Short-Term Consultant for Vaccine Introduction and Expansion Activities

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries. The organization focuses on various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The Short-Term Consultant position is designed to provide strategic guidance and quality assurance to the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines and the WHO in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of new vaccine introduction and expansion activities. The consultant will play a pivotal role in strengthening the national immunization program by ensuring that new vaccines are introduced effectively and efficiently, in line with global recommendations and national health priorities. This role requires comprehensive technical and operational preparations, including the development of implementation plans, training packages, and monitoring frameworks. The consultant will engage closely with various stakeholders, including DOH program units, regional offices, and partners, to ensure high-quality implementation and integration within the broader immunization system strengthening agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for providing strategic technical guidance for new vaccine introduction and expansion activities, including the HPV vaccination expansion. They will guide the development and implementation of national plans and operational guidelines, ensuring alignment with national priorities and WHO guidance. The consultant will lead the technical review and quality assurance of training materials and operational documents, provide strategic guidance across key workstreams, and offer technical advice on readiness assessments and implementation monitoring. They will also guide the planning and implementation of post-introduction evaluations, identify operational bottlenecks, and maintain high-level coordination with DOH and other stakeholders. Additionally, the consultant will review and provide technical inputs to various program documentation related to NVI activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine, public health, epidemiology, health systems, immunization, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in immunization programs, vaccine-preventable diseases, and public health at both national and international levels. Demonstrated experience in providing technical oversight and strategic coordination for immunization programs is essential, along with experience working with government counterparts and international organizations. Candidates should also have experience in developing technical guidance and training materials, as well as leading field implementation and evaluation activities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in medicine, public health, epidemiology, health systems, immunization, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of immunization programs and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in immunization programs, vaccine-preventable diseases, and public health. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing technical oversight and strategic coordination for immunization initiatives, as well as experience working with government and international partners. Experience in leading the development of technical guidance and training materials is also essential.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, including reading, writing, and speaking skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The contract is expected to last for 6 months, from July to December 2026, with a remuneration range of USD 8,001 to USD 9,000 per month. The consultant will be required to travel to various regions of the Philippines, and domestic travel will be facilitated through the Philippine WHO budget. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards and may be subject to background verification. The WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of tobacco.