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

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:

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