Health HPV Vaccine Introduction Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it emphasizes a culture of belonging and growth. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, and it actively promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Health HPV Vaccine Introduction Consultant position at UNICEF is focused on supporting Lebanon's initiative to reduce cervical cancer through the introduction of the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program. The consultant will play a crucial role in assessing the national readiness for the vaccine introduction, developing a comprehensive HPV Vaccine Introduction Plan, and creating training materials for immunization programs. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Public Health and other partners to ensure a coordinated and sustainable rollout of the vaccine, aligning with WHO recommendations and best practices. The role requires a strong understanding of immunization systems, vaccine introduction strategies, and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a situational analysis and needs assessment to evaluate the national readiness for HPV vaccine introduction, identifying gaps and resource needs. They will prepare a situational analysis report summarizing findings and recommendations. Additionally, the consultant will draft the HPV Vaccine Introduction Plan, which includes an implementation framework, communication strategy, and monitoring and evaluation plan. They will also estimate vaccine requirements and develop cost projections. Furthermore, the consultant will review existing e-learning resources and develop new training materials on HPV, ensuring all content is translated into Arabic and approved by the Ministry of Public Health. The timeline for these tasks spans from January 1, 2026, to June 15, 2026, with specific milestones for each deliverable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Public Health, Nursing, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in immunization programs, vaccine introduction, and health systems strengthening. Experience in developing national vaccine introduction plans and training materials is essential, along with familiarity with WHO guidelines. Previous work with UN agencies or the Ministry of Public Health on vaccine introduction is highly desirable. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with partners are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree (preferably master’s or higher) in Public Health, Nursing, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health initiatives and vaccine introduction strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, particularly in immunization programs and vaccine introduction. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing strategies and plans for new vaccine introductions, as well as experience in training and capacity building within health systems.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and oral, is mandatory, especially in immunization terminology. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last until June 15, 2026, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined. The role is not considered a staff position under UNICEF's regulations, and consultants will not be entitled to benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance coverage. Selected candidates must ensure their visa and health insurance are valid for the contract duration. Additionally, candidates are required to confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, unless they will be working remotely. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.