M-RITE Consultant: Immunization Technical Coordinator (Europe & Eurasia)

 

Project Background: 

MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (the project) is a global U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) program that aims to strengthen routine immunization (RI) programs to overcome the entrenched obstacles that contribute to stagnating and declining immunization rates in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH)/family planning (FP)/reproductive health (RH) priority countries; and barriers to reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children with life-saving vaccines and other health services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant disruption of immunization services, the project also supports countries with the maintenance, adaptation, and strengthening  of immunization services. The project provides technical assistance (TA) to adapt immunization service delivery strategies; support strategies for tracking and follow-up of individuals who missed vaccinations; assess immunity gaps; increase community trust and demand for vaccination; and provide technical support for COVID-19 vaccine introduction.

USAID is partnering with MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity, UNICEF, WHO, and government health authorities to increase demand for COVID-19 vaccinations, address mis- and disinformation, and foster learning exchange across the Europe and Eurasia (E&E) region with specific focus in Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which also includes addressing supply chain challenges. The work requires strong coordination among partners, such as UNICEF and WHO,  and with health authorities at the national, entity, and local levels, as well as continued oversight throughout the period of performance. 

The consultant will get a full acquaintance with the project work undertaken to date and support balanced implementation and consistency across the implementation countries with more intensive support in Bosnia and Herzegovina..

In Moldova, the consultant will provide support and oversight for the local partner organization in all the necessary steps for a successful implementation of SBC activities and make sure any barriers are identified and addressed early on. The Consultant will also support the local partner organization in developing contacts with stakeholders and communication with USAID.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the consultant will coordinate with in-country consultants and technical partners and support the design and implementation of social and behavior change activities in specific geographic areas, targeting specific subpopulations; and support vaccine supply chain management through reinforcement of best practices, introducing standard processes and systems for management and planning, and introduction of an electronic vaccine stock management system.

The consultant will also contribute to regional- and subregional-level efforts to share learnings across countries; prepare regular updates/reports to inform the global-level project team on progress, challenges, opportunities and lessons learned and contribute to routine project reporting.

This consultancy is part-time with an anticipated timeframe of April– October 2023. 

Objective:

The main objective is to coordinate and ensure timely implementation of activities across the E&E region, support the design and implementation of SBC and supply chain activities, as applicable, monitor activity implementation, and support the development of learning networks and adaptive learning at the regional level.

Overall Activities: 

The following activities will be undertaken during the consultancy in close collaboration with global-level technical advisors and country-level team leaders:

1. Consult regularly with wider project staff supporting activities in the E&E region, as well as UNICEF, WHO, and government health authorities regarding on-going COVID-19 vaccination activities in the E&E project countries.

2. Support in-country partner organization in Moldova in the implementation of the project, monitor and report regarding project implementation, resolve potential implementation issues and provide recommendations to improve activity implementation.

3. Contribute to regional- and subregional-level efforts to share learnings across countries; prepare regular updates/reports to inform the global-level project team on progress, challenges, opportunities and lessons learned and contribute to routine project reporting.

4. Provide support to team leaders to ensure coordinated COVID-19 vaccination efforts between the project, UNICEF, WHO and other stakeholders. As work gets underway in BiH, lead this process until consultants come on board.

5. Ensure implementation progress for the project’s awards in the region. Track progress of complementary USAID-funded activities by UNICEF and WHO activities, including through site visits as agreed upon with other implementing partners. Solicit USAID Mission collaboration to resolve potential implementation issues, as needed, and to provide recommendations to improve activity implementation.

6. Undertake regional travel to monitor project implementation progress, provide technical support and guidance to country leads, consult with local government and NGO stakeholders and beneficiaries (e.g., Institutes of Public Health, Red Cross, etc.), and meet with WHO and UNICEF staff. 

7. Provide regular verbal and written reports to USAID points of contact, as requested by the project, on progress of implementation and on UNICEF and WHO’s COVID-19 interventions, as well as updates on response efforts of the government, other donors, development partners, and local NGOs. Frequency and format of reports to be decided by the project in consultation with the USAID Mission points of contact. 

8. Maintain an unofficial record of documentation from and correspondence with other USAID implementing partners in BiH regarding COVID-19 response that can be shared with USAID.
    

 Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in public health or related field and 10 years of experience working in public health or a related field. Immunization expertise preferred.

2. Knowledge and understanding of USAID programs and processes.

3. Prior experience working on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination programs at the country level, particularly in the E&E region.

4. Knowledge of the political and country contexts in the relevant countries.

5. Experience developing and maintaining working-level relationships with host government health authorities and international technical partners working in the health sector.

6. Ability to analyze, synthesize and translate complex data and information into meaningful insights for a variety of audiences.

7. Demonstrated ability to convey messages through clear and concise writing.

8. Strong written and oral communication skills.

9. Attention to detail and strong organization skills

10. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

 

To Apply:

Interested candidates can submit their application to Hannah Wallace, M-RITE Program Officer, at hannah_wallace@jsi.com and include the title of the consultancy in the subject line of the email. The application should include the candidate's CV/resume and Cover Letter that supports the requested qualifications/experience.

Date Issued: February 22, 2023 12:00 am
Due Date: April 12, 2023 11:59 pm EST

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