Background and Justification
Immunization is one of the key result areas for Ethiopia. Towards achieving high immunization coverage while introducing new vaccines through equity-focused vaccination programs, the need for an effective immunization supply chain remains vital. Ethiopia will be embarking on the new COVID-19 vaccine by the coming 1 April 2021 to address the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating 20% of the total population. An efficient supply chain equipped with reliable cold chain equipment is important in helping countries primarily, to reaching all frontline health workers, community with age above 55years old and those with comorbid situations with potent lifesaving COVID 19 vaccine/s to protect them against the COVID19 ongoing infections in Ethiopia.
With funds assured from Gavi, UNICEF- Ethiopia will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health for addressing Cold Chain and Vaccine Logistic Management cognizant to the introduction of COVID19 vaccine through the COVAX AMC facility support. This includes support for the procurement of vaccines, Customs clearance, in-country vaccine shipments, cold chain maintenance, and strengthening the capacity of providers for managing CCVL systems. Building national capacity for equipment management, including the development of maintenance manuals, training modules, SOPs and guidelines for cold chain logistics and, COVID 19 vaccine management (CCL&VM), is crucial for the immunization program.
Considering the above justification, we are requesting to recruit a Vaccine management officer (Consultant) for the period of 11 months starting 15 January 2021.
Purpose
Under the UNICEF Immunization Specialist's overall guidance, the consultant will closely work with FMOH/EPSA, National Logistics Working Group (NLWG), and other immunization partners to provide technical support for the roll-out of a COVID-19 vaccine in the country. Through its COVID-19 related work, the consultant will also support strengthening the country's immunization supply chain system. Further, the consultant will provide technical assistance and guidance to Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs) and UNICEF Field Offices to prepare to introduce the COVID-19 vaccine in line with the country's readiness guidelines and readiness checklist, jointly developed by UNICEF and WHO, and support the implementation.
Specific tasks
The consultant will work closely with the national immunization logistic working group and regional health bureaus and EPSA to accomplish the following task:
1. Develop/review the COVID-19 vaccine supply and logistics plan (quantification/forecast document) for the national, regional, and district levels.
2. Review the Cold chain inventory documents and establish cold chain functionality and failure report tracking method and coordinate the maintenance activities at the regional and sub-regional levels.
3. Tracking new equipment procurement process. shipment, distribution, installation, and commissioning process.
4. Develop/review the distribution plan, route, transport, and organize the distribution of the COVID19 vaccine supply and logistics by the immunization supply levels / regional and sub-regional levels.
5. Support the capacity building activities – facilitate training to immunization supply chain workforce – coordinators, storekeepers, fleet managers, and immunization workforce at regional and sub regional levels on COVAX vaccine management.
6. Support FMOH/EPSA at all levels, RHBs, and woreda health offices in the management of the COVID19 vaccine during the implementation period.
7. Gather information about the immunization supply chain in assessing strength and weakness and provide recommendations to managers for reinforcement.
8. Monitoring of implementation of immunization services during COVID-19 vaccine delivery.
9. Supervise the use of COVAX vaccination teams during implementation and participate in the national and region/ district coordination meetings and receive and analyses daily performance and provide feedback.
10. Review and analyze COVID 19 vaccine logistics and coverage data, exercise data triangulations accordingly.
11. Assess dry storage and cold chain capacity at all levels with regards to the characteristics of the COVID-19 vaccine and fill the identified supply and logistics gaps
12. Establish security arrangements to ensure the integrity of COVID-19 vaccines and ancillary products throughout the supply chain
13. Conduct any other task related to immunization/the job under request.
Expected results
· Develop a template to follow-up and provide updated information on the degree of planning and country readiness for the introduction of a COVD-19 vaccine.
· Coordinate with NLWG in planning and preparation and provide updated information to the UNICEF country office.
· Comprehensive Evaluation Vaccine Management with document sharing.
· Produce short reports on outcomes and action points from key meetings in which the consultant participates, as agreed with the supervisor and follow up on actions.
· Support the office in other immunization-related tasks as needs arise
Deliverables
· Report regarding country/region readiness status.
· Report progress made and level of implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine.
· Report on an action plan for vaccine implementation and analysis and recommendation to UNICEF Office.
· Final report and recommendations on UNICEF’s role on immunization in Ethiopia.
Qualification
· Advanced degree in supply chain, pharmacy, public health or related fields.
· A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in health specially on immunization supply chain and public health.
· Professional experience with UNICEF or other organizations working with EPI or immunization.
· Fluency in English and local languages.
Technical knowledge
· Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including report writing and presentations on vaccine-preventable diseases.
· Technical knowledge and expertise in the field of health supply chain and public health experience with capacity for planning, coordination, analyzing data, and fully aware of the specifies of vaccines and cold chain/immunization supply chain.
· Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
· Fluency of the English language both speaking and writing is a requirement. Fluency and Working knowledge of the local language will be an asset.
Policy for both parties should be aware of:
· ABH Partners Plc. will manage all the administrative issues and aspects based on HR’ policies and procedures.
· All remuneration must be within the contract agreement through the ABH Partners.
· No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both ABH Partners Plc. and the consultant.
· Travel will be facilitated and managed by the ABH Partners Plc. in agreement with UNICEF.
Additional Notes
The consultant will be paid monthly upon completion of deliverables as indicated in this TOR
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