External Roster of Consultants - Immunization Experts to Support Malaria Vaccines Introduction and Rollout at World Health Organization

Purpose Of The Post

• The Malaria Vaccines Introduction and Rollout is an integral part of and contributes to the efforts of the Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases (UHC/UCN) cluster in the WHO African region. The cluster's strategic agenda aims to reduce the burden of diseases in the WHO African Region by guiding disease control initiatives, leveraging analytics for strategic investments, and tailoring interventions for disease control. The guiding principles include comprehensive whole-of-society, people-centred, and integrated approaches to disease control.

Role of the Malaria Vaccines Introduction officers

• The Roster of Malaria Vaccines Introduction is primarily intended to serve as a deployable capacity for WHO to augment existing support to countries. Therefore, officers provide technical support capacity for activities concerning Introduction of Malaria Vaccines from Application Development, budget Development, Planning, Implementing, Monitoring and Evaluating post Introduction. Candidates who are successful with this call of interest will receive a pre-deployment briefing to prepare them for any potential operational deployment in the 19 countries of the Region.

Time Management and duty station

• In the event of a field deployment, MVI officers will fall under usual reporting structures for VPD/field missions to RO, and CO, respectively. The UCN Cluster shall determine and coordinate overarching strategy and policy, such as principles guiding the organization, development, and deployment of the Malaria Vaccines Introduction officers.

Summary Of Duties
Within the framework of the Accelerated Malaria Vaccine Introduction and Roll-out Initiative in Africa, the Immunization expert will work with the AFRO Regional Office, ISTs and individual countries to support and perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate WHO's support to the Ministry of Health in conducting a Malaria vaccination situation and rollout analysis and defining vaccine delivery strategies for the next 6 months.
• Set up/strengthen a partners' coordination mechanism for Malaria vaccination and ensure its optimal functioning.
• Set up a system for updating the 4Ws and ensure that gaps are discussed during partners' meetings.
• Support the development of microplans in provinces/regions with low coverage, involving all local stakeholders including community and political leaders.
• Support the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) to synthesize and update prevalence stratification based on the Global Malaria Programme (GMP) guidance to recommend the districts/areas for initial malaria vaccine introduction.
• Support the preparation and implementation of mass vaccination plans and intensification of routine immunization interventions with the view of putting the country on track toward achieving children fully vaccinated receiving their 4 doses.
• Ensure that an effective system for AEFI surveillance and management is in place.
• Coordinate support to planning and implementation of post-introduction evaluation.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts aiming at maintaining and strengthening Malaria vaccines.
• Review malaria vaccine coverage data monthly or as relevant and devise methods to ensure optimal uptake of the vaccine.
• Perform any other task related to Malaria vaccination rollout upon request of the supervisor.

Deliverables

• Analysis of Malaria vaccination situation and rollout including vaccine delivery strategies for the next 3 months conducted and report made available.
• Malaria stratified data for the countries are made available for disease burden categorization for informing Gavi application for funding.
• Monthly reports on Malaria vaccination rollout in the country of assignment, including an update on vaccine delivery, uptake, and vaccination coverage as well as key activities carried out, challenges, and priorities for the next 6 months prepared and shared with AFRO.
• Microplans for provinces/regions with low vaccination coverage developed using an inclusive approach developed and implemented.
• 4Ws updated on a monthly basis.
• Partners' coordination meetings held on a bi-weekly basis and evidenced by minutes.
• End of mission report

Skills And Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of at least one WHO official language (other languages at national levels desirable where applicable).
• Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent diplomatic skills when engaging with internal and external interlocutors
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work within and lead a team with respect of cultural diversity
• A demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels both internally and externally
• Strong representation, communication, and negotiation skills
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple activities
• Innovative, creative, and proactive with an analytical and solution-focused approach for achieving mission objectives
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and make independent decisions as appropriate
• Ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively under pressure

Required Profile

• Interest in Malaria Vaccines Introduction
• Willingness to be deployed in any of the 19 countries in need of immediate technical support.

Education (Qualifications)

• Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine or related field from an internationally recognized university.
• Desirable: Advanced degree in public health, vaccinology, or epidemiology.

Experience

• Essential: At least 7 years of relevant work experience in public health services delivery with demonstrated experience in introducing new and underutilized vaccines, including application development and budgeting.
• Proven experience to work with a diverse range of stakeholders to meet deadlines and within budgets.

Desirable

• International experience with WHO in Africa and developing countries would be an asset
• Previous training in new Vaccine’s introduction, experience with GAVI’s Funding requirement
• Previous New Vaccines Introduction operational experience
• Track record of publications

Other Skills

• Proven ability to use standard office software packages, Conversant with common IT software including eHealth tools.