International Consultant - Support Kenya’s Vaccine Portfolio Optimization and Prioritization and Gavi 6.0 Application
Organizational Context
Kenya's immunization program has achieved significant progress, but faces evolving challenges with expanding vaccine options and resource constraints. The Universal Health Coverage agenda and Immunization Agenda 2030 necessitate evidence-based, equitable, and sustainable immunization investments. The Gavi 6.0 strategy emphasizes country-led prioritization and optimization of vaccine portfolios to maximize public health impact.
Job Purpose
This consultancy aims to support Kenya's Ministry of Health in optimizing and prioritizing its vaccine portfolio and investments, aligning with the Gavi 6.0 strategy. The role involves providing technical leadership and operational support for a comprehensive Vaccine Portfolio Optimization and Prioritization (VPOP) exercise. The objective is to ensure that immunization investments are evidence-based, equitable, financially sustainable, and responsive to the country's health priorities, ultimately maximizing health impact and value for money within the allocated budget. The consultant will facilitate the development of strategic recommendations for future immunization policies and investment decisions.
Responsibilities
The consultant will lead and support the VPOP exercise by conducting an evidence-based assessment of Kenya's vaccine portfolio and investment options. This includes improving the prioritization of vaccine investments within budget constraints and ensuring alignment with national disease burden and public health priorities. The role involves enhancing the capacity of the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) and the National Vaccines and Immunization Programme in evidence-informed prioritization. Key duties include strengthening stakeholder engagement and consensus-building, identifying optimal investment scenarios for discretionary vaccines, and maximizing the health impact, equity, and value for money of Kenya's vaccine budget. The consultant will also ensure the timely completion and submission of the VPOP exercise to Gavi.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in immunization programs, vaccine policy, public health planning, or health economics is essential. Demonstrated experience in vaccine introduction, program evaluations, policy development, and supporting technical advisory groups is required. Experience with Gavi-supported countries and familiarity with Gavi 6.0 are desirable.
Skills
Strong knowledge of immunization programs, vaccine policy, VPOP, health economics, and financing. Proven experience in evidence synthesis, policy analysis, stakeholder facilitation, and consensus-building. Excellent analytical, report-writing, presentation, and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.