Consultancy: Data Analysis and Reporting for National Immunization Supply Chains, UNICEF Supply/Programme Division CPH

The objective of this assignment is to routinely collect review, aggregate, analyse and interpret immunization supply chain data generated by countries and create reports, trends and presentations for use by UNICEF/WHO, partners and governments.

Consultancy Title: Data Analysis and Reporting for National Immunization Supply Chains

LOCATION/DURATION:

Duration:  Full Time 11.5 months

Location:
On-site working days: Negotiable

Off-site working days: Negotiable

Field Missions/Travel: Travel is expected

Start Date: 15 December

Reporting to:  Ken Legins, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen; and
Ousmane Tamba Dia, UNICEF Programme Division, Copenhagen

BACKGROUND:

Globally there is continued increase in financial resources being dedicated to providing health commodities to vulnerable communities in developing countries. To help ensure that these commodities ultimately reach intended beneficiaries, there has been an increase in investments being made to the supply chain; with the broad objective to strengthen in-country supply chains systems that have the mandate to deliver products to the final users - particularly children. In many countries, supply chains have suffered many years of under-investment; resulting in sub-optimal performance across most of the key supply chain functional areas such as infrastructure, data, human resources and overall process capability.

One of the fundamental challenge found in many supply chain systems is making logistics/supply chain data available timely and accurately for decision making. Some of the wide ranging challenges identified include the collection, review, aggregation, analysis and interpretation of logistics/supply chain data and the development and dissemination of reports across most tiers of the supply chain. UNICEF together with its partners globally, continues to channel efforts towards helping countries improve their data systems through new concepts, tools and standards setting. UNICEF works closely with WHO in the analysis, interpretation and reporting of data provided by countries globally.

Supply Chain Strengthening Centre, UNICEF Supply Division (SD); and the Immunization Unit, Supply Chain Team, Programme Division (PD)

UNICEF’s Supply Chain Strengthening Center (SCSC) and Immunization Supply Chain Team, support governments to strengthen and optimize key supply chains for targeted products and locations to reduce costs, stock-outs and/or wastage, improve performance and help achieve results. Strong and efficient health supply chains are the backbone for delivering essential supplies for children. UNICEF works with governments and partners to strengthen national health supply chains by improving alignment, capacity and sustainability.

UNICEF & WHO

Through the Immunization Supply Chain Hub, WHO and UNICEF work together collaboratively to leverage the comparative advantages of both organizations to increase countries ability to comprehensively assess, plan and implement innovative changes to their immunization supply chain, and increase vaccine availability and vaccine potency. The WHO/UNICEF immunization Supply Chain Hub also works in partnership with countries’ Ministry of Health and in particular Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), WHO and UNICEF regional and country offices. Join initiatives include Effective Vaccine Management Assessments (EVMA), Improvement Plans and tools to manage vaccines such as the Stock Management Tool (SMT) and District Vaccination Data Management Tool (DVDMT).

GAVI Immunization Supply Chain Strategy

As co-chair to the Immunization Supply Chain Taskforce, UNICEF has joint responsibility to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the Gavi Immunization Supply Chain Strategy from a global perspective. The work of the taskforce includes close monitoring of country-level activities and providing feedback through member organizations to drive course corrections and learn lessons. The monitoring work includes the collection and analysis of country level data and development of scorecards to inform the taskforce the progress countries are making.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this assignment is to routinely collect review, aggregate, analyse and interpret immunization supply chain data generated by countries and create reports, trends and presentations for use by UNICEF/WHO, partners and governments.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:

The Consultant will work with the Chief of Supply Chain Strengthening Centre (Supply Division) and Senior Immunization Specialist Logistics and Cold Chain (Programme Division) on the following assignments and tasks;

• Importing, transforming, validating or modeling data with the purpose of understanding or drawing conclusions from the data
• Perform data analysis for reporting needs of the Centre, including creating effective visualizations (charts, graphs and tables) for reports
• Perform data cleaning, verification and triangulation with  programmatic data (coverage) to improve data quality and accuracy
• Work collaboratively internally across UNICEF Centres & PD, WHO and other partners on issues to do with immunization supply chain data
• Analyzing the vaccines SMT and DVDMT for individual countries to determine  Dashboard for Immunization Supply Chain DISC indicators;

