Consultancy: Implementing an effective cold chain temperature monitoring system: Programmatic and financial benefits - Health Section, PD - NYHQ, Requisition# 509221

Goal: Strengthen the available database to inform government decisions on improving monitoring of storage temperature of vaccines in the supply chain. Main objective: To evaluate the programmatic and financial benefits of the full and national implementation of a temperature monitoring system.

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Background & Rationale

Effective temperature monitoring throughout the supply chain coupled with temperature data management for action is essential to ensure the quality of vaccine storage and thereby prevent losses of vaccine doses due to heat or freezing. However, the real and ultimate benefit of enhanced temperature monitoring in the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) vaccine supply chain is to ensure that high quality vaccines reach the end of the chain at the point of administration.

The implementation of a temperature monitoring system is guided by nationally or globally approved policies; following the WHO Vaccine Management Manual, "How to monitor temperatures in the vaccine supply chain", the recommended best practices are:

• Use of remote temperature monitoring (RTM) system in primary and intermediate warehouses where large quantities of vaccine are usually stored. RTM systems are electronic systems that continuously record temperatures in vaccine storage enclosures using temperature sensors distributed in this chamber and connected to a server / mainframe via wired or wireless connections. All data received and stored in the server is analysed electronically and the system can be configured to generate reports and send alarm notifications when the recorded temperatures fluctuate outside the appropriate range. This alarm notification alerts health workers to a quick reaction to prevent vaccine damage.
• The equipment of refrigerated transport vehicles for RTM system vaccines to monitor the temperature in these vehicles During transport and for transport in non-refrigerated vehicles or vehicles without RTM systems, the use of temperature control devices in iceboxes and vaccine carriers during transport to verify that this equipment did not have temperature excursions that were harmful to the vaccines during transport.
• Use in 30-day continuous temperature recorder (30DTR) vaccine refrigerators as a minimum standard for temperature monitoring. The 30DTRs not only provide spot temperature measurements at the time of their inspection, but they can store temperature excursions and provide evidence of what happened between spot readings. The 30DTR records the temperature of the refrigerator at intervals of 10 minutes or less for 30 consecutive days on a continuous basis. They record and display a history of all heat and freeze alarm violations that occurred within 30 days. On new models, data can be stored for 60 days and can be downloaded to a computer.
• More recently, pilot experiments using remote temperature monitoring (RTM) systems in district refrigerators and health centres have shown an interest in using RTM in cold chain equipment at the local level peripheral.

An implementation of an effective temperature monitoring system in the supply chain at the national level will include:

• Installation / deployment of recommended temperature monitoring devices in different segments of the supply chain
• Staff training commits to all critical levels of the supply chain
• Establishment of procedures (including a clear prioritization of responsibilities for sharing and analysing temperature data and response as appropriate) as part of routine monitoring
• The establishment of periodic evaluation procedures such as temperature monitoring studies on vaccine distribution routes, temperature mapping in cold rooms, conducting evaluation of effective vaccine management.

Given the financial and human resource implications of implementing such a temperature monitoring system in a context of limited resources, any investment decision should be underpinned by evidence of programmatic and financial benefits of this investment 

Purpose

Goal: Strengthen the available database to inform government decisions on improving monitoring of storage temperature of vaccines in the supply chain.

Main objective: To evaluate the programmatic and financial benefits of the full and national implementation of a temperature monitoring system.

Specific objectives:

• Evaluate the probability of vaccine loss (due to poor conservation) in cold rooms at central and intermediate level, during transportation and in health centre refrigerators and analyse its possible impact on program outcomes
• Estimate the costs of:
• Implementation of effective vaccine management (EVM) requirements for temperature monitoring: acquisition and installation of (RTM) in cold rooms at the central and intermediate levels. The acquisition and deployment of (30DTR) in the refrigerators of health centres
• Acquisition and installation of RTM in refrigerated vehicles and / or acquisition of temperature control devices for coolers and vaccine carriers
• Propose solutions for sustainable planning and financing of temperature monitoring in the supply chain

The study will take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Benin, two countries that recently strengthened the monitoring of temperature in their vaccine supply chain via the installation of RTMS in vaccines cold chain.

The results obtained in these countries could help advocate for strengthening temperature monitoring in the vaccine supply chain in other countries with a similar context.

In particular, the consultant will:

• Determine the overall value of vaccines in the supply chain (cold chain equipment) at a given time
• Estimate the potential cost of vaccine loss (vaccines at risk) due to lack / failure of adequate vaccine temperature monitoring system
• Compare investment costs for effective system implementation of temperature monitoring to the potential cost of vaccine loss due to absence or failure of temperature monitoring

Expected results: (measurable results)

• Phase 1: Prepare the country mission during the preparatory phase mainly by performing the following activities:
• Prepare Inception report
• Mid-term report
• Develop Study protocol and tools
• Prepare Phase 1 report

Phase 2: The second phase will take place on the ground, in the two countries. It will include field visits and interviews with identified persons. The field visit will cover the central, regional, district and health facility levels.

Phase 3: The final phase will allow an analysis of data and information and the drafting of a report for each country.  

• Data analysis and draft study report
• Final report submitted

Duty Station

Remote-based, travel to Benin and DRC. No travel to HQ is required.

Timeframe

Start date:   January 15th 2017                            

End date: June 30th 2018

Expected deliverables:

**Payment will be based on the deliverables accomplished, and on the actual number of days worked.

**Can include weekends/holidays, but only with supervisor’s written approval.

Key competences, technical background, and experience required

Competencies

• Strong analytical, oral & written communication skills
• Proven track record in building and influencing complex multi-stakeholder partnerships
• Proven track record in project management with the emphasis on assessments/evaluations
• Self-starter with ability to plan and execute projects in a timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

Technical skills and knowledge

• Advanced level education in health economics, economic evaluation, public financial management, or related field.
• Familiarity with WHO-recommended vaccine management practices and supply chain management is an advantage
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Work experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in conducting economic evaluation studies of health interventions and policies. 
• Experience with immunization programme is desired and International public health programme management in resource-limited environments will be added value.
• Proven experience in strategic negotiations and planning in multi-stakeholder settings
• Proven track record in interfacing with national ministries of health is a distinct advantage

Experience in having supported the EVM process (EVM assessment, development of EVM IP) in at least one country is an advantage.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Remarks
With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.   

At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.