National consultancy to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in development and operationalization of cold chain equipment deployment plan in Tajikistan

The proposed consultancy aims to provide technical support to MOHSP in timely planning and installation of cold chain equipment, developing Standard Operating Procedure for cold chain equipment maintenance/repair as well as in on-job training for relevant specialists on cold chain installment and its maintenance and support in developing maintenance plan in each facility.

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Post Title: National consultancy to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in development and operationalization of cold chain equipment deployment plan in Tajikistan

Duration of contract:  10 March 2018 – 09 February 2019 (with possible extension)

Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Closing date: 28 February 2018

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Tajikistan achieved and sustained high immunization coverage for all antigens in past five years. Despite the success, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population (MoHSPP) and development partners are concerned with the expected decrease in the immunization outcomes. The MoHSPP together with the development partners identified the main bottlenecks of achieving immunization outcomes and proposed interventions to address them through the Health System Strengthening (HSS) initiative.

In September 2015, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) approved the second Health System Strengthening (HSS) grant for Tajikistan for five years. The project aims to achieve and maintain high immunization coverage in low performing and hard-to-reach areas through strengthening the public health system. The actual implementation of the project started in the mid of 2017. Most activities supported by the GAVI HSS grant will be implemented in 10 selected districts (Vanj, Lakhsh, Tojikobod, Sangvor, Dusti, Sh. Shohin, Khovaling, Baljuvon, Panjakent, and Kuhistoni-Mastchoh), except enhancement and upgrading of cold chain capacity, which will be implemented countrywide.

The current HSS project is implemented by MOHSP and three leading agencies namely UNICEF, WHO and UNDP. UNICEF is responsible for outreach, communication and cold chain components of the project. The enhancement cold chain capacity is one of the most significant component of the project. In addition to this, WHO is supporting MOHSP in development of the project proposal for Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) funding. In the frame of both HSS and CCEOP projects, UNICEF is assigned to support MOHSP in procurement, distribution, installation, and establishment of the maintenance system of cold chain equipment.

For this purpose, UNICEF seeks a local consultant to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in development, implementation, and monitoring of cold chain equipment operational deployment plan.

OBJECTIVES

The proposed consultancy aims to provide technical support to MOHSP in timely planning and installation of cold chain equipment, developing Standard Operating Procedure for cold chain equipment maintenance/repair as well as in on-job training for relevant specialists on cold chain installment and its maintenance and support in developing maintenance plan in each facility. 

MAJOR TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

The contracted local consultant will be responsible for the tasks as stipulated below:

1. Based on the cold chain inventory assessment data and procurement plan ensure timely development of a detailed Operational Deployment Plan (ODP). Ensure that the ODP template is fully completed and timely submitted together with the rest of the CCEOP application;
2. To supervise and monitor delivery of supplies to the final consignee, installation of equipment facilitation during handover of equipment and completing warranty documents, etc. 
3. Develop Standard Operating Procedure for cold chain equipment maintenance/repair
4. Undertake field visits for coordination and monitoring of proper installation of the delivered and cleared equipment at facility level according to the deployment plan;
5. Provide on-job training for EPI managers and relevant health workers on cold chain installment and its maintenance;
6. Develop maintenance plan at each facility level ((national, oblast, district, etc), which received cold chain equipment;
7. Assist MoHSP in identification of local service providers/key stakeholders on equipment maintenance/repair and contracting for continuous maintenance support;
8. Prepare monthly reports on the activities and provide recommendations for smooth project implementation;
9. Perform other duties related to HSS and CCEOP project application and implementation.

METHODOLOGY

To accomplish the set objectives and tasks the local consultant is expected to closely work with the experts from MoHSPP, HSS working group members, and district/city health managers and assist in delivering, installation and developing standard operating procedures for cold chain equipment maintenance/repair. Conduct on-job training to EPI and other relevant health workers on cold chain equipment installation and its maintenance. Meet with key stakeholders on equipment maintenance/repair and assess their knowledge with further contracting one in each district at monthly cost for continuous maintenance services to PHC and EPI centers. Work with MOHSP and service providers to develop maintenance plan at each level of health facility (national, oblast, and district) that received cold chain equipment.    

 DELIVERABLES, TIME FRAME AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

1. The operational deployment plan for HSS and CCEOP developed, finalized and submitted/ 15 April 2018
2. Standard operating procedures for cold chain equipment maintenance/repair developed/31 May 2018
3. Field visit reports on cold chain equipment installment, on-job training for EPI managers and health staff on cold chain installment and maintenance submitted /30 September 2018
4. Maintenance plan at each facility level (national, oblast and district) developed and submitted /15 October 2018
5. Training materials on the maintenance and repair of cold chain equipment for technical staff developed/ 31 October 2018
6. Training for key technical staff (national and oblast level) on the maintenance and repair of cold chain equipment conducted /15 November 2018
7. Report on the results of the conducted training submitted /15 December 2018
8. Monthly progress reports and final report, summarizing the process and outcomes of the assignment as well as a set of recommendations and follow-up actions submitted/ 5 February 2019

Payment is made on monthly basis upon submission of the monthly report.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Adequate measures should be taken to ensure that the process responds to quality and ethical requirements.

The contracted consultant should be sensitive to beliefs, manners, and customs and act with integrity and honesty in their relationships with all stakeholders. Furthermore, it should protect the anonymity and confidentiality of individual information.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Estimated duration of this assignment is 11 months starting from 10 March 2018 until 09 February 2019.  The decision on its further extension will be taken based on the performance, programme needs and availability of resources.  

PLACE OF WORK

The consultant will be based in UNICEF office in Dushanbe with travel to the field. UNICEF Tajikistan will cover travel-related costs. Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be paid as per UN rules.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor degree in Supply/logistics, Cold Chain, Public Health or related field with focus on EPI and/or Cold Chain Management;
• Minimum three years of experience in vaccine and cold chain management, cold chain installation or repair and in-country logistics or related fields;
• Good interpersonal communication skills
• Experience of working with UN agencies is an asset;
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of Russian and / or Tajik language is an asset.

REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The local consultant will directly report to the Health Specialists of UNICEF Tajikistan, under the overall supervision of Chief of Early Years section of UNICEF Tajikistan. The evaluation of the consultant shall be completed based on the timely submission of the deliverables, and accuracy and quality of the products delivered.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

The link to review detailed Terms of Reference would be available at the following links: www.untj.org/jobs, www.unicef.org/tajikistan/resources, www.facebook.com/uniceftajikistan.

The candidates who are interested to apply for the position should follow the electronic application's instructions at:

http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/510909?lApplicationSubSourceID= 

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.