- Closed Vial Wastage
- On time and in full delivery (OTIF)
- Stocked according to plan
- Forecasted demand ratio
- Temperature alarm rate
- Functional status of cold chain equipment
- Full stock availability

• Designing and developing reporting formats and templates
• Communicating results and findings to relevant audiences including Supply Division, Programme Division, Regional Offices and Partners
• Collecting, collating and aggregating data from the regions for reporting to the hub for publication of case studies and results achievement

KEY DELIVERABLES:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

Advanced, post-graduate degree is required, preferably in relevant field (e.g. computer/data science, statistics, business/public administration, public health, supply chain management, psychology or other quantitative degree).

Work Experience:
At least 10 years work experience in data analysis/managing large data sets including conducting analysis of supply chain data at country and global level. 

Competencies:

1) Core Values
• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity
2) Core Competencies
• Communication
• Drive for Results

3) Key Functional Competencies
• Analyzing
• Planning and Organizing

Technical Knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in data analysis/modelling and visualisation
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting data collection, synthesis, aggregation and reporting
• Knowledge of immunization supply chains or exposure to private sector supply chain practice is an added advantage
• Excellent presentation skills
Language:

Fluent English, speaking/reading; French desirable

EVALUATION PROCESS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application.
2. A technical proposal with proposed methodology/approach to managing the project, showing understanding of tasks.
3. Financial quote for the consultancy in USD per deliverable, stating also the timeframe for completion of deliverable and/or daily rate in USD.
4. As applicable, for consultants requiring initial travel to duty station, estimate amount for round-trip most economical and direct travel, in addition to lump sum for daily subsistence allowance. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals shall not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). Travel as required/agreed with the Supervisor during the consultancy will be reimbursed on actuals upon receipt of supporting documents and invoices.
5. CV.
6. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
7. Proposed methodology/approach to managing the project.
8. At least 2 References

Queries can be sent to: Innocent Dube (idube@unicef.org) with subject line “Consultancy:  Data and Reporting”. Applications must be received in the system by the 20 November at our website: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php   Requisition no: 508767

Please indicate your availability and rate per deliverable in USD to undertake the terms of reference above.  Applications submitted without a rate per deliverable in USD will not be considered.

Currency of payment will be agreed upon at time of contracting.
Travel costs and DSA will be covered in accordance with UN rules and regulations. No other remunerations apply. UNICEF considers best value for money as a criteria for evaluating potential candidates.  As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant or individual contractor follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible fee. Please note that consultants and individual contractors are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas and travel insurance.

Successful applicants will be invited to a telephone interview and candidate will be selected based on the following criteria:

General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors

1. Legal Status

The individual engaged by UNICEF under this contract as a consultant or individual contractor (the “Contractor”) is engaged in a personal capacity and not as representative of a Government or of any other entity external to the United Nations.  The Contractor is neither a "staff member" under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor an "official" for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 1946 (“the Convention”).  The Contractor may, however, be afforded the status of "Expert on Mission" in the sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the Convention and if the Contractor is required by UNICEF to travel in order to fulfill the requirements of this contract, the Contractor may be issued a United Nations Certificate in accordance with Section 26 of Article VII of the Convention.

2. Obligations

The Contractor shall complete the assignment set out in the Terms of Reference for this contract with due diligence, efficiency and economy, in accordance with generally accepted professional techniques and practices.

The Contractor must respect the impartiality and independence of UNICEF and the United Nations and in connection with this contract shall neither seek nor accept instructions from anyone other than UNICEF.  During the term of this contract the Contractor must refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on UNICEF or the United Nations and must not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICEF.  The Contractor must exercise the utmost discretion in all matters relating to this contract. 

In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, the Contractor  (a) will conduct him- or herself in a manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service; and (b)  will comply with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICEF relating to fraud and corruption; information disclosure; use of electronic communication assets; discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority; and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General's Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. 

Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, the Contractor must not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or other entity external to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has become known to the Contractor by reason of his or her association with UNICEF or the United Nations.  The Contractor may not use such information without the written authorization of UNICEF, and shall under no circumstances use such information for his or her private advantage or that of others. These obligations do not lapse upon termination of this contact.

