Consultant to analyze PHC and immunization spending in Africa in reference to regional commitments

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is the world's leading children's rights organization, dedicated to promoting the survival, protection, and development of children. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years and works in 190 countries and territories. With a workforce of over 12,000 staff members, UNICEF is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health and nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. The organization is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, allowing it to carry out its mission effectively across various regions.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will provide technical and analytical expertise to support the development of evidence-based recommendations focusing on sustainable financing for primary healthcare (PHC) and immunization programs in Africa. This role is crucial in light of the Abuja Declaration, which calls for African nations to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to health. The consultant will analyze health spending trends, assess immunization financing patterns, and contribute to policy options that reflect contemporary health priorities. The position requires a deep understanding of health financing commitments and the ability to navigate the complexities of health economics in the African context, particularly in light of recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and changing donor landscapes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Reviewing the assignment and developing a proposed methodology for UNICEF review, culminating in an inception report by September 25, 202
• Conducting a systematic review of evidence on health financing commitments related to the Abuja Declaration, with a comprehensive report due by October 10, 202
• Analyzing health spending trends across all 55 AU member states from 2000 to 2024, focusing on various funding sources, with a report due by October 20, 202
• Examining immunization financing patterns and identifying countries in different stages of donor transition, with a report due by October 30, 202
• Assessing primary healthcare investment levels and their relationship to universal health coverage, with a report due by November 5, 202
• Reviewing global best practices in health financing commitments and analyzing existing accountability frameworks, with two policy options papers due by November 15, 202
• Contributing to the development of policy options for health financing commitments, with a summary report due by November 25, 2025.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Health Economics, Economics, Mathematical Modelling, Public Health, Epidemiology, or Statistics. Additionally, at least 20 years of demonstrated experience in health economic modeling, particularly in low- and middle-income country contexts, is required. Proficiency in statistical and health economic modeling software, including R, Advanced Excel, and STATA, is mandatory. A strong commitment to delivering timely and high-quality results is essential, along with advanced knowledge of African Union procedures and functioning.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Health Economics, Economics, Mathematical Modelling, Public Health, Epidemiology, or Statistics is required for this position. This educational background is critical to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to analyze health financing and develop effective recommendations.

Experience:
The consultant must have at least 20 years of relevant experience, particularly in health economic modeling and working with household-level datasets in low- and middle-income countries. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of health financing and the unique challenges faced by African nations in this area.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the role. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken in Africa, would be advantageous and could enhance communication with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from September 20, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and is primarily remote. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and provide a financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if travel is required. Selected candidates must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award and are subject to background checks. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities.