Consultant for planning, implementing and evaluation of a nationwide integrated measles-rubella (MR) and bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) supplemental immunization activity (SIA) in 2023

BACKGROUND

The National Department of Health (NDOH) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is proposing to conduct a nationwide integrated measles-rubella (MR) and bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) vaccination campaign in April 2023. The proposed campaign aims at vaccinating all children aged 6–59 months with one dose of MR vaccine, irrespective of their previous vaccination status in all 22 Provinces. In addition, Vitamin A supplementation will be provided to all children aged 6 to 59 months, and bOPV to children aged 0 to 59 months.

PNG reports one of the lowest routine immunization (RI) coverages in the Region including MRI and MR2 coverage. Due to the high number of susceptible population, accumulated over years of low RI coverage, particularly among rural children that are hard to reach and thereby must be reached by outreach, the country is at high risk for a large outbreak of measles with expected high mortality due endemic malnutrition and extremely limited healthcare infrastructure in much of the country. The NDOH therefore plans to implement a nationwide SIA with intensive technical support from immunization partners including WHO and UNICEF during planning, implementation, and follow-up. Planning and coordination will build on protocols, procedures, and experiences from the last SIA in 2019. This campaign is planned to carry out over 3-4 weeks, using fixed site and outreach vaccination followed by rapid convenience assessment and mop-up activities.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will support WHO country office, Papua New Guinea (PNG) in providing technical support to the National Department of Health (NDOH), PNG in planning, implementing and evaluation of a nationwide integrated measles-rubella (MR) and bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) supplemental immunization activity (SIA) in 2023.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the overall supervision of the WHO Representative and immediate supervision of and in collaboration with WHO CO/ VDI Team Coordinator, the incumbent will support the NDOH in planning, implementing and evaluation of the nationwide integrated measles/rubella, and OPV vaccination campaign in April 2023, as follows:

1. Develop overall macro-planning materials, monitoring, and training materials for the SIA to ensure high-quality planning and implementation of the campaign (Jan 2023);

2. Develop and facilitate a 3-4 day training workshop (Feb 2023) for key persons from national and sub national levels to review the lessons learned from previous campaigns and become familiar with the new/updated SIA planning and implementation materials;

3. Directly coordinate and supervise the preparations for the 2023 nationwide SIA campaign, which includes provision of MR injectable vaccine, bOPV and Vit A (March-April 2023)

a. Incorporate innovative solutions to the operational and logistical challenges unique to conducting SIAs in PNG, including lessons learned from previous SIAs into the operational plans, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic setting

b. Coordinate SIA planning with national and provincial staff, including use of the WHO SIA readiness assessment tool to identify gaps and mobilize personnel and resources accordingly with emphasis on:

1. Status of SIA supply procurement and distribution, including vaccines, immunization ancillaries, Information/Education/Communication materials, etc.
2. Status of microplanning including identification of high-risk areas and all eligible children
3. Human resource deployment plan and its implementation (vaccinators, monitors, community organizers)
4. Advocacy, communication, and coordination with stakeholders and partners

c. Ensure that campaign preparations integrate components that strengthen structures for routine immunization, and documenting these activities;

4. Coordinate and supervise activities to monitor the implementation according to standardize procedures, including rapid coverage assessments in high-risk communities;(April – May 2023)

5. Report findings and recommendations to NDOH and WHO (June 2023); and

6. Undertake any other duties as assigned and requested by the WHO Representative.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Output 1: Planning, preparing and readiness assessment of the MR SIA in Papua New Guinea

Deliverables:

1. Overall macro-plan
2. SIA monitoring (data collection plan and tools) and training materials
3. Readiness assessment (conducted using MR SIA readiness assessment tool) report

Output 2: Report findings and recommendations to NDOH and WHO

Deliverables:

1. Overall SIA report including findings and recommendations to NDOH, Papua New Guinea and WHO
2.  Data analysis summary of the SIA implementation process and results (vaccination coverage, vaccine and supply utilization, deployment statistics, RCA and mop-up activities, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  University degree in health-related field

Desirable: Masters of Public Health

EXPERIENCE

At least 10 years of relevant experience in the field of vaccine-preventable diseases and public health Experience in planning and implementing supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) for measles-containing vaccines, including direct support to national and sub-national level governments and their partners.

Experience working in Western Pacific Region on preparing for injectable immunization campaigns; good understanding of specific challenges in Papua New Guinea is desirable

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Management skills, particularly in countries with security issues and poor resources
• • Proficiency in the use of word processing and presentation software
• • Proficiency with the MR SIA Readiness Assessment Tool

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in English language is required (Read - Write - Speak)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Duration of contract: 6 months

Duty station: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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 14 November 2022. 

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. 185814 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.