Roster for Consultant national VMCCL (Vaccine Management, Cold Chain and Logistics)

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

Madagascar has been declared free of wild poliovirus for several years, but remains at risk of re-emergence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). Despite the interruption of cVDPV1 transmission, surveillance and immunity indicators show significant vulnerabilities. This consultancy aims to support vaccine management, cold chain, and logistics operations to mitigate these risks. The consultant will be instrumental in ensuring the effective implementation of immunization activities, including supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), by providing technical expertise in cold chain management, distribution planning, training, and supervision. The role is crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy and availability, thereby contributing to the protection of children's health and the prevention of polio re-emergence in Madagascar.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for a range of activities critical to vaccine management, cold chain, and logistics. This includes updating cold chain inventories and assessing storage capacities to ensure adequate infrastructure. The consultant will support the quantification of needs and the development of distribution plans for immunization rounds. A key responsibility is the training of vaccine managers and logisticians to build national capacity. The consultant will also supervise the implementation of immunization rounds, ensuring adherence to protocols and timely execution. Post-campaign activities include inventory and stock reconciliation to accurately track vaccine usage and remaining stock. Furthermore, the consultant will evaluate the implementation of each round, identifying successes and areas for improvement. Daily monitoring of stock levels and vaccine availability will be conducted to prevent stock-outs. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing a final mission report summarizing findings and recommendations for both Round 1 and Round 2 of the immunization activities.

Work Experience

At least 5 years of relevant work experience in vaccine and cold chain management. Proven experience in polio response and Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) campaigns, and with OPV/bOPV/nOPV2 vaccines.

Skills

Proficiency in WHO/GPEI vaccine management tools, Strong proficiency in Excel, Power BI, ODK, eSMT, Analysis, Management, Skills transfer, Ability to work in a multicultural environment, Establish harmonious working relationships

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