Technical Support NIS and Holistic Planning Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years and works in 190 countries and territories. The organization is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, allowing it to implement programs that significantly impact children's lives worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Technical Support NIS and Holistic Planning Consultant will provide essential technical and analytical support to UNICEF's Immunization Section within the Health Programme Division. This role is crucial as UNICEF continues to support countries in introducing and sustaining equitable access to new vaccines. The consultant will be responsible for providing direct technical expertise to Gavi-eligible low- and middle-income countries, focusing on vaccine prioritization and optimization processes. The consultant will work closely with country teams to ensure that new vaccine introductions are strategically planned and executed, aligning with Gavi's Country Vaccine Budgets. This position requires a deep understanding of immunization strategies and the ability to synthesize complex information for effective decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's key responsibilities include providing strategic advisory services to up to 12 Gavi-eligible countries, offering expert guidance on National Immunization Strategies (NIS), and supporting the development of Gavi holistic applications. The consultant will document lessons learned and promising practices, contribute to presentations and reports, and facilitate knowledge exchange among countries. Specific deliverables include an inception report outlining the work plan, technical assistance for planning and optimization in selected countries, synthesis of findings and good practices, and a final consultancy report summarizing outcomes and recommendations. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring timely and evidence-based assistance to countries, enhancing their capacity to submit applications for cash grants from Gavi.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in Public Health, Global Health, Epidemiology, Medicine, or Health Policy and Management. A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in immunization design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and management, particularly in low- and middle-income contexts, is required. Demonstrated experience in supporting Gavi-eligible countries on vaccine introduction and health systems processes is essential. Candidates should have proven analytical, coordination, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical information for decision-making. Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, or another UN language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, such as a Master's degree or higher, in relevant fields such as Public Health, Global Health, Epidemiology, Medicine, or Health Policy and Management. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of immunization programs and health systems strengthening.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8 years in the field of immunization program design and management. Candidates should have a strong background in new vaccine introduction and health systems strengthening, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Experience in providing technical assistance to Gavi-eligible countries is highly desirable, as is a proven track record of successful project management and implementation in similar contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position. Additionally, knowledge of other languages such as French, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, or any other UN language is considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from December 15, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and is primarily remote-based. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and upload their academic credentials. A financial proposal reflecting the costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment is required. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if international travel is necessary. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance coverage at the time of contract award and will be subject to background checks. The consultancy does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. Selected candidates must also confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.