CONSULTANCY- To serve as liaison officer between the EMR Regional Working Group and the countries for the Big Catch-Up initiative especially in the eligible Gavi countries. Band B Level

1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to serve as liaison officer between the EMR Regional Working Group and the countries to provide technical support for the preparation, implementation and evaluation of the Big Catch-Up initiative especially in the eligible Gavi countries

2. Background

WHO, in collaboration with UNICEF, Gavi and other immunization partners initiated the Big Catch Up initiative in April 2023 to vaccinate children who missed their doses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key objectives of Big Catch Up are: 1) catch-up missed children, 2) restore immunization programme and 3) strengthen immunization programmes. The third dose of the DPT containing vaccine coverage decreased from 85% in 2019 to 82% in 2021 but it started to be restored in 2022 whereas the coverage reached 84%. The drop in the vaccination coverage resulted in a significant increase in accumulation of unvaccinated and under vaccinated children which led to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, and pertussis. The Regional Working Group for immunization in EMRO supporting member states in planning, resource mobilization, implementation and monitoring of the Big Catch Up in EM region. Gavi is supporting countries with allocation of additional vaccine doses waiving co-financing requirement and allowing flexible use of available funds in countries, for operations of the Big Catch-Up activities. The Big Catch Up is expected to vaccinate millions of children, especially in Gavi eligible countries and some other priority countries. This initiative needs strong coordination, oversight from regional office and additional support to the countries.

3. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 1 July 2024

End date: 31 December 2024

4. Work to be performed

Output 1: Support countries in the preparations and implementation of the Big Catch-Up initiative

Deliverable 1.1: Provide technical guidance to the countries to update their operational plans and support the countries in the Gavi funding re-programming to fund the Big Catch UP.

Deliverable 1.2: Conduct country missions as much as needed to provide field assistance

Deliverable 1.3: Support the countries in strengthening the partnership with other partners

Output 2: Support the countries in vaccine forecasting and management

Deliverable 2.1: Assist countries in demand forecasting and plan for scheduling the shipment of the vaccines

Deliverable 2.2: Follow up with the Gavi and UNICEF supply division to ensure the timely delivery of the vaccines

Output 3: Regular monitoring of the readiness of the countries and implementation of the Big Catch

Deliverable 3.1: Prepare a tool for monitoring the readiness of the countries for the Big Catch-Up implementation

Deliverable 3.2: Conduct regular monitoring of the readiness of the countries for the Big Catch Up

Deliverable 3.3: Conduct regular monitoring for the implementation of the Big Catch Up in the countries

Output 4: liaison with countries and other partners on behalf of Regional Working Group (RWG) for coordination.

Deliverable 4.1: Coordinate the regular meetings of the Regional Working Group

Deliverable 4.2: Prepare the regular update of the EMR on the Big Catch UP to be presented in the regional working group

Deliverable 4.3: Coordinate with the regional partners for concerted efforts and effective cooperation

– Qualifications required:

· Essential: University Degree in Medicine

– Desirable: Master’s degree in public health (MPH) or epidemiology or related subject

– Experience required:

· Essential: At least 5 years of experience working in the public health programs.

– Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

1- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.

2- Knowledge and good understanding of vaccination programme in priority countries in EMR.

3- Ability to provide technical advice, design and develop tools, and formulation of policy and recommendations for immunization programme.

4- Good interpersonal skills, teamwork, and time management

– Language requirements:

Expert knowledge of English

5. Place of assignment

EMRO – Cairo. On-site consultant.

Medical clearance : The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.) All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information section

· This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

· Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

· Remuneration is in line with WHO consultant established rates

· Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO

· A written test may be used as a form of screening.

· If your candidature is retained for 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.

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· WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

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

· Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

· WHO’s workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.