National Health Consultant to support to support integrated maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)

The consultancy aims to provide integrated technical, operational, and coordination support to strengthen MNCH and EPI systems in Eritrea, focusing on immunization systems strengthening, supply chain and forecasting, proposal development, RMNCAH strategy development, and implementation support to national immunization priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational support to the implementation of priority MNCH and EPI activities in accordance with agreed workplans.
• Support accelerated immunization and RMNCAH-related strategic planning activities, including preparation and consolidation of technical inputs, stakeholder consultations and development or revision of planning documents.
• Support the National Immunization Costing Workshop, including revision of the NIS programme narrative, consolidation of technical inputs, preparation of workshop materials and documentation of agreed priorities and actions.
• Support the implementation of the Vaccine Prioritization and Optimization Platform, including preparation of technical inputs, coordination of relevant stakeholders and follow-up on agreed actions.
• Provide technical and operational support to MNCH and EPI meetings, workshops, missions and other programme-related events.
• Provide technical backstopping to maintain continuity of priority Health Unit activities during the temporary absence of the Health Officer.
• Support EPI and MNCH supply chain management in collaboration with the MoH-EPI, UNICEF Supply Unit and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support forecasting and supply planning activities, including the Forecasting and Supply Planning cascade trainings and follow-up implementation.
• Support monitoring of vaccine and essential health commodity availability using platforms such as SMT and Viva, stock levels, pipeline, distribution requirements and supply plans.
• Support the distribution of government of Japan supported newly procured SDD refrigerators and vaccine carriers in collaboration with the EPI unit.
• Support coordination and follow-up of EPI and health-related procurement processes, including tracking procurement requests, expected delivery dates and outstanding actions.
• Identify supply chain and procurement bottlenecks and facilitate timely follow-up with relevant programme, supply and logistics teams.
• Promote the use of forecasting, supply and stock data to inform procurement, distribution and programme planning.
• Support the revival and strengthening of the National Logistics Working Group, including review and revision of its Terms of Reference, support the organization and facilitation of consultations and technical discussions, document meetings and decisions, and follow up on agreed action points to ensure timely implementation.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of Gavi TCA activities in accordance with agreed plans and timelines.
• Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive Gavi activity tracker covering planned activities, milestones, responsible parties, implementation status, deliverables and outstanding actions.
• Lead GAVI donor reporting twice a year.
• Support coordination with MoH, UNICEF, Gavi and other partners to facilitate timely implementation of Gavi-supported activities.
• Identify delays, implementation bottlenecks and areas requiring management attention and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
• Support initiation of the Gavi 6.0 application process, including preparation of background information, consolidation of programme inputs, identification of priorities and gaps, and development of an initial workplan and action tracker.
• Support coordination and preparation for the Gavi mission planned for October, including development of briefing materials, consolidation of programme updates, organization of meetings and documentation of key findings and recommendations.
• Support follow-up on actions and recommendations arising from the Gavi mission.
• Support effective coordination between MoH, UNICEF, Gavi and other relevant partners such as UNFPA and WHO on MNCH and EPI priorities.
• Monitor implementation of key activities against agreed workplans, milestones and deadlines and flag delays or issues requiring attention.
• Follow up on outstanding Direct Cash Transfers for Bare Foot Doctors training, Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illnesses training and EmONC finalization, including monitoring the status of liquidations, supporting resolution of outstanding issues and following up on the implementation of activities.
• Follow up on newly submitted Direct Cash Transfers, including those related to Government of Japan-supported activities, and support timely processing, implementation and monitoring of the associated activities.
• Maintain relevant trackers for priority programme activities, including Pandemic Fund, Gavi, supply chain, procurement, training and strategic planning activities.
• Support preparation of programme updates, presentations, briefing notes, donor proposals, donor reports and other materials required by UNICEF, MoH and partners.
• Support the Programme Associate to facilitate and fast-track priority MNCH and EPI tasks, particularly those requiring coordination across programme, supply and administrative functions.
• Provide technical and operational support to other MNCH and EPI activities as required within the scope of the consultancy.
• Undertake other related duties and assignments as requested by the Immunization Specialist and FCH director.
• Prepare a comprehensive handover note for the Health Officer to serve as a guiding document upon their return.

Requirements

• A university degree (Bachelor) in Public Health, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in MNCH and/or immunization programs.
• Experience in immunization supply chain management.
• Experience in events management, report writing, and good communication and networking skills.
• Skills in secretarial tasks.
• Proven experience with WHO/UNICEF frameworks and tools.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills.
• Experience in low-resource settings (preferably Sub-Saharan Africa).
• Ability to translate evidence into policy and implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Skills

• Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health
• Vaccination Programs
• Immunization Supply Chain Systems
• Event Management
• Report Writing
• Secretarial Skills
• UN Frameworks
• UNICEF Frameworks
• Analytical Skills
• Facilitation Skills
• Policy Translation
• Supply Chain Forecasting
• Proposal Development
• RMNCAH Strategy Development
• Implementation Support
• Experience in Low-Resource Settings

Languages

English