Consultancy - Technical Assistance for National Immunization Program (NIP)

BACKGROUND

Pandemic products such as antiviral medicines, vaccines and diagnostics play a critical role in the control and treatment of pandemic influenza. National deployment and vaccination plans for pandemic influenza vaccines are national tools which ensure that during a pandemic, processes and structures are functional so that vaccines are rapidly deployed and administered to target populations. The existence of a national deployment and vaccination plans for pandemic influenza vaccines is also a pre-requisite in the request process to access vaccines from WHO secured stockpiles.

The WHO Lao PDR Country Office will contract a pandemic influenza consultant. This position will be contracted for at least 1 month starting in June 2020, with the potential for extension. This consultant will work under the supervision of the Lao PDR WHO Country Office, in coordination with the NIP and National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE).  The primary objective of this consultant will be to develop a final, approved version of a national deployment and vaccination plan for pandemic influenza vaccines. 

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The WHO Office in Lao PDR is seeking a consultant to provide technical assistance to the National Immunization Program (NIP) to improve its national deployment and vaccination plan for pandemic influenza vaccines. This document will later serve as a basis for the development of a national deployment and vaccination plan for COVID-19 vaccines, once available. 

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output 1:  PANDEMIC INFLUANZA PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE. Working with in-country stakeholders, provide technical support and coordination in the development of National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for Pandemic Influenza Vaccine  

• Deliverable 1.1: Support NIP to finalize the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for Pandemic Influenza Vaccine 

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The pandemic influenza technical consultant is responsible for completing the following tasks and activities, including but not limited to:

1. Act as technical advisor to the NIP and NCLE to develop and finalize the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for Pandemic Influenza Vaccine in Lao PDR.
2. Support in-country stakeholders to contribute to relevant sections of the plan including vaccination strategies, management and organization, communication and information, human resources and security, public communication, waste management, and other relevant areas liaising between the WHO Lao PDR Country Office and all in-country partners and stakeholders (ie: NIP, National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, USCDC, UNICEF Lao PDR, and others) 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Postgraduate degree in public health from a recognized university and/or training/s in public health at postgraduate degree level or its equivalent is essential.

EXPERIENCE

At least seven years of experience in the development of health data management solutions at senior level including two years’ experience in an advisory and/or teaching capacity is essential. Experience in EPI an advantage. Working experience in developing countries highly desirable.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Sound knowledge in the planning, implementation and evaluation of pandemic influenza preparedness and response activities.
• • Initiative and adaptability to work in developing countries.
• • 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.
• • Proven skills and in-depth knowledge of emergency response plans.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.

COMPETENCIES

• • Producing results
• • Fostering integration and teamwork.
• • Communicating in a credible and effective way

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 25 June 2020. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 109476 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.