Consultant - Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization

Purpose of the Consultancy

To recruit a short-term consultant (STC) to support the Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VDI) Unit in strengthening routine immunization activities in Lao PDR. The consultant will provide technical assistance to the National Immunization Program (NIP) in developing strategies, policies, and guidelines for vaccine portfolio optimization, as well as new vaccine introduction (NVI).

Background

Lao PDR is transitioning out of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s support in 2025. However, the country is facing significant financial challenges and still considering what an ideal post-Gavi transition vaccine portfolio would look like. The VDI Unit at the WHO Lao PDR Country Office is committed to supporting the NIP in improving immunization services and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases in the country. To maintain services post-GAVI transition and achieve disease prevention goals, the vaccine portfolio needs to be optimized and NVI needs to be carefully considered through an evidence-based decision-making process. The VDI unit requires additional expertise to support the NIP and provide technical guidance for immunization schedule optimization and potential NVI such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Containing Vaccines (DTPCV) boosters, hexavalent vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine. Moreover, the STC will support the effort to improve routine immunization activities in the country such as strengthening activities to reach zero-dose children and improving human papilloma (HPV) vaccine-related activities.

Deliverables

Under the supervision of the VDI Team Leader and guidance of the WHO Representative of Lao PDR, the STC will be required to perform the following output and deliverables：

Output 1: Support the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG):

Deliverables 1.1: scientific briefs for NITAG meetings on New Vaccine Introduction related topics and other immunization related topics.
Deliverables 1.2: Facilitate knowledge sharing and consensus building among NITAG members.
Deliverables 1.3: Support the NITAG in reviewing and developing immunization-related strategies, policies, and recommendations for the NIP.

Output 2: Support the Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (ICC):

Deliverables 2.1: Coordinate and facilitate meetings of the ICC during the contracted period.
Deliverables 2.2: develop and disseminate meeting minutes and action points.

Output 3: Provide technical guidance on the HPV vaccination campaign:

Deliverables 3.1: Provide technical support for improving the implementation of the HPV vaccination campaign.
Deliverables 3.2: Coordinate and monitor the activities related to the HPV vaccination campaign.

Output 4: Provide technical support for developing a (DTPCV) booster dose policy:

Deliverables 4.1: Conduct a desk review of the global DTPCV booster dose policy.
Deliverables 4.2: Develop recommendations, technical briefings, and presentations for the NITAG on the policy.
Deliverables 4.3: develop, review and submit a DTPCV booster dose implementation funding application to Gavi.

Output 5: Provide technical support for evaluating NVIs:

Deliverables 5.1: Provide technical assistance for evaluating the introduction of hexavalent and rotavirus vaccines (if the country decides to introduce).
Deliverables 5.2: Develop technical briefings on New Vaccine Introduction for the NIP, NITAG and ICC.

Output 6: Provide technical support on strengthening the routine immunization program

Deliverables 6.1: Provide technical support for improving measles-containing vaccine and timely hepatitis B birth dose coverage.
Deliverables 6.2: Support the implementation of activities to reach under-immunized children in urban areas.
Deliverables 6.3: Provide technical guidance on the use and integration of behavioural and social drivers (BeSD) surveys and priority indicators into routine data collection.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree in public health or related field from a recognized university with relevant training in immunization.
Desirable: Master's degree in public health from a recognized university.

Experience:

Essential: Minimum five years of experience in public health, infectious diseases in or a medical field is essential.
Desirable: Experience in documentation or academic research in EPI. Working experience in developing countries is desirable.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge in the planning, implementation and evaluation of immunization program activities.
• Initiative and adaptability to work in developing countries.
• Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team.
• Ability to adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Languages and level required:

Expert knowledge of spoken and written English.

Location

On site : Vientiane, Lao PDR

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel. The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Payband level B - USD 7,000 - USD 8,000
Expected duration of contract: 8 months, October 2024 to May 2025

Additional Information:

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