National Consultant on Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Emergency
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees across more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing technical assistance and support to governments and health authorities to improve health outcomes globally.
Job Overview:
The National Consultant on Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Emergency will provide essential technical support to the WHO Country Office's Vaccine and Immunization (VPI) unit. The primary focus will be on strengthening the immunization system, particularly in developing contingency plans for the cold chain. The consultant will conduct simulation exercises (SimEx) and participate in both online and offline training sessions for cold chain staff at regional Centers for Disease Control (rCDCs), Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs), and Health Care Facilities (HCFs). The role is critical in addressing the significant challenges posed by the ongoing emergency in Ukraine, particularly in maintaining the integrity of the vaccine cold chain amidst the ongoing conflict. The consultant will also be involved in assessing the performance qualifications of Remote Temperature Monitoring Systems (RTMS) in cold storage facilities and ensuring compliance with Ukrainian legislation regarding vaccine management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree focused on public health, epidemiology, or immunology. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree (Master's level or higher) in the same fields. The consultant must possess excellent communication and report writing skills in both English and Ukrainian, with the ability to present findings clearly and draw practical conclusions. Strong analytical skills are also essential, along with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise reports and presentations. Interpersonal skills are crucial for effective collaboration in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, or immunology as a minimum educational qualification. An advanced degree (Master's level or higher) in these fields is highly desirable, reflecting a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in vaccine management and public health.
Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience working in Cold Chain & Vaccine Management or in the surveillance of Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and Immunization. Desirable experience includes conducting SimEx related to emergencies in the cold chain, performance qualifications for RTMS in vaccine storage, and previous work with WHO or other international organizations. Experience working at the country level, particularly in Ukraine, is also advantageous.
Languages:
The consultant must have an excellent command of both English and Ukrainian, as these languages are essential for effective communication and reporting in this role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.
Additional Notes:
The contract is expected to start on 1 September 2026 and will last for two months, ending on 31 October 202
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees across more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing technical assistance and support to governments and health authorities to improve health outcomes globally.
Job Overview:
The National Consultant on Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Emergency will provide essential technical support to the WHO Country Office's Vaccine and Immunization (VPI) unit. The primary focus will be on strengthening the immunization system, particularly in developing contingency plans for the cold chain. The consultant will conduct simulation exercises (SimEx) and participate in both online and offline training sessions for cold chain staff at regional Centers for Disease Control (rCDCs), Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs), and Health Care Facilities (HCFs). The role is critical in addressing the significant challenges posed by the ongoing emergency in Ukraine, particularly in maintaining the integrity of the vaccine cold chain amidst the ongoing conflict. The consultant will also be involved in assessing the performance qualifications of Remote Temperature Monitoring Systems (RTMS) in cold storage facilities and ensuring compliance with Ukrainian legislation regarding vaccine management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participate in a series of online Trainer of Trainer (ToT) sessions for cold chain staff at PHCCs and their associated vaccination points, particularly in frontline regions. This includes preparing agendas and content for presentations, focusing on practical applications of temperature loggers and cold boxes. The consultant is expected to personally lead at least five training sessions by 31 October 2026.
- Conduct fieldwork to assess the functionality of the RTMS at the national operator warehouse SE Ukrvaktsyna, following the Post-Installation Validation Protocol for WHO PQS E006 Compliant RTMS. This assessment is expected to be completed by 30 September 2026.
- Engage in fieldwork to conduct Simulation Exercises (SimEx) regarding emergencies in the cold chain at the warehouses of national vaccine logistics operators, SE Medical Procurement of Ukraine and SE Ukrvaktsyna. The consultant will actively participate in all follow-up meetings related to the SimEx and prepare comprehensive reports summarizing the findings and recommendations for each operator, with a final report due by 31 October 2026.
Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree focused on public health, epidemiology, or immunology. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree (Master's level or higher) in the same fields. The consultant must possess excellent communication and report writing skills in both English and Ukrainian, with the ability to present findings clearly and draw practical conclusions. Strong analytical skills are also essential, along with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise reports and presentations. Interpersonal skills are crucial for effective collaboration in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, or immunology as a minimum educational qualification. An advanced degree (Master's level or higher) in these fields is highly desirable, reflecting a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in vaccine management and public health.
Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience working in Cold Chain & Vaccine Management or in the surveillance of Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and Immunization. Desirable experience includes conducting SimEx related to emergencies in the cold chain, performance qualifications for RTMS in vaccine storage, and previous work with WHO or other international organizations. Experience working at the country level, particularly in Ukraine, is also advantageous.
Languages:
The consultant must have an excellent command of both English and Ukrainian, as these languages are essential for effective communication and reporting in this role. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.
Additional Notes:
The contract is expected to start on 1 September 2026 and will last for two months, ending on 31 October 202
- The total value of the contract is 7200 USD, with a monthly rate equivalent to the NO-B rate for Ukraine, amounting to 3,600 USD per month for 20 working days. The consultant will be required to travel within Kyiv and the Kyiv region for fieldwork related to the SimEx and RTMS assessments. Payment will be made monthly upon submission of a Monthly Progress Report and approval from the Responsible Officer. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before commencing work.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.