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Qualifications

The aim of this consultancy is to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Iran to prepare, implement, and evaluate new vaccine introduction.

Iran is making significant strides in enhancing its immunization program by simultaneously introducing two new vaccines: rotavirus vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine. The government of Iran has approved the inclusion of these vaccines in the national immunization schedule, with the aim of providing comprehensive protection to children across the country. Starting from 2^nd quarter of 2024, both vaccines will be made available to children in Iran, marking a significant milestone in public health and the national immunization programme (NIP).

The National immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), responsible for formulating policies and guidelines for immunization, has recommended the dosage and schedule for these new vaccines. A vaccine introduction plan for both vaccines has been developed and endorsed by the ministry. Furthermore, a technical assistance proposal to be implemented by WHO and UNICEF for Gavi middle income country approach funds has been submitted to and approved by GAVI

Recognizing the importance of effective implementation and coordination of initiative, the World Health Organization country office for Iran will provide consultancy support to enlist the expertise of a qualified individual, to monitor and oversee the execution of these critical activities. The expertise and guidance provided by the selected candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the successful rollout of these vaccines.

The chosen candidate will assume a facilitative and supportive role in coordinating various aspects of the program. S/He will work closely with government health agencies, healthcare providers, and relevant stakeholders to develop advocacy materials, establish monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensure the timely execution of the vaccine introduction plan.

Planned start date: 15/02/2024

Planned end date: 15/10/2024

Duration: 8 months

By working closely with the EPI office of the MoH, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and under the supervision of the WCO CD unit team lead, the consultant will perform the following activities:

Output 1:  Suggest and develop an advocacy plan for the introduction of new vaccines (Rotavirus and PCV)

Deliverable 1.1: Outline the strategic objectives and actions for the new vaccine advocacy plan

Deliverable 1.2: Support the preparation of a framework with key messages, evidence, tools/assets, and channels for targeted audiences

Deliverable 1.3: Support development of advocacy tools and materials for each audience.

Output 2: Monitor and evaluate the introduction of New vaccines (Rotavirus and PCV)

Deliverable 2.1: Support the development of objectives, indicators and strategic monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities for each phase of the introduction (preparation, introduction, and post-introduction)

Deliverable 2.2: Prepare and disseminate a M&E scorecard for rotavirus vaccine and PCV introduction for use by program managers and stakeholders

Output 3: Support NITAG to develop a 5-year roadmap plan for the introduction of new vaccines into the national immunization programmes in line with the immunization agenda 2030.

Deliverable 3.1: Support NITAG and NIP to determine prioritization criteria for the introduction of vaccines in the country with respect to local epidemiology

Deliverable 3.2: Support NITAG and NIP to develop a 5-year vaccine introduction road map

The consultant is expected to work at WHO county office, receive technical guidance from WHO immunization team and report to his/her supervisor.

Remuneration:

Education:

Essential: First University degree in medicine (M.D.) or MSc in relevant area

Desirable: Postgraduate degree in Public Health e.g. MPH or PhD in relevant fields

Experience:

Required: Up to 5 years of relevant experience in working with health data management or literature review.

Desirable: -Work experience in vaccination, surveillance and/or health network

Work experience with WHO,

– Skills / Technical skills and knowledge: Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, within and outside the organization.

Excellent knowledge of technical advisory services in program related areas and the health systems;

Proven knowledge in project planning, design, monitoring and evaluation and management;

Excellent presentation and negotiation skills;

Language requirements: Excellent knowledge of English and local language

7. Place of assignment

Tehran, Iran with possible travel to other cities as per approval of supervisor.

8. Medical clearance

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

9. Travel

The consultant will be required to travel to sites for relevant activities (consultations, information gathering, programme reviews, training etc,) where necessary

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.

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. 
• 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. 
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int. 

·       The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits workforce regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.

Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to  reasonableaccommodation@who.int

·       An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates. 
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. 
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. 
• WHO shall have no responsibility for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO. 
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int. 
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