Consultant for Strengthening Immunization Strategies

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF Ecuador is part of the global UNICEF organization, which was established in 1946 with the mission to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. The organization operates in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on the most disadvantaged children and families. In Ecuador, UNICEF's program for 2023-2026 emphasizes health and nutrition, aiming to reduce maternal and infant mortality and ensure access to quality health services for children and families. UNICEF Ecuador employs a diverse workforce dedicated to promoting equity and the rights of children and adolescents in the country.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's health program and the National Immunization Directorate in Ecuador. The primary objective is to strengthen vaccination coverage strategies, analyze data at the central level, enhance operational planning, and provide technical assistance to lower levels of the health system. This includes micro-planning for routine vaccination, particularly in the Amazon provinces, to prevent and control outbreaks of diseases such as yellow fever. The consultant will be responsible for developing a detailed work plan, conducting programmatic follow-up, and producing technical reports that assess vaccination coverage and identify gaps. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including local governments and community actors, to ensure effective implementation of immunization strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive technical and methodological work plan that includes a detailed schedule of activities, methodologies for technical follow-up, and coordination with the National Immunization Directorate and regional health offices.
• Prepare a technical report analyzing the progress of vaccination coverage, identifying gaps, and proposing corrective actions at both national and subnational levels. This includes support for analyzing nominal databases and reviewing provincial micro-planning.
• Conduct field visits and workshops in the Amazon provinces (prioritizing Sucumbíos, Orellana, Napo, Pastaza, and Morona Santiago) to assess the current situation of vaccination coverage, logistics, and micro-planning efforts.
• Produce a final report that consolidates the actions taken during the consultancy, including lessons learned, best practices, and strategic recommendations for strengthening the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
• Ensure all deliverables are approved and supervised by the National Director of Immunizations at the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador.

Required Qualifications:

• A professional with a tertiary level education in Medical Sciences, with additional qualifications in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related fields being highly valued.
• Proven experience of at least 5 years in public health, epidemiology, or management of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Demonstrated experience in designing or managing public health strategies and conducting research related to disease surveillance and prevention.
• Strong knowledge of the National Immunization Strategy and experience in formulating public policy documents or development projects.
• Experience working with public institutions is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a tertiary level degree in Medical Sciences. Additional qualifications in Public Health, Epidemiology, or other relevant higher education fields will be positively evaluated. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the health program and vaccination strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of specific experience in public health, epidemiology, or the management of vaccine-preventable diseases. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and implementing public health strategies, as well as conducting research related to disease prevention and control. Experience in working with governmental health institutions and understanding the dynamics of health systems in Ecuador will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of English or other languages may be considered an asset, but Spanish proficiency is essential for this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be full-time, with a focus on delivering specific products within a defined timeframe. The consultant will be required to travel to various provinces in the Amazon region, which necessitates careful planning of travel logistics. The evaluation of proposals will weigh technical qualifications and experience at 70%, while the economic proposal will account for 30%. UNICEF offers a range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.