National Consultant to Support Data Collection to Improve COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake at UNICEF

Activities and tasks

The purpose of this assignment is to identify evidence on the key obstacles to COVID-19 immunization coverage and equity relating to gender. The consultancy will follow the five-point gender analysis framework put forth in the practical guide mentioned above (see the figure below). The information gained from this work will be reviewed and endorsed by key partners to create a set of practical recommendations to improve the gender equality in the relevant counties.

Expected Results: (Measurable Results)

The Consultant will perform the following tasks:

• Refine the gender framework for key drivers of obstacles to COVID-19 immunization coverage and equity relating to gender in the two counties. This will involve briefing with MOH (Division of Health Promotion), UNICEF C4D, and health professionals. The consultant will present an inception report shoring the study methodology and dated work plan.
• Conduct a scoping review of the evidence on key interventions and policies designed to close disparities in immunization coverage and equity including removing barriers/ promoting equity of access and utilization of immunization services. This will involve desk review, Focus Group Discussion and key informant interviews with community opinion leaders and/or women’s groups facilitated by UNICEF Lodwar Zone Office and Ministry of Health.
• Identify key evidence gaps in obstacles to immunization coverage and equity relating to gender, including measurement of gender equity and propose a prioritized implementation research agenda in response to these gaps. Document and quantify available evidence/ obstacles to immunization equity to highlight the gaps. This is in addition to the policies and interventions as outlines in bullet 2 above.
• Conduct a field visit to the two counties to collect the missing evidence to enable a programmatic assessment, as well as to shape practical recommendations to the two counties and MOH.
• Convene a workshop with key partners to review and endorse the products above.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

• Advanced university degree in Public Health, Behaviour Science, Social Science, Epidemiology and other relevant areas. Preferably a higher degree encompassing knowledge of epidemiology, statistics.
• Able to promote collaboration among key stakeholders in the face of pressures and tensions among stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to understand data, anticipate changing priorities and identify solution, openly sharing knowledge, insights and effective practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Swahili; fluency in the local language of Turkana and  assessment of evidence and/or data and research methods.

 Work experiences:

• Experience conducting gender analysis or similar social and behavioural analysis with capacity to identify key barriers and bottlenecks (ex: systemic, cultural and social norms, supply, demand)
• 8 years of relevant professional work experience with clear responsibilities; experience conducting reviews of the literature; documented knowledge of research relating to gender, implementation research and maternal, newborn, child and/or adolescent health programming.
• Solid knowledge of immunology, vaccine delivery and key characteristics of COVID-19
• Prior experience in working with the government is an asset