• The assignment also assesses the forecast for 2024 activities to determine the support need for the countries. It will assess the implementation of integration activities of COVID-19 vaccine into routine immunization programs. involve assessment of available tools and create awareness and training for effectives and efficient monitoring/tracking system for all routine and COVID-19 vaccines (COVAX) and related devices. Assess and provide technical support for immunization waste management project in the ESA countries


• The need for this consultancy arises from the challenges in effectively monitoring and managing vaccines in general and specifically COVAX vaccine supplies in the ESA region, continuous efforts are underway to manage COVAX supplies and reduce wastage as COVID-19 vaccination continues, integrated into Primary Health Care services, the consultant will collect, in coordination with country offices (COs) and the World Health Organization (WHO) data to report on the implementation of vaccines waste management project and as well as implementation of Stock Management Tools (SMT).


• Finally, the consultancy will collect data for regional office monitoring of vaccine management for integration of COVID -19 vaccines into routine vaccination. The consultancy is required because the functions assigned to the consultant require intensive follow up with countries that is labor intensive and there is not enough capacity at the regional office. In addition, these tasks require specialized knowledge and skills to optimize the monitoring and technical support.

Scope of Work

Goal and objective:

• Under the supervision of the Regional Chief of Supply and Procurement, Supply Section and the Immunization Supply Chain Specialist the COnsultant will collect data for regional office on current vaccines delivery situations for 2023, on ESA countries 2024 forecasting of routine and covid-19 vaccines, on implementation of integration of COVID-19 into routine immunization programs and finally, assessment of waste management project in the ESA countries.

Activities and Tasks:

• Assess COs planning and forecasting of vaccines general for 2024.


• Undertake the review of current vaccines delivery situation against the allocations and 2023 forecast.


• Provide technical assistance to COs to strengthen vaccine stock data management and reporting on the allocations, receipts, consumptions as well as support the Regional Health/Immunization on forecasting and monitoring of vaccine(s) procured. This includes among others, keeping track of technical support requirements raised by countries in the region to facilitate comprehensive response and feedback in a timely manner.


• Build COs capacity on the available dashboards (SD and WHO Dashboards) ensuring efficient use for effective stock monitoring/management of vaccines.


• Coordinate with country offices (COs) and world Health Organization (WHO) on the implementation of vaccines waste management project and provide regular update.


• Assess, monitor, and provide support to COs for their effort in integration of COVID -19 vaccines into routine vaccination.


• Participate in global and regional vaccines and COVAX working groups meetings, webinars and share appropriate information with ESAR Supply Community to promote knowledge sharing, documentation of best practices and lessons learnt.


• If and when needed, travel to COs to undertake assessment missions, trainings, verifications and to provide technical assistance as and when required including traveling to the national, regional, district and country level EPI facilities to monitor.


• Provide weekly updates to the Regional Chief Supply on all aspects of vaccine Supply, delivery, and challenges, if any. j) Undertake other immunization Supply and Logistics related assignments and responsibilities as and when assigned to support the successful response.

Work relationships:

• The consultant will work remotely in close collaboration with the supply and immunizations teams in the regional office, Country Offices, and other external and internal stakeholders as necessary.

Outputs/Deliverables:

Deliverables (SMART)
Duration (Estimated # of days or months)
Timeline/Deadline
Schedule of payment

• Report on the status of vaccines forecast for 2024 for 21 countries in ESA region including COVID-19 and routine vaccines and identify countries that have not yet submitted their forecast, the reason for not forecasting and provide them technical support that is needed for the forecast. Develop a trucking sheet for monitoring planning/forecast and deliveries of vaccines and related devices.

21 COs x3 days= 63 days
15 February 2024
20%

• Report on the current vaccines status for 2023 including COVID-19 and routine vaccines forecast 2023, delivery against the forecast of routine vaccines and COVID-19 allocations through COVAX and AVAT and highlight if there was any stockout, challenges and best practices in 21 countries in ESA region.

21 COs x 3 days= 63 days
14 May 2024
25%

• Report on the status of countries integration strategies and activities of COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization program in 21 countries in ESA.

21 COs x2 days = 42 days
11 July 2024
10%

• Report on the implementation of waste management of immunization waste in 21 countries in ESA region including COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related wastes and provide technical support to the Countries.

21 COsx2 days= 42 days
9 September 2024
10%

• Report on the current vaccines status for 2024 including COVID-19 and routine vaccine forecast of 2024, delivery against the forecast of routine vaccines and COVID-19 allocations through COVAX and AVAT and highlight if there was any stockout, challenges and best practices in 21 countries in ESA region

21 COs x2 days= 42 days
6 November 2024
25%

• Final consolidated report

10 days
15 November 2024
10%

• Deliverables are different from tasks/activities hence there should be a clear distinction between them. Examples of SMART deliverables include the following: Inception Report; 5 Media Packs covering ESAR emergency priorities; Final Report. However, where deliverables are reports, state the reporting guidelines, it includes requirements such as contents, number of copies, language, who should receive the reports and whether they should be submitted electronically, in hard copy, or both. SMART deliverables facilitate easy evaluation of the performance of the consultant and guide the payment process e.g., partial, or full payment.

Payment Schedule

• Payment is made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables. Please note that the final remuneration will be negotiated by HR.


• Advanced university degree in one or more of the following areas: Supply Chain Management, Engineering, logistics management, or related area. *First university degree combined with additional two years relevant professional work experience and understanding of relevant functions may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Qualifications
Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience at national and international levels in Vaccine management, stock management, program monitoring, working in resource-limited settings, monitoring, and evaluating supply chains, risk management will be an asset.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. Working knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an asset.


• Must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values of: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability