Big Catch Up Consultant – Strategic Planning and Programme Management – Risk Analysis

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, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization is known for being the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on various areas including child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, allowing it to carry out its mission effectively across diverse regions.

Job Overview:
The Big Catch Up Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Programme Management Office (PMO) function for the Big Catch-Up (BCU) initiative, which aims to recover and enhance immunization systems that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultant will be responsible for global coordination, progress tracking, risk analysis, and providing strategic guidance on institutionalizing catch-up vaccination efforts. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including Gavi and WHO, to ensure coherent planning and implementation of immunization strategies. The consultant will also focus on addressing operational bottlenecks and ensuring the sustainability of immunization services beyond the BCU initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include supporting the PMO function by maintaining visibility of implementation progress across regions, engaging with countries on emerging issues, and facilitating discussions on planning and prioritization for the final phases of the BCU initiative. The consultant will identify and analyze risks affecting BCU delivery, prepare escalation briefs for senior management, and propose corrective actions for implementation challenges. Additionally, the consultant will provide strategic input on institutionalizing catch-up vaccination within routine immunization systems, contribute to sustainability strategies, and offer targeted technical support to selected countries requiring high-level troubleshooting or strategic engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in international public health program management, with at least three years specifically in immunization programs, preferably in low- and middle-income countries. They should demonstrate expertise in strategic planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of immunization programs. Proven experience in engaging with national ministries of health and coordinating with various immunization stakeholders is essential. Strong communication and presentation skills are required, along with proficiency in standard office software applications. Prior experience with a United Nations agency or international organization is advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or advanced university degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Policy and Management, Social or Behavioral Science, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the BCU initiative and support immunization efforts.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of eight years in international public health program management. This includes at least three years of substantive experience in immunization programs, which is critical for understanding the complexities and challenges associated with immunization efforts in various contexts. The candidate should have a proven track record of engaging with health ministries and stakeholders, as well as delivering technical assistance to government counterparts.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French or Portuguese is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in different regions.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from March 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026, and is a remote position. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable and total lump-sum for the assignment. UNICEF will cover travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if international 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.