The position requires drafting application narratives, facilitating technical review meetings, and ensuring the quality and readiness of all application documents for submission.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Ministry of Health and UNEPI in developing a detailed roadmap and operational workplan for the Gavi 6.0 application process.
• Facilitate technical coordination among key stakeholders including UNEPI pillars, relevant MoH departments, and other partners.
• Review national strategies, policies, and assessments related to immunization and health systems.
• Compile, synthesize, and analyze evidence for the application, including immunization coverage trends and equity assessments.
• Support technical assessment discussions related to cash prioritization and health systems strengthening.
• Draft and consolidate application narratives, budgets, and monitoring frameworks in line with Gavi guidance.
• Facilitate technical review meetings and stakeholder consultations.
• Ensure quality assurance and submission readiness of all application documents.
• Provide technical writing and editorial support for final application submission and revisions.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Planning, Health Economics, Global Health, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in immunization, public health, or health programme planning.
• Demonstrated experience in developing Gavi applications and health sector investment cases.
• Strong understanding of immunization systems and health financing.
• Excellent analytical, technical writing, and report drafting skills.
• Familiarity with Uganda's health sector systems is highly desirable.
• Strong interpersonal, coordination, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Planning, Health Economics, Global Health, Health Systems Strengthening, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the development of the Gavi application process and support the Ministry of Health and UNEPI.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as immunization, public health, health systems strengthening, or health programme planning. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in supporting the development of Gavi applications, health sector investment cases, and donor proposals. A strong understanding of immunization systems, primary health care strengthening, and equity programming is crucial. Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination and technical consultations is also necessary, along with strong analytical and report drafting skills.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, as well as for drafting application documents and reports. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 6.5 months, and the working arrangement is office-based. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. It is important to note that UNICEF does not charge any processing fees at any stage of its recruitment process, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.