Immunization Supply Chain Management Specialist, Antananarivo Madagascar (11 months)

the consultant will provide technical guidance for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the EVM improvement plan in Madagascar encompassing all strategies relevant to the Malagasy context in the immunization supply chain management strategy

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

1. BACKGROUND

Madagascar is one of the ten low income countries with the largest differences in Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccine 3 (DTP3) coverage between poorest and richest wealth quintiles identified in 2011 supported by GAVI.  Millennium Development Goals (MDG) survey data indicates that there may have been a serious decline in vaccination: only 51.1% of children 12-23 months are completely vaccinated (MDG survey 2012/13) compared to 61.6% in 2008 (Enquete Demographique de Sante 2008/9). All indicators of availability of health personnel show a steady decline since 2005 (MoH). Insufficiencies in the immunization supply chain management are among the critical barriers to immunization coverage and equity, last mile logistics (Centre de Santé de Base level and for outreaches in the Fonkontanies) are of particular importance as a strategy to reach the unreached rural remote communities and

The Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessment conducted in 2014 showed that only three criteria evaluation at national level and one at regional and district level out of 9 key criteria have reached the recommended standard of 80%. No evaluation criteria out of 9 key criteria have reached the recommended standard of 80%, at health center level. In addition about 60% of the CSB have outdated cold chain equipment.

The EVM report identifies major bottlenecks for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) systems, essentially related to poor cold chain capacities and poor maintenance with regular vaccines and vaccination materials stock shortage at regional, district and health facilities level; insufficiency in the distribution of vaccines at different levels (logistical and organizational difficulties); low ability of health staff to maintain the existing.

Gavi alliance is supporting Madagascar to improve storage capacity with solar refrigerator through the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform support. To ensure vaccine availability and improve vaccination coverage with equity to reach all targeted population, improving Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) and reviewing the vaccine supply chain system and to identify strengths and weaknesses, providing support to address these weakness is critical.

UNICEF Madagascar is recruiting a cold chain and logistic specialist to ensure the technical assistance with focus on immunization supply chain management to support the direction of the EPI (DPEV) in the ministry of health.  

Under the direct supervision of the Immunization Specialist chief of EPI unit and in close collaboration with other staff members, s/he will provide technical guidance for the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the EVM improvement plan in Madagascar encompassing all strategies relevant to the Malagasy context in the immunization supply chain management strategy.

2. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

In close collaboration with the DPEV, logistics officers in DPEV and the logistics committee of the Inter-agency Coordination Committee (ICC):

1. Coordination of Immunization Supply Chain Management / cold Chain and Logistic (iSCM/CCL)

• Support committee in developing a framework of responsibilities of players and their accountability in iSCM
• Identify room for improvement for capacity building of stake holders in supply chain management

1. EVM improvement plan and cold chain inventory

• Support DPEV and logistics committee in the system to update the cold chain equipment inventory and capacity analysis
• Provide technical guidance to the DPEV to implement the Effective Vaccine Management Implementation as per schedule and funding availability.
• Monitor the implementation status of the Effective Vaccine Management Implementation

1. Cold chain equipment procurement and deployment

• Assist DPEV in the application process of the Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) Optimization Platform to Gavi for accelerated solarization of cold chain
• Assist DPEV in the development of CCE distribution and installation plan, prioritizing areas most affected by inequities in immunization, respecting national priorities and in line with UNICEF procedures as applicable 

1. Temperature monitoring

• Support DPEV in the roll-out of continuous temperature monitoring systems in cold rooms, refrigerators and during distribution process, possibly supported by new technology (GSM etc).

1. Vaccine and supply management

• Review current stock management procedures and suggest steps for improvement, including vaccine wastage monitoring
• Review distribution system and suggest steps for improvement, including reception of supplies at entry point (airport/port) and transport to DPEV
• Strengthen stock monitoring system and suggest improvements to avoid stock-outs and over stocks.

3. DELIVERABLES

At the end of this contract position the Ministry of Health will be able to achieve the following results:

• Comprehensive EVM improvement plan up to date.
• Stake holders in supply chain management capacity building updated and implemented
• CCE distribution and installation plan developed
• Up to date cold chain inventory and Cold Chain Expansion and Replacement Plan  available
• Temperature, stock and vaccine wastage monitoring system in place at central levels.

4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Advanced University degree is required, additional degree/training in Supply Chain Management, Cold Chain and Logistics or related areas is an asset.
• Six years of experience in immunization supply chain management or related areas of which at least 05 years in developing countries.
• Previous experience with an UN agency is an advantage;
• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills;
• Current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field of ISCM and Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform.
• Fluency in French (verbal and written). Good written and spoken skills in English and knowledge of another UN language an asset.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.

5. DUTY STATION AND TRAVEL

The post is Office-based in Antananarivo with travel within the country. S/he will work in a close collaboration with the Immunization specialist and the whole health team.

6. CONDITIONS OF WORK

Regular working conditions in Antananarivo. Difficult working conditions in the field. S/he will be provided with full support from UNICEF including basic office support and field levels.

7. HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are requested to apply only online via the link https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job= and attach a cover letter, detailed CV, a copy of the national identity card or passport, a copy of the highest accredited diploma

Please indicate your availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Incomplete or late submission after the deadline (31 May 2017) will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will receive an official response to their application. Our job applications are also available on the site http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization