Consultancy - Consultant to support the redesign of ESARO strategic approach for immunization in the context of COVID-19

Under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Immunization, the consultant will work collaboratively with the RO Immunization, Health System Strengthening and Health Emergency Units to develop UNICEF ESAR strategic document for ensuring a focused support to national immunization programmes for improved performance and s resilience to health emergencies.

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.

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                                                                          TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background and Justification

Immunization is a key priority in the UNICEF 2018_2021 Strategic plan under the goal areas “Every child survives and thrives” and as such the ESARO immunization unit provides assistance to countries in various areas.
Despite the high gains in routine vaccination coverage over the years, translated in an increase in coverage of the third dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis- containing vaccine (DTP-3) from 50% to 74% there has been plateauing of immunization coverage over the last decade, globally as well as in the East and Southern Africa region. Furthermore in 2019, the ESA region has accumulated over the last decade close to 2.3 M children who did not receive the 1st dose of DTP. These so called zero dose children are concentrated in communities that suffer multiple deprivations and are likely to lack access to a range of basic health and social services.
The Immunization Agenda 2030 is a global commitment to make vaccination available to everyone, everywhere, by 2030. Co-developed with countries and stakeholders beginning in 2019, “IA2030: A Global Strategy to Leave No-one Behind” aligns the world around shared immunization priorities, goals and aspired impact for the coming decade. Immunization Agenda 2030 emphasizes the importance of reducing the absolute number of zero-dose children and increasing the proportion of children who complete their vaccinations in time.

The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening countries’ health systems and global community efforts to build stronger immunization systems towards achieving the key goal of the IA 2030. Administrative data reported to WHO as of July 2020 showed substantial reduction in coverage in the region with a relative difference in DTP3 coverage of around 15% between January and April 2020 compared to same period in 2019. Supplementary immunization activities planned in 2020 have also been heavily affected due to postponements.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed weaknesses in countries infectious disease-
surveillance and -response capabilities but also challenges to maintain adequate demand and supply for Primary Health Care (PHC) including immunization.
The 2014-2016 Ebola Virus Disease epidemic in West Africa provided evidence that interruption in PHC service provision during an epidemic can in a short period of time lead to significant loss in major health gains and lead to longer-term increases in indirect mortality.
Health systems need to be strong to reach “zero dose” children who are living in marginalized communities. The delivery systems need to be resilient and capable of quick recovery from external shocks including humanitarian and health emergencies.

The ESA region faces recurrent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. UNICEF ESAR Immunization Programme is generating evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on essential health services as UNICEF intends to guidance to countries as they re-establish their immunization programmes post COVID-19 but also strengthen and extend reach to the zero dose children. To guide this work, UNICEF will develop a strategic document that will be used by immunization programmes of the regional and countries offices as a blue-print for developing programmatic approaches that ensure a greater focus on providing vulnerable populations continued and equitable essential health services.

Scope of Work

1. Goal and Objective:
Under the supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Immunization, the consultant will work collaboratively with the RO Immunization, Health System Strengthening and Health Emergency Units to develop UNICEF ESAR strategic document for ensuring a focused support to national immunization programmes for improved performance and s resilience to health emergencies.

2. Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered:
This work is aligned with: Output 2 of the Regional office Health Section Annual Workplan in which COs health programmes are well designed, implemented and demonstrate results and is related to activity 9 for Routine Immunization: 10 countries with the largest number of un-immunized children supported to improve routine immunization coverage and equity. The activity is part of the new COVID-19 related activities planned by the section: Support countries in implementing regional guidance and adapting and optimizing HSS, EPI, MNCH, community platforms for an effective COVID-19 response and for continued delivery of essential MNCH services.

3. Activities and Tasks:

a. Desk review of UNICEF plans and reports on immunization activities at the regional level and in the 10 ESAR priority countries
b. Synthesis of studies on impact of VPDs outbreaks, C-19 pandemic and other health emergencies on PHC services including immunization.
c. Review of UNICEF support to immunization programmes in maintaining service delivery during VPDs outbreaks in ESAR and COVID-19 pandemic.
d. Development of a strategic document outlining the main strategic shifts UNICEF needs to consider for assisting countries building more resilient and equitable immunization services in the context of the broader health system.

4. Work relationships:
The consultant will work under the technical guidance and supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Immunization and collaboratively with RO Health System Strengthening and Health Emergencies Units. The consultant may need to interact with focal points in ESAR country offices.

5. Output/Deliverables

Payment Schedule

Payments will be made based on satisfactory completion of the deliverables as outlined in the table of deliverables above.

• Master’s in public health or social science, or related discipline
• Minimum 10 years of experience in international development sector, health systems analysis, immunization programmes, planning, implementation and leadership, primary health care, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience of working with international organizations, especially UNICEF, WHO, GAVI the Vaccine Alliance
• Experience in developing strategic documents
• Experience in strategic meetings facilitation, familiarity with Theory of Change an asset
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Track record of producing quality deliverables on time
• Fluency in English is required
• Working experience in Eastern and Southern Africa

Administrative Issues

• The consultancy (national or international) is home-based
• Consultant expected to use their own computer and communication equipment.
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
• Additional details of UNICEF rules, regulations and conditions will be attached to the contract.

 Conditions

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

Risks

Organizational risk may occur due to external factors (lack of collaboration and/or delay of provision of inputs) resulting in delay of deliverable. The risk will be mitigated with proper induction of the consultant as an integral part of the health team and provision of close support and oversight communication with each country office involved.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online using the button below. As part of their application, candidates should provide:
1. Expression of Interest/cover letter that specifies how you meet the desired competencies, technical background and experience (no more than 2 pages)
2. A short CV (no more than 4 pages)
3. A financial proposal that should include daily rate and the total fees for the
4. 3 Referees
5. P 11 form - which can be downloaded from our website at: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html
6. Confirmed availability to start on 15 December 2020 (in writing)

Candidates with questions about the opportunity should send an email to emaba@unicef.org and echege@unicef.org before 07 December 2020