Consultant – Immunization Specialist for Measles and Rubella Elimination, Suva Fiji - Tenders Global

Consultant – Immunization Specialist for Measles and Rubella Elimination, Suva Fiji

World Health Organization

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Purpose of consultancy

The Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS) and WHO Representative Office to the South Pacific is seeking technical assistance to support the National Immunization Programme (NIP), disease surveillance/epidemiological unit, and MOH in the PICs.

Background

There have been remarkable achievements in vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization (VDI) programme in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) over the past two decades. The countries and areas have made great efforts to safeguard their populations against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) attaining some milestones such as sustained polio eradication, maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination (MNTE), and controlling measles outbreaks. These accomplishments have not only contributed to newborn survival but also played a crucial role in the reduction of child and maternal mortality aligning with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2005, the fifty-sixth session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee decided to aim to eliminate measles by 2012 (WPR/RC56.R8). At the sixty-third session in 2012, the Regional Committee urged Member States (WPR/RC63.R5) to establish National Verification Committees (NVCs) to prepare regular progress reports and submit to the Regional Verification Commission (RVC). Therefore, WHO established the Sub-regional Verification Committee (SRVC) for measles and rubella elimination in the Pacific. SRVC is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and validating national data, and also endorsing and submitting the necessary documentation to the RVC annually. For measles and rubella elimination, PICs will be verified as one epidemiological block, mirroring the process for certification of polio-free status.

The SRVC for Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Pacific decided during its 10th meeting in May 2022 decided to aim to request the RVC for the verification of measles and rubella elimination in the Pacific in 2025. The discussions highlighted the necessity for countries and areas in the Pacific to strengthen their systems and enhance immunization coverage, improve surveillance indicators, and bolster capacities for outbreak detection and response. In recent decades, PICs have experienced periodic measles outbreaks with the significant measles outbreaks in 2018-2019 due to the global resurgence. Multiple efforts were taken including Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIAs) to increase population immunity. Some countries have instituted annual catch-up vaccinations for MCV to improve coverage.

In this regard, WHO will continue to provide support in disease elimination and control, especially for measles and rubella elimination to the National Immunization Programmes (NIPs) and the disease surveillance/epidemiological units and Ministries of Health (MOHs) in the Pacific. The main areas of support include policy, strategic and technical assistance; strengthening measles/rubella epidemiology and laboratory surveillance; capacity building of health workforces; improving service delivery including the development of micro plan to reach the last miles and unreached populations toward increasing population immunity; strengthening laboratory surveillance; preparedness and response to measles outbreaks; implementation of measles/rubella campaigns; data management including improving data quality; sustainability of the national immunization programme and formulation of action plans to address critical issues for sustaining measles and rubella elimination; etc.

Deliverables

The consultant will be based in Suva, Fiji and will work under the overall guidance of the Technical Officer-VDI. She/he will be working in close collaboration with the NIP, disease surveillance/epidemiological unit and MOH of countries and areas in the Pacific. The scope of the responsibilities encompasses planning, preparing, implementing and monitoring the above-mentioned activities requiring frequent visits to countries and areas.

Output 1: Prepare and implement strategies and plan of action for achieving verification of measles and rubella elimination in the Pacific Island countries and areas 2023-2025.

Deliverable 1.1: Plan, prepare, implement and monitor the activities of strategies and plan of action for achieving verification of measles and rubella elimination in the Pacific Island countries and areas 2023-2025

Output 2: Strengthened routine immunization system toward reaching the unreached and increasing vaccination coverage of the national immunization schedule, especially for MCV.

Deliverable 2.1: Provide support and coordination to improve routine immunization coverages including MCV first and second doses in countries and areas in the Pacific with a special focus on low-performing countries and areas.
Deliverable 2.2: Facilitate capacity-building activities for the immunization programme.
Deliverable 2.3: Collaborate with US-CDC and other partners to improve routine immunization coverage in northern Micronesia.

Output 3: Strengthened VPD epidemiological and laboratory surveillance systems including improving detection and reporting of suspected measles/rubella.

Deliverable 3.1: Plan, prepare and facilitate VPD surveillance activities including conducting training for improved detection and reporting of VPD cases, especially suspected measles/rubella cases.
Deliverable 3.2: Coordinate and engage with partners to support the strengthening of the VPD surveillance system.
Deliverable 3.3: Support the coordination of laboratory surveillance activities focusing on expanding the measles/rubella laboratory.
Deliverable 3.4: Develop data management systems and monitor VPD surveillance performances at national and sub-national levels and provide feedback.

Output 4: Facilitated and participated in VPD outbreaks, especially measles/rubella outbreak preparedness and response activities.

Deliverable 4.1: Develop/update comprehensive national measles/rubella outbreak preparedness and response plans.
Deliverable 4.2: Participate in and facilitate measles/rubella case investigation and immunization response activities.
Deliverable 4.3: Provide training to WHO SSA and STC on outbreak preparedness and response plans.

Output 5: Prepared and submitted the mission report.

Deliverable 5.1: Prepare well-documented monthly reports detailing activities and achievements.
Deliverrable 5.2: Prepare a comprehensive end-of-mission report including in-depth analyses submitted to the WHO DPS Office.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: First university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in public health from a recognized university or its equivalent.
Desirable: Master’s degree in public health. Training in Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and/or measles and rubella elimination.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of relevant experience in immunization programmes at the country level is essential.

Desirable: Working experiences in WHO or UNICEF country office and measles/rubella activities.

Skills/Knowledge

Sound knowledge in the planning, preparation, implementation and monitoring of various activities in immunization and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance programme.
Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

 Languages and level required

Expert knowledge of spoken and written English

Location

Onsite at WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support (DPS)office in Suva, Fiji with frequent travels to PICs and beyond.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Payband level B – USD 7,000 – USD 8,000 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: 11 months

 Additional Information:

  • This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
  • A written test may be used as a form of screening.
  • If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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  • The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
    The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.
    Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to  [email protected]
  • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values ) into practice.
  • WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.
  • WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
  • Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.
  • WHO shall have no responsibility for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
  • Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO International Travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
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