Consultancy: Regional Immunization Cold Chain Management Consultant, WCARO Dakar, Senegal, 12 months (part-time with 100 effectively days ) (Remote/Work from home with WCA COs field mission)

The UNICEF WCARO is looking for a Regional Immunization Cold Chain Management Consultant who will under the direct supervision of the Regional Cold Chain Specialist (Immunization Supply Chain) and in close coordination with the Supply and Immunization Teams, support and provide technical immunization Cold Chain support to countries in WCAR (West and Central Africa Region) with a special focus on priority countries with CCEOP submission and implementation, Large CCE implementation project.

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, Hope

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

Towards achieving high immunization coverage while introducing new vaccines through equity-focused vaccination program, the need for effective immunization supply chain remains vital. Efficient supply chains equipped with reliable cold chain equipment are important in helping countries primarily to reaching children with potent lifesaving vaccines to protect them against vaccine preventable diseases and subsequently increase immunization coverage.
Through the cold chain equipment optimization platform (CCEOP), the GAVI Vaccine Alliance jointly invests with countries in the purchase, deployment and installation of modern, high performing cold chain equipment, as an essential component of the supply chain to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach every child.
The development of CCEOP applications is complex and requires significant experience with multi-year data analysis, critical cold chain technology selection and effective use of existing tools on immunization cold chain. Solid expertise on cold chain and immunization supply chain along with inventory, maintenance management strategy aspects as core components of the application in the context of the overall country immunization programme and equity aspects to best reach zero dose children.
To support the Cold chain Management and CCEOP activities, UNICEF RO is seeking one (1) Regional Immunization Cold Chain Consultant to provide support and expertise to country offices and governments by leading the preparation, and finalization of CCEOP applications and to support the CCEOP implementation and any other CCE Management and Implementation activities.

How can you make a difference? 

Scope of Work:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Cold Chain Specialist (Immunization Supply Chain) and in close coordination with the Supply and Immunization Teams, the incumbent will support and provide technical immunization Cold Chain support to countries in WCAR (West and Central Africa Region) with a special focus on priority countries with CCEOP submission and implementation, Large CCE implementation project. The iCCE consultant will:

1. Support the regional office for CCEOP applications planned for 2024-2025 submission to Governments in developing the CCEOP application including all the detailed supporting documentation.
2. In collaboration with Government and UNICEF CO developing an inventory strategy and system, interoperable and aligned with the Digital Health Strategy, for conducting cold chain gaps analysis for informed decision-making processes. Conducting training on CCE inventory system to Government.
3. Support countries of global country mapping of CCE inventory management systems
4. In collaboration with Government and UNICEF CO supporting the Covid-19 into Routine Immunization integration process for cold chain equipment. Developing country implementation plans for the Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers whether for RI integration or repurposing to other health programmes.
5. Responsible for following and monitoring the countries CCEOP implementation and other large CCE projects.
6. Ensure that all immunization Cold Chain challenges and risks are shared with the Regional Office team and adequate solutions are implemented.
7. Organize capacity development workshops and provide remote on-the-job training to country office focal points.
8. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders (GAVI, WHO, MoPHs, national EPI agencies, UNICEF country and field offices, and other relevant stakeholders). This includes the regular exchange of information.
9. Any other relevant activities in consultation and discussion with the supervisor(s) without deviating from the scope of this consultancy.

Reporting Requirements and Key Responsibilities:

The consultant will prepare the following reports/documents:

• A work plan outlining specific activities countries need to conduct with detailed objectives and timelines.
• Support in-country CCEOP application by developing the CCEOP application including all the detailed supporting documentation.
• Developing an inventory strategy and system, interoperable and aligned with the Digital Health Strategy, for conducting cold chain gaps analysis for informed decision-making processes. Conducting training on CCE inventory system to Government.
• Following and monitoring the in-country CCEOP implementation and other large CCE projects
• Supporting the Covid-19 integration process into Routine Immunization for cold chain equipment. Developing country implementation plans for the plans for Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers whether for RI integration or repurposing to other health programs.
• Capacity development report on various training and remoted technical assistance provided to Country Offices.
• Final report including documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations.

As part of the WCARO Immunization Supply Chain Activities, the consultant will be required to attend meetings organized by the section or as requested to him/her by the supervisor. These meetings may include discussions with other technical working groups in other UNICEF Offices, WHO, Gavi, or other partners and will contribute to the achievement of the deliverables.
As part of the quality review, a monthly review session will be conducted between the consultant and the Regional Cold Chain Specialist (Immunization Supply Chain). Regular updates on deliverable status will be provided to the Chief of Supply and the Sr Immunization Specialist.

Work Assignments Overview	Deliverables/Outputs	Delivery deadline
Working with countries to ensure full CCE inventories for CCEOP applications, this includes support in developing an inventory strategy, cold chain gaps analysis, guidance on adequate selection of CCE technology in the country context.	Fully updated country CCE inventory, gaps analysis and associated operational deployment plan (ODP) developed for each of the supported CCEOP countries (3-6)	30 June 2025*
Provision of technical expert support for CCEOP applications planned for 2024 -2025 submission to Governments in developing the CCEOP application including all the detailed supporting documentation.	Supported 3-4 priority countries with a successful CCEOP application submitted by Government to Gavi	30 June 2025*
In collaboration with the Government and UNICEF CO developing an inventory strategy and system : interoperable and aligned with the Digital Health Strategy, for conducting cold chain gaps analysis for informed decision-making processes. Conducting training on CCE inventory system to Government.	Inventory strategy and concept note for interoperable CCE inventory system developed. Conducted training on the recommended CCE inventory system. (2-4 countries)	30 June 2025*
In collaboration with Government and UNICEF CO/SD following and monitoring in country CCEOP implementation and other large CCE projects	Supported 6-8 priority countries with CCEOP implementation and other large CCE projects	30 June 2025*
In collaboration with Government and UNICEF CO supporting the Covid-19 integration into Routine Immunization process for cold chain equipment. Developing country implementation plans for the Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers whether for RI integration or repurposing to other health programmes.	Country implementation plans for C-19 integration into RI developed for ULT freezers.	30 June 2025*

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

• Advanced An Advanced University Degree in one or more of the following areas: Supply Chain Management, Health/Immunization Supply Chain Management, Temperature sensitive supply chain or Cold chain / Logistics, Engineering or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in Health/Immunization Supply Chain Management temperature-sensitive supply chain management or Cold Chain and Logistics management to strengthen governments in developing countries.
• Familiarity with in-country immunization supply chain processes and strengthening such as stock and logistics management, inventory policies, allocation, ordering and distribution strategies, temperature monitoring, waste management and other supply chain operations.
• Experience with health systems strengthening including Cold Chain Management.
• Experience in supporting countries in developing Gavi CCEOP applications including all supporting documents, is required.
• Experience working with governments, especially in resource-limited settings, monitoring, and evaluating supply chains, and risk management and mitigation.
• Experience working in the UN (United Nations) agency or international organization is an asset.
• Ability to work in the multi-cultural environment
• Fluency in French and English is required.

Other Requirements

• Completed profile in UNICEF’s e-Recruitment system /Resume
• Academic credentials/certificates
• Consultancy proposal
• Financial proposal that will include:
  • Costs for each deliverable and total all-inclusive (lump sum) fees for the whole assignment
  • Travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per ToR
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable
• Previously relevant consultancy products & final evaluations (if available)
• Indicate your availability
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

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. 

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.