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EXPANDED PROGRAM ON IMMUNISATION – UPDATING OF 2017 MANUAL CONSULTANT

1.PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The current EPI manual was updated in 2016 and launched in 2017 since then Zambia has had four (4) vaccine introductions, four (4) product switches, two (2) non-selective measles SIAs, including over 6 rounds of polio campaigns. The dearth of job aids is another urgent issue that needs to be attended to by the EPI in 2024 to facilitate the post-COVID-19 Recovery and Catch-up Plan implementation, COVID-19 Integration, HPV Switch and Catch-up activities and the Full Portfolio Planning Zero Dose Agenda.

The objectives for the activities are to update the EPI manual to current standards, to develop the related EPI Training modules and to develop Job aids for Health care workers and community volunteers.

2.SCOPE OF WORK/MAIN TASKS

The consultant(s) under the guidance of WHO technical staff will support and/or undertake the following tasks to ensure input and consensus of stakeholders on behalf of MoH to ensure policies are clear and the EPI manual is completed.    Specific activities and outputs include:

a. Submit roadmap/ workplan with timelines and deliverables

b. Collate and review of up-to-date documents and reference materials to inform the updating of key concepts, and key issues on immunization

c. Update the 2017 EPI manual Ensure clarity and consensus on key Immunization technical issues for inclusion

d. Review and update catch-up vaccination policies from relevant organs and ZITAG recommendations for inclusion into the national Immunization Schedule indicating for the national context updated including lower and upper age limits for vaccines, as well as inclusion of those anticipated for consideration in the near future in the context of the life course approach.

e. Coordinate and facilitate consensus on key immunization issues from key stakeholders (technical experts) across the level of service delivery including professional bodies

f. Organizing workshops of technical experts and stakeholders to obtain review of draft EPI and build consensus on key technical issues.

g. Finalize updated forms to be annexed, illustrations, photographs to be used in the manual.

h. Working with the editor and graphic layout person to finalize the document.

3.    KEY DELIVERABLES

At various stages of the assignment, the consultant shall deliver the following:

Key output 1: EPI review/ Updating: workplan of the assignment.

Key output 2: A brief report on the review of key issues to be considered and draft list of job aids and annexures to be incorporated in the revised EPI manual

Key output 3: List of documents reviewed to inform the revision of EPI Manual

Key output 4: List of areas of consensus built on the revision recommendations, strategic priorities, and priority investment areas.

Key output 5: Finalized 2025 EPI Manual and Health Workers Training slide deck of 2025 EPI manual

Key output 6: Health Care Worker Job Aids

4.DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The assignment is expected to be completed within a 3-month (90 days) period and all deliverables submitted to WHO and MOH not later than 31st August 2025.

5.REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATION

The suitable candidate should meet the following requirements:

Educational qualifications:

Essential: Undergraduate degree in medicine or nursing, and Postgraduate degree (at least master’s in Paediatrics or Public Health or Paediatric nursing

Desirable: Certification in any immunization training

Experience:

Essential: A minimum of 10 years’ experience in Health with a focus on Child Health. Experience in development of guidelines, protocol/ standard operating procedures, development of policies, health worker training curriculum in service and preservice.

Desirable: Experience in the development of educational curricula, updating policies and guidelines

Skills and knowledge requirements:

Essential: Knowledge of Child Health Policies, Immunization policies and immunization programs and strategies

Excellent document drafting and report writing skills, recent academic publication(s), similar technical reports on Child Health

Knowledge of Immunization or Child Health / Immunization is an added advantage.

Desirable: Excellent interpersonal relationships with good negotiation skills. Excellent facilitation and team-building skills.

6. REMUNERATION

The consultancy rate will be dependent on the successful candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience. The UN consultants’ rate will apply once the above is determined

7.DURATION

The assignment is expected to be completed within 3 months (90 days) period and all deliverables submitted to WHO and MOH not later than 31st August 2025.

8. LOCATION

The consultant will be required to work offsite.

9. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The performance of the Consultant will be monitored through regular briefing meetings and reports.  The Consultant will submit a summary highlight on progress weekly and relevant drafts every two weeks or as demanded.

WHO Competencies

Communicating in a credible and effective way

Producing results

Moving forward in a changing environment

Fostering integration and teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidate.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.

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