Roster of National Consultant/Experts – Immunization and Vaccine development - (2304603)

29 May 2023
Call for consultation

Objective of the programme 

This is a generic description of duties developed for a roster of consultants/experts. The final terms of the reference for the assignment/contract for consultant positions will be based on the actual requirements of the assignment. The purpose of the activity to provide technical support to the government in area of immunization, new vaccine introduction, VPD surveillance, policy and strategies, polio transition, monitoring and evaluation and research. 

The WHO country office for Bangladesh continues to provide technical and policy guidance and assistance to the government in area of VPD surveillance, immunization, capacity building, new vaccine introduction in Dhaka, data management, monitoring and evaluation.   

The vision of National Immunization Strategy (NIS 2023-2027) “Healthy life of all people of Bangladesh is ensured through equitable, quality and timely vaccination”. The NIS has set objectives of achieving high routine coverage, maintaining polio free status, maintaining MNT elimination status, achieve elimination of measles, rubella and CRS, maintaining Hep B control goal, ensuring access to high quality vaccine and enhance protection of population against VPD by introducing new and under used vaccine and Sustain operation of critical immunization system components while transitioning from foreign to domestic sources of financing.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the WR Bangladesh and direct supervision with Team Leader (IVD) and of close collaboration with WHO country office EPI focal persons and government, the consultant/Experts will be expected to carry out assignments in one or more of the following areas.

  • GIS Specialist - Support for setup and configuration of a GIS-based microplanning software solution, GIS analysis and development of plans for all health facilities, Develop new strategies and carry out spatial data and metadata handling procedures for vaccine deployment, Support to implement interoperable Geographical information management system, which will be integrate with other systems (DHIS2, KOBO, ODK and HRIS etc), Support to organize training and workshop activities for Govt. staff on data collection, management, quality control and use of GIS tools for microplanning and build capacity to Govt. and WHO team on dealing Geographical information Management System and future upgradation and other GIS related activities as required.
  • Data Management and Monitoring Experts - Develop a M&E strategy/guideline for EPI Programme (VPDs, AEFI, service delivery, supply chain, vaccine wastage, surveillance, COVID-19 and Immunization) to identify and assess programme performance against the key milestone, develop and implement monitoring mechanism to mitigate data quality and denominator issues of EPI programme, Develop an analysis package for Data handler and EPI Managers based on Data quality and Data triangulation, Assess the impact and effectiveness of EPI programme at the national level, evaluate the relationship between EPI programmes and operational structures in WCO; identify gaps, recommend capacities required to improve effectiveness; suggest remedial actions to allow greater predictability, accountability, and partnerships and other M7E activities as required.
  • Urban Immunization (Health) - Strengthening of urban immunization program through close collaboration and coordination between the MoH&FW (DGHS, EPI) and MoLGD&C, Arrange and facilitate high level advocacy with mayors of city corporations and other stakeholders for strengthening of urban immunization, Explore possibility of better integration of PHC with routine EPI program in city corporations, Support to include implementation of National Urban Immunization Strategy in 5th sector program, Support immunization related assessment, evaluation, and operational research with CCs and other activities as required
  • Immunization and Surveillance training experts – Revise and develop a comprehensive handbook on immunization and surveillance for the mid-level managers in English (doctors) including a facilitators guide, based on the approved module develop training materials related to EPI and VPD Surveillance for Mid-Level Managers (doctors), Assist EPI-HQ in planning and organizing the training programmes for the mid-level managers and other training related activities
  • Immunization Financing – Support developing immunization financing, advocacy with parliamentarians and other policy makers on vaccination financial sustainability, ensure appropriate funding for immunization in its OP and HPNSP, Support EPI developing and assessing immunization financing and monitoring of implementation and other immunization related financing activities.
  • New Vaccine Introduction - To assist in the finalization of the New GAVI vaccine Applications documents and submission, support EPI on planning, training, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of introduction of new vaccine, develop training package and other activities related to new vaccine introduction
  • Policy and Planning: Technical assistance at National / CC level for overall immunization implementation including policy/strategies/guideline development and performance reviews including development of costed multi-year/ short term plans for immunization, financing for immunization and integrating immunization services with the health system, vaccination act and other policy related activities
  • School immunization: Develop school immunization strategic and operational guideline in consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders in context of Bangladesh, Support workshop and meetings with relevant stakeholders to plan on initiation of school immunization in Bangladesh and other immunization related activities
  • MR program: Technical assistance at the National/ District level for strategic guidance and operational support for activities targeted towards the achievement and maintenance of measles and rubella elimination through the development and implementation of national plans. This will include support for policy advocacy at highest level and mobilization of professional organizations, CBO and local communities.
  • Polio Transition: Technical and policy guideline for smooth transition of IVD SIMO network (as per polio transition plan).
  • Routine Immunization: Technical assistance at National/ District/CC level for strengthening immunization systems and services to support improvements in routine immunization coverage, including an analysis of the cause of low coverage as well as the development, implementation and monitoring of operational plans to overcome the barriers to achieve high immunization coverage; development of guidelines and facilitating the training activities. Support developing plan/strategies to strengthen immunization in urban areas and City Corporations. Develop and high-level advocacy for immunization sustainable financing. Digitalization of AEFI data management and integration with DHIS2. Develop policy guideline for initiation of school immunization and integration of immunization with various PHS services
  • VPD Surveillance: Technical assistance at National/ District level to support reviews, evaluation, and capacity building
  • Operational Research, Assessment and Survey: Technical guidance at the National/ District/ CC level to develop and conduct various research, assessment and survey in immunization and surveillance as relevant for the achievement and maintenance of elimination/control of vaccine preventable diseases, including operational research to improve immunization coverage and surveillance performance.

 

 

 


Duration of contract: 2 weeks to 24 moths depends on actual requirement (Separate communication will made with listed candidates)
Contract type: External consultant
Duty Station:  Bangladesh-Dhaka

Link to apply: