Consultant for Immunization Strategy and Policy Development

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 employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a focus on building careers and fostering a culture of belonging and growth. The organization operates in various regions, including the Pacific Islands, where it addresses the needs of 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth across 14 countries.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in Samoa, focusing on developing a costed National Immunization Strategy and National Immunization Policy. This role involves compiling course content for the Vaccinator Course, conducting an Immunization Data Quality Assessment, and ensuring the integration of immunization supply chain components. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF Samoa Field Office, conducting stakeholder consultations, reviewing existing policies, and preparing drafts for the National Immunization Strategy and Policy. The consultant will also be responsible for capacity building, aligning training materials with accreditation requirements, and enhancing immunization competencies within the health workforce.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop/update the National Immunization Strategy and Policy: Conduct a desk review of existing policies and SOPs, identify gaps, and carry out stakeholder consultations to inform updates. Prepare drafts of the costed National Immunization Strategy and revised National Immunization Policy, ensuring integration of iSC components and monitoring mechanisms.
• Capacity building on immunization: Review existing training materials, clarify accreditation requirements for the Vaccinator Course, align course content with SQA standards, and provide recommendations for strengthening practical immunization skills in nursing curricula.
• Immunization Data Quality Assessment: Gather and review immunization data from various sources, develop standardized data collection tools, facilitate data collection, and compile a comprehensive assessment report with a data-quality improvement plan.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include a Master's degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Management, Supply Chain, Public Health Policy, Global/International Health, or related fields. Candidates should have at least seven years of experience in Immunization Program/Supply Chain Management, cold chain management, logistics, and operations management, with a preference for experience in UNICEF and technical assistance roles. Proven expertise in training, implementing, and monitoring health programs is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Management, Supply Chain, or Global Health. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of immunization strategies and policies.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of relevant experience at both national and international levels is required. This experience should encompass Immunization Program management, cold chain logistics, and public health initiatives, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked with UNICEF or similar organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both verbal and written. Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of Samoa is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the local context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract will not confer staff member status under UN regulations, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. The selected candidate must ensure valid visa and health insurance for the contract duration and may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-1

• Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities, and UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.