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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO focuses on various health issues, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response. It collaborates with countries to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The Short-Term Consultant position is designed to provide essential technical and operational support to the Department of Health (DOH) and WHO in the Philippines. The consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation, coordination, monitoring, and documentation of new vaccine introduction and expansion activities. This role is particularly significant as the Philippines is enhancing its national immunization program by introducing and expanding priority vaccines. The consultant will be involved in various aspects of the immunization program, including planning, coordination, and evaluation of new vaccine introduction activities, particularly focusing on HPV vaccination expansion and future vaccine introductions. The consultant will work closely with DOH program units, regional offices, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and integration of these activities within the broader immunization system strengthening agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Supporting the development, updating, and implementation of national plans and operational guidelines related to new vaccine introduction and expansion activities.
• Developing, reviewing, and ensuring the quality of technical training materials, operational guidance documents, monitoring tools, and communication materials.
• Coordinating with DOH program managers, regional offices, and partners to support the implementation and follow-up of new vaccine introduction activities.
• Planning and monitoring HPV vaccination expansion activities and preparing for future vaccine introductions.
• Providing implementation support across key workstreams, including AEFI preparedness and training.
• Conducting readiness assessments, implementation monitoring, and supportive supervision activities.
• Preparing technical reports, meeting summaries, presentations, and other documentation related to new vaccine introduction activities.
• Participating in technical working groups and coordination meetings related to immunization and new vaccine introduction.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, public health, epidemiology, health systems, immunization, or a related field. A postgraduate training in these areas is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in immunization programs, vaccine-preventable diseases, public health, or health systems strengthening at both national and international levels. Experience in supporting new vaccine introduction and large-scale immunization activities is essential, along with a proven track record of working with government counterparts and international organizations. Candidates should also have experience in developing technical guidance, training materials, and program monitoring tools.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, public health, epidemiology, or health systems. A postgraduate degree in these areas is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of immunization programs and public health. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in supporting new vaccine introduction and large-scale immunization activities, preferably at the national or subnational level. Experience working with government counterparts and international organizations is also essential, as is experience in developing technical guidance and training materials.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, including reading, writing, and speaking skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations served by the immunization program.

Additional Notes:
The contract is expected to last for six months, from July to December 2026, and includes travel to various regions of the Philippines. The remuneration for this position is set at Band Level B, with a monthly salary ranging from USD 7,000 to USD 8,00

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.