International Consultant, Developing EPI comprehensive Multi Year Plan (cMYP) in Vanuatu

UNICEF Pacific is looking to engage an expert to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in developing a cMYP for 2019-2023. If you meet the background and experience required for this position we would like to hear from you.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, survival 

At 28 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2013^[1], Vanuatu did not reach its 2015 MDG target for infant mortality of 15 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, or its 2016 Health Sector Strategy (HSS) target of 20 infant deaths per 1000 live births.  Similarly, with an Under Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) of 31/1,000 live births^[2], the country did not achieve its 2015 MDG target for under-five mortality of 19 child deaths per 1000 live births, or its 2016 Health Sector Strategy target of 25 child deaths per 1000 live births^[3].  As no new mortality data is available, it is still too early to determine if the country is on track to achieve its new target for U5MR of 25 deaths per 1000 live births by 2020, which was laid out in the Vanuatu Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Policy and Implementation Strategy 2017-2020.

Immunization coverage decreased between 1990 and 2013, but increased between 2013 and 2016, and the proportion of children 12-23 months receiving 3 doses of Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus (DPT3) containing vaccine increased from 55% in 2013^[4] to 81% in 2016.^[5] Given this data, Vanuatu now appears to be on track to achieve the globally agreed target of 90% coverage of DPT3 by 2020.^[6] However, work still needs to be done to maintain recent increases in immunization coverage, to increase coverage in poor performing areas, and to increase full immunization coverage which was 67.7% for children 24-35 months old as of 2016.^[7]

In 2005, WHO and UNICEF developed the WHO–UNICEF guidelines for developing a comprehensive multiyear plan (cMYP)* as a means of providing support for countries to improve their immunization planning. This new approach was guided by the need to simplify and harmonize the proliferation of varied immunization planning activities at the national level, which in turn had led to duplication of effort, high transaction costs, and a lack of alignment with national systems. The cMYP process is expected to streamline the immunization planning process at national level into a single comprehensive and costed plan.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health of Vanuatu is planning to introduce series of new vaccine into their routine schedule. This include the PCV, Rotavirus and HPV vaccine. Additionally, the MoH recently launched 

the new Health Sector Strategy (HSS) 2017-2020. The new HSS aim to increase coverage of DPT3 for more than 95% to contribute in reducing under 5 mortality rate below 29 per 1000 livebirths. To achieve the target stated in the new HSS and successfully introduce the new vaccine into the routine EPI Programs. A clear costed multiyear program is needed to be use by the Ministry of Health especially the EPI unit in as reference for their annual business planning.  

UNICEF is requested by the Ministry of Health to provide support in provision of consultant to assist the MoH developed the cMYP with cost.

How can you make a difference?

The overall purpose of the assignment is to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in developing a cMYP for 2019-2023.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• A Post-graduate degree or an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public health, global/international health, social development, project management
• At least 7 years documented work experience in provision of technical assistance to the government on development of health related policy and strategy and planning documents
• Experience developing EPI program policy especially the cMYP
• Experience in policy/strategy development IMCI guidelines and tools
• Strong inter-personal, teamwork and organizational skills
• Familiarity with information technology, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Previous working experience in the Pacific and with health and nutrition programmes will be an asset.
• Proven analytical and report writing skills;
• Familiarity and experience of working with UN agencies is an asset

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English required

Competencies

Good analytical, facilitating, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills

A copy of the details Terms of Reference is attached.  TOR Developing EPI comprehensive Multi Year Plan (cMYP) in Vanuatu.docx