3. Title rights

UNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, this contract.  At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law governing such rights.

4. Travel

If UNICEF determines that the Contractor needs to travel in order to perform his or her obligations under this contract, that travel shall be specified in the contract and the Contractor’s travel costs shall be set out in the contract. In cases where travel costs have not been set in the contract, travel may either be organized by UNICEF or reimbursed upon submission of receipts within ten (10) days of completion of a specific travel on the following basis:
 
(a) UNICEF will pay for travel in economy class via the most direct and economical route, provided however that in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, travel in business class may be approved by UNICEF on a case-by-case basis. 
 
(b) UNICEF will pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with such travel, up to an amount equivalent to the daily subsistence allowance that would be paid to staff members undertaking similar travel for official purposes.

5. Statement of good health

Before commencing work, the Contractor must deliver to UNICEF a certified self-statement of good health and take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement.  In addition, the Contractor must include in this statement of good health (a) confirmation that he or she has been informed regarding inoculations required for him or her to receive, at his or her own cost and from his or her own medical practitioner or other party, for travel to the country or countries to which travel is authorized; and (b) a statement he or she is covered by medical/health insurance and that, if required to travel beyond commuting distance from his or her usual place or residence to UNICEF (other than to duty station(s) with hardship ratings “H” and “A”, a list of which has been provided to the Contractor) the Contractor’s medical/health insurance covers medical evacuations. The Contractor will be responsible for assuming all costs that may be incurred in relation to the statement of good health. 

6. Insurance

The Contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of this contract as he or she considers appropriate taking into account, among other things, the requirements of paragraph 5 above.  The Contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.  The responsibility of UNICEF and the United Nations is limited solely to the payment of compensation under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below.

7. Service incurred death, injury or illness

If the Contractor is travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contract, or is performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval, the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate), shall be entitled to compensation from UNICEF in the event of death, injury or illness attributable to the fact that the Contractor was travelling  with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expenses in order to perform his or her obligations under this contract, or was performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval.  Such compensation will be paid through a third party insurance provider retained by UNICEF and shall be capped at the amounts set out in the Administrative Instruction on Consultants and Individual Contractors. Under no circumstances will UNICEF be liable for any other or greater payments to the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate).

8. Arbitration

(a) Any dispute arising out of or, in connection with, this contract shall be resolved through amicable negotiation between the parties. 

(b) If the parties are not able to reach agreement after attempting amicable negotiation for a period of thirty (30) days after one party has notified the other of such a dispute, either party may submit the matter to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL procedures within fifteen (15) days thereafter.  If neither party submits the matter for arbitration within the specified time the dispute will be deemed resolved to the full satisfaction of both parties.  Such arbitration shall take place in New York before a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties; provided however that should the parties be unable to agree on a single arbitrator within thirty days of the request for arbitration, the arbitrator shall be designated by the United Nations Legal Counsel.  The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute. 

9. Penalties for Underperformance

Payment of fees to the Contractor under this contract, including each installment or periodic payment (if any), is subject to the Contractor’s full and complete performance of his or her obligations under this contract with regard to such payment to UNICEF’s satisfaction, and UNICEF’s certification to that effect. 

10. Termination of Contract

This contract may be terminated by either party before its specified termination date by giving notice in writing to the other party.  The period of notice shall be five (5) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two (2) months and ten (10) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor)  in the case of contracts for a longer period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of impropriety or other misconduct by the Contractor (including but not limited to breach by the Contractor of relevant UNICEF policies, procedures, and administrative instructions), UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice.  If this contract is terminated in accordance with this paragraph, the Contractor shall be paid on a pro rata basis determined by UNICEF for the actual amount of work performed to UNICEF’s satisfaction at the time of termination. UNICEF will also pay any outstanding reimbursement claims related to travel by the Contractor.  Any additional costs incurred by UNICEF resulting from the termination of the contract by either party may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the Contractor under this paragraph.

11. Taxation

UNICEF and the United Nations accept no liability for any taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant and individual contractor on payments made under this contract.  Neither UNICEF nor the United Nations will issue a statement of earnings to the consultant and individual contractor.

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

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 organisation.