National Consultant: Health Emergency Preparedness Review for Strengthening HEPR Capacity in the country

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Health!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkJiMmvKqk

 

How can you make a difference? 

UNICEF’s core mission is to promote the rights of every child everywhere—through programs, advocacy, and operations. Its equity strategy focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translating this commitment into concrete action.

In 2025, Afghanistan faced multiple health emergencies, including outbreaks of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) affecting over 2.4 million children under five, with 153,849 cases of AWD with dehydration and 74 associated deaths. Measles and malaria outbreaks also affected tens of thousands of children, with over 94,000 measles vaccinations administered and more than 70,000 malaria cases treated. In addition, natural disasters, including earthquakes in eastern and northern provinces, caused widespread casualties, injuries, and displacement. As of November 2025, 2.4 million Afghan returnees arrived from Iran and Pakistan, requiring urgent health support, vaccination, and stabilization services at major border points and in surrounding catchment areas. The Health Section, in coordination with field offices and partners, responded through health care systems providing critical lifesaving support, vaccination, trauma care, psychosocial services, and other interventions. Given these challenges, there is a critical need to strengthen local capacity, enhance coordination, and further develop preparedness and response systems based on lessons learned from managing multiple emergencies and disease outbreaks in 2025. This need is particularly urgent in a resource-limited environment with constrained human resources for programme management.

 

Purpose of the Assignment: 

UNICEF Afghanistan is seeking an individual consultant who will conduct key tasks and deliver specific deliverables to support the review and analysis of 2025 emergency response of HiE, to strengthen Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) planning, and enhance local capacities for evidence-based preparedness and coordinated response to health emergencies.

The role involves communication, consultation, and liaison with regional teams, UN agencies, NGOs, and UNICEF teams to support development and or revision on Health Emergency planning based on the lessons/ After Action review of 2025 response and integration of HiE in SAFE and HER enhancing strategic programs for children and women affected by humanitarian emergencies and disease outbreaks to have access to humanitarian services in line with the Afghanistan Country Office programme framework.

The consultant reports to the Health Manager-Emergency, Health section for general guidance and supervision and will support the Health Manager and the health team in managing, in After Action review, capacity needs assessment and supply system assessment to strengthen UNICEF HiE system for Health emergency preparedness and emergency response within the Health Section. This includes coordination within the section, Field Coordination and the field offices focusing on disease outbreak and humanitarian emergencies.

Scope of Work:

• Support the After-Action Review (AAR) of 2025 emergencies in collaboration with FCE to identify lessons learned, gaps, and recommendations for strengthening HEPR planning for 2026–2027.
• Conduct assessment of the HEPR system and support the development or revision of HEPR plans for all zonal offices.
• Tailor and facilitate HEPR capacity development training and support the capacity building of partner agencies and healthcare workers in managing humanitarian emergencies based on evidence and identified system gaps, targeting healthcare providers across five regions or priority provinces.
• Conduct field visits to priority provinces, engaging with field offices, health facilities, stakeholders, and strategic partners to assess health emergency preparedness, coordination mechanisms, and optimization of inter-agency resources, including pre-positioned and emergency supplies.
• Support the alignment of health emergency data systems with reporting requirements to strengthen evidence-based Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) planning.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Health Manager, Chief of Health, and senior management.

 

