Vaccine Cold Chain Management (VCCM) Expert Consultant (Fundamental Infrastructure)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children around the world. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been working tirelessly for over 70 years in 190 countries and territories to ensure children's survival, protection, and development. As the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF plays a crucial role in supporting child health and nutrition, providing access to clean water and sanitation, ensuring quality education for all children, and protecting children from violence, exploitation, and diseases such as AIDS. The organization is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, and employs over 12,000 staff across more than 145 countries, making it a significant player in global health and humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Vaccine Cold Chain Management (VCCM) Expert Consultant will play a vital role in enhancing immunization infrastructure across Gavi countries. The consultant will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and capacity strengthening to national governments and UNICEF in the preparation and finalization of Gavi 6.0 cash grant applications. This position aims to increase the success rate of country applications during the first Gavi IRC review process. The consultant will also focus on the roll-out of the Temperature Monitoring (TM) data use strategy and the digitalization of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) inventories, which are essential for improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of immunization supply chains. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach every child, particularly those in underserved communities, by strengthening the cold chain infrastructure and ensuring the proper management of health care waste.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including facilitating the development of Gavi cash grant applications, providing technical expertise for Gavi Cash Grant applications under Gavi 6.0, and guiding governments in developing detailed supporting documentation. This includes conducting CCE inventory and gaps analysis, developing operational deployment plans, and monitoring CCE performance and maintenance. The consultant will also provide guidance on the selection of appropriate CCE technology, assist in the development of decommissioning plans, and support the scaling of solarization infrastructure initiatives. Additionally, the consultant will collaborate with governments and UNICEF to develop an inventory strategy focused on digital CCI systems, conduct training on CCE inventory systems, and roll out the CCE Performance Monitoring & TM data use strategy. The consultant will also work on strengthening immunization infrastructure by mapping maintenance systems, supporting advocacy for operations and maintenance of health facility solar electrification systems, and developing roadmaps for health care waste management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible work experience at national and international levels in areas such as CCE inventory management systems, temperature monitoring, CCE maintenance, data/statistical analysis, supply management, and vaccine programming. Experience in managing large-scale projects, working with governments, and monitoring and evaluating supply chains is highly desirable. Familiarity with emergency response and experience working in the UN system or development organizations will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in data analysis for immunization health commodities, cold chain technical understanding, and proposal writing, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
A Master’s or Advanced University Degree in Engineering, Public Health (Immunization Supply Chain), Statistics, Logistics, or other relevant fields is required. A Bachelor’s degree combined with a minimum of 10 years of qualifying experience in Cold Chain Equipment Management (CCEM) and immunization supply chain management (iSCM) may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, with a focus on CCE inventory management systems, temperature monitoring, and supply chain management. Candidates should have experience in managing large-scale projects, particularly in resource-limited settings, and should be adept at monitoring and evaluating supply chains. Experience in the UN system or development organizations is advantageous, as is familiarity with emergency response scenarios.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for Anglophone candidates. Knowledge of French is considered an asset. For Francophone candidates, fluency in French is required, with proficiency in English being an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote-based and is expected to last from 15 February 2026 to 30 June 202

• 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 any emergent or unforeseen duty travel expenses. Selected candidates must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award and are subject to background checks. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.