Immunization Equity Assessment Consultant at UNICEF

Justification/purpose of assignment:

In this context, UNICEF Somalia seeks to hire consultant to support National Immunization Programs for equity assessment for Somalia in order to generate evidence on the existence and impact of various equity related factors in immunization coverage in Somalia; identify and implement appropriate strategies to reach populations that are underserved or difficult to access.

Assignment Tasks:

1. Conduct desk review of relevant documents (DHS, MICS, CES, EPI Review reports, KAP studies, cMYPs, AWP, JA reports, surveys from other UN agencies as FAO's FSNAU 2014 on food insecurity, (Pop. Estimate Survey for Somalia) recent census carried out by UNFPA, latest report from OCHA (humanitarian country team and Sitreps), SARA the facility assessment survey etc. to identify immunization equity drivers and their impacts on immunization coverage in the country.
2. Conduct review of Somalia's health policy/plan and immunization policy/plan for universal health coverage and equity claims.
3. Review literature to generate further evidence of equity on immunization coverage in the country
4. Conduct interviews with key immunization stakeholders at national and regional levels for the additional insight into the program performance and issues related to equity.
5. Visit a sample of districts, health facilities and communities to interact with stakeholders for more information on immunization program performance and the key bottlenecks – Use the opportunity to analyze the supply and demand sides causes of lack of access and/or utilization of immunization services among underserved and hard-to-reach populations
6. Review Somalia's microplanning and Somalia community health strategies and approach to include the findings of the equity assessment and best practices from the country routine immunization and campaigns and other contexts as appropriate, including incorporating community approaches and
7. With the findings from 1 – 6 above, analyze available data and identify appropriate strategies to address the different causes of lack of access and/or utilization of immunization services by the different populations communication for immunization strategies.
8. Document lessons learnt and recommendations. The incumbent will work with the health section, immunization team, in partnership with the Social Policy Chief, and key stakeholders to deepen and widen the work on equity and inclusion in immunization microplanning helping them to integrate equity into service delivery in a practical, scalable manner. Specifically, the consultant will unpack the systemic exclusion of minority groups, building on commissioned research and mapping efforts already underway to identify the most vulnerable and marginalized children.

Expected Deliverables:

1. Draft Inception Report (comprising context analysis, design, etc.)              
2. Final Inception Report                                                                                   
3. Final Implementation Design (including indicators, tools, etc.)                   
4. Final Report with Recommendations for future TA, TCA, etc.                      
5. A PowerPoint format of findings and recommendations to disseminate with partners, colleagues and to be used as reference.                 

Qualifications of Successful Candidate/Education/Years of relevant experience:

• Advanced university degree in the medical/social/behavioral sciences
• Minimum five years of relevant professional work experience in the planning and management of Immunization Programs, with practical experience conducting equity assessments.
• Experience in Humanitarian/emergency programming is essential  
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Experience of Information Management & documentation of project activities is desirable.
• Ability to deliver results with high quality.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF's mission and professional values.