Work Assignments Overview	Deliverables/Outputs	Delivery Deadline
Provide consultants workplan; develop a workplan based on the consultancy requirement including emergency preparedness assessment, plan for field monitoring, partner technical support and supply planning and documentation.	Detailed consultancy plan	Feb 2026 (15 working days)
Review and analyze available data, reports and situation reports from 2025 to assess action taken and identify gaps in Health emergency response focused on disease outbreaks and AWD.	Brief analytical report, summarizing emergency response actions and recommendation in preparation for After Action review (AAR)
Data system alignment for evidence-based Health Emergency Preparedness and response (HEPR) planning. Comprehensive mapping of HiE data availability/data points. Conduct analysis of surveillance data in alignment with WHO surveillance bulletins and SP reports to enable HIE to systematize routine reporting, including situation reports (SitReps) and flash updates. Map the reporting system followed by field offices and SPs(SP to Filed office, SP to teams and to the health authorities etc). Produce bi-weekly epidemiological analyses highlighting trends, risks, and priority response actions.	Bi-weekly epidemiological briefs. Action completed report Documented Data-to-Reporting alignment framework work for HiE. Contribute to the establishment of standardized data flow for reporting with M&E team.	Feb and Mar 2026 (20 working days)
Health emergency preparedness and response planning: Develop a plan, tool and schedule for gathering information from the Field teams. Consultations with Field Offices and others for health emergency preparedness planning. Prepare emergency preparedness and response plans with a specific focus on regional requirements (capacity, supplies and contingency planning.	Five updated regional emergency preparedness and response plans. Filed mission reports/consultation reports.	March and April 2026 (19 working days)
Health in Humanitarian Emergency 1)After Action Review of 2025 emergencies in collaboration with FCE for planning. In coordination with FCE, prepare After Action Review plan for earthquake emergency and Returnee crisis managed in 2025/ as agreed. Develop health intervention specific additional tools/rapid if required to include in AAR. Interagency consultations completed and coordination completed as required. Filed missions held for AAR AAR conducted in coordination with FCE Other required support provided for AAR   AAR report finalization AAR report finalization with clear recommendation for HEPR. Ensure clear action and follow-up plan included for effective coordination with UN agencies, with health cluster parters and key stakeholders. Additional recommendations for effective coordination within UNICEF; filed team, FCE, area-based coordinators and out-post teams. 1) AAR report developed focusing on Health Emergency Specific response planning Present the AAR findings and action plan draft to Zonal teams. In consultation with zonal teams identify actions for Strengthen HEPR capacity	Assessment plan and draft tools developed. Assessment schedule and pre-requisite actions/preparation completed report. Reports of consultations with key stakeholders including health cluster.	April 2026 (15 working days)
	AAR field mission report of data collection and quality assurance. AAR data analysis and report writing. Report on the consultations with zonal offices	May 2026 (21 working days)
	Report & plan: Health Emergency preparation and response plan with clear recommendations and action. Implementation plan for the above developed. Consultation reports.	June 2026 (20 working days)
Strengthen HEPR capacity: 1)Tailor and facilitate HEPR capacity development training for health care providers (implementing partners and health workers) across the five regions. Conduct rapid needs assessment for HEPR training and pathways to integrate training with other capacity building initiatives. Adapt HEPR training module to the local context and requirements. Organize consultations with the HEPR master trainers and finalize the training plan and module. Facilitate one training to filed test the module and plan. Provide technical support to zonal teams, SPs in planning and facilitation of training on HEPR. Monitor application of knowledge imparted during trainings Handhold health care staff implement case management protocols as required, including case reporting protocols.   2)Conduct filed visits to priority provinces (health facilities, stakeholders and SPs) and review health emergency preparedness and regional, provincial level coordination (technical) and optimization of inter-agency resources (supply) during any emergency. 2) Support supply analysis in line with the HEPR plan including verification of pre-positioned supplies. Conduct supply reviews with provincial and regional UNICEF teams document findings and follow-up actions. Document interagency preparedness and barriers in managing access, deployment of supplies and risks if any in case of a humanitarian crisis.	Needs assessment report. Draft Capacity building plan for 2026 in line with the gaps identified from AAR and Needs assessment. Consultation reports. Final/tailored HEPR training module.	July 2026 (25 working days)
	Training support and training monitoring reports (monitor 10% training conducted on the field). Consolidated training report with post training assessment. Filed visit reports with action points/action followed up.	August 2026 (15 working days)
	Emergency coordination and supply management – report (ongoing practice and recommendations for system strengthening) Supply planning and disbursement monitoring report documenting preparedness status, stock management and supply availability (updated every month). Supply tracker/ supply management system updated. (HiE supply analysis reporting system for tracking- integrated with M-Supply?).	September 2026 (22 workings days)
Assessment for HEPR coordination system strengthening (cross sector and interagency coordination): Map and assess existing HEPR coordination, information flow, and decision-making processes at national and sub-national levels to identify systemic gaps and operational bottlenecks. Organize consultations with key stakeholders. Organize cross sector consultations with key sectors that contribute to Health emergencies. Identify, based on CCC and coordination roles, pathways to enhance coordination and collaboration across sectors and partners during emergencies. Develop an assessment report, documenting identified gaps, operational risks, and prioritized actions to enhance interagency (with external partners) and cross sector (internal) joint action for preparedness and response capacity.	Assessment and recommendations report. Meeting minutes/ consultation briefs. Action plan – If required.	October 2026 (17 working days)
Standardizing documentation and communication: Map donor reporting and documentation requirements related to health emergencies and disease outbreaks. Design and support documentation plans to capture qualitative and narrative evidence, including human interest stories, community resilience narratives, voices from the field, and gender-related progress and challenges. ` Support establishes clear documentation processes and workflows to improve data quality, timeliness, and consistency for emergency response reporting.	Standardized Templates for routine emergency data collection and reporting developed. Two human interest stories developed.	November 2026 (24 working days)
Final documentation and products Perform additional duties as assigned.	Consolidated final Consultancy Report. Capacity assessment and capacity development action taken report. HEPR system strengthening – data, documentation and coordination system. HEPR health care workers modules tailored for Afghanistan. Documentation of any additional tasks assigned during the consultancy.	December 2026 (22 working days)

Travel Local:

The consultancy assignment will require travel to the provinces.

• Kabul-Kandahar-Kabul
• Kabul-Herat-Kabul
• Kabul-Mazar i Sharif-Kabul
• Kabul-Kunduz-Kabul
• Kabul-Jalalabad-Kabul
• Kabul-Helmad-Kabul
• Kabul-Bamyan-Kabul
• Kabul -parwan-Kabul

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Applications must include:

• Cover letter.
• Resume.
• Samples of previous work.
• Financial offer in USD. (This should only be the day rate for working days. UNICEF will provide a daily subsistence allowance for calendar days spent in Afghanistan, including weekends, to cover out-of-pocket costs while in-country, including accommodation. Travel, international and local, will be reimbursed.)
• Applications submitted without financial and technical proposals will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection process.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the health sector (Public Health, medical discipline with management ) is required. Emergency experience is a must.
• Bachelor’s /university degree with relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience of planning, coordinating management of health/humanitarian emergencies.
• Proven analytical and data use skills; data presentation and reporting skills – preferably health related.
• Knowledge and experience of health emergency management framework.
• Demonstrated ability in coordination, working with stakeholders, capacity building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local language is required.

How to apply:

• Interested applicants are required to submit a financial proposal with an all-inclusive fee.  Please see the financial proposal template here: Consultancy Financial Offer template.docx
• Applications without a financial proposal will not be considered.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 To view our competency framework, please visit here. 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Interested consultants are required to apply online, indicating availability and all-inclusive lump sum fee to undertake the terms of reference.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.