Consultancy: Immunization Supply Financing Consultant, 2 mths, UNICEF Supply Division (based in Tajikistan)

UNICEF Tajikistan and UNICEF SD (PSC) has supported Tajikistan in the assessment of suitable supply financing options regarding their vaccine procurement. As a result, the country subscribed to the Vaccine Independence Initiate (VII). Apart from facilitating the subscription to VII, UNICEF has also supported the country in the forecasting and budgeting for their vaccine procurement needs. UNICEF is currently looking for a consultant who will provide further support in streamlining the vaccine procurement budgeting process.

Consultancy Title: Immunization Supply Financing Consultant

LOCATION/DURATION:
Duration:  2 months over the period of 4 months (approximately)

Location:
Expected to be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (or travel for the extended period of time)

Start Date: January 2018

Reporting to: Jointly to Finance Specialist, Procurement Services Center, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, and Chief Health and Nutrition, UNICEF Tajikistan

BACKGROUND:
UNICEF Tajikistan and UNICEF SD (PSC) has supported Tajikistan in the assessment of suitable supply financing options regarding their vaccine procurement. As a result, the country subscribed to the Vaccine Independence Initiate (VII).
Apart from facilitating the subscription to VII, UNICEF has also supported the country in the forecasting and budgeting for their vaccine procurement needs. UNICEF is currently looking for a consultant who will provide further support in streamlining the vaccine procurement budgeting process.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:
Under the joint supervision of the Finance Specialist, Procurement Services Center, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, and Chief Health and Nutrition, UNICEF Tajikistan, the consultant will:
- document the methodology of the vaccine procurement budgeting to facilitate the better understanding of the budgeting process among the stakeholders involved in the budget development, review and approval, as well as propose changes/improvements to the current process if required;
- develop the standard documentation/justification for the vaccine procurement budget request required at the budget review stage (Budget Commission at the Ministry of Finance);
- identify the vaccine forecasting and budgeting capacity gaps at the MoH and propose the ways to address them;
- review the MTEF to identify if the increasing self-funded vaccine procurement needs are reflected in the longer-term expenditure plans, and explore how the MTEF is linked to the annual budget allocation exercise.

KEY DELIVERABLES:
- Document the methodology of the vaccine procurement budgeting (30% time allocation)
In close collaboration with UNICEF Country Office, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan, the consultant will develop the written methodology of the vaccine procurement budgeting to facilitate the better understanding of the budgeting process among the stakeholders involved in the budget development, review and approval.

- Develop the standard documentation/justification for the vaccine procurement budget request (20% time allocation)
In close collaboration with UNICEF Country Office, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan, the consultant will develop the standard documentation/justification for the vaccine procurement budget request required at the budget review stage.

- Identify the vaccine forecasting and budgeting capacity gaps at the MoH and propose the ways to address them (30% time allocation)
In close collaboration with UNICEF Country Office, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan, the consultant will identify the vaccine forecasting and budgeting capacity gaps at the MoH and propose the ways to address them.

- Review the MTEF to identify if the increasing self-funded vaccine procurement needs are reflected in the longer-term expenditure plans, and explore how the MTEF is linked to the annual budget allocation exercise (10% time allocation)
In close collaboration with UNICEF Country Office, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan, the consultant will review the MTEF to identify if the increasing self-funded vaccine procurement needs are reflected in the longer-term expenditure plans, and explore how the MTEF is linked to the annual budget allocation exercise.

- Final reporting (10% time allocation)
The consultant will prepare the final consultancy report which will include:
a) the written methodology of the vaccine procurement budgeting, including the proposed changes / improvements to the process;
b) the standard documentation/justification for the vaccine procurement budget request;
c) the identified vaccine forecasting and budgeting capacity gaps at the MoH and recommendations to address them;
d) findings from the review of the MTEF and a description of the links to the annual budget allocation exercise.

 
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Master Degree in Business, Public Health, Development or Public Finance, (Health) Economics / or in another relevant discipline for health / supply financing

Work Experience: Minimum ten years of professional relevant work experience in health fiscal space analysis, health / immunization financing, setting up financial solutions for health (including trust funds etc).

Competencies: The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies that are considered to be necessary to this consultancy:

Core Competencies
• Excellent communicator of verbal and written concepts to a government and international audience.
• Able to quickly understand instructions, to proactively seek clarification when needed.
• Able to work well in a team environment.

Functional Competencies
• Works independently and problem-solving oriented.
• Works in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
• Demonstrated communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven capacity to work with and lead collaborative teams across different locations and with different technical skills.

UNICEF CORE VALUES

Diversity and Inclusion
Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible.

Integrity
Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority.

Commitment
Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause.

Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is required.
 
EVALUATION PROCESS:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit:
1. Cover letter/application.
2. Financial quote for the consultancy which must include: the total consultancy fee (broken down into daily rate in US Dollars and number of consultancy days), travel costs (with details of the economy class ticket price) and administrative fees (if applicable, broken down into the separate categories of costs like internet, phone etc).
3. CV.
4. Examples of previous, relevant work.
5. References.

Please be informed that all applications to UNICEF are handled via UNICEF’s online recruiting system. You can apply to the above consultancy by creating your profile and application at our website: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php   Requisition no: 509430. 

The applications should be submitted online through the UNICEF website. Queries can be directed to akrukar@unicef.org with subject line “Immunization Supply Financing Consultant (Tajikistan).” Applications must be received by 15 December 2017. Please indicate your availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above.  Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.

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.
Successful applicants will be invited to a telephone interview and will be evaluated by 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:
 
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. 
 
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

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

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.

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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.