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 Gavi 6.0 application. The role involves providing technical leadership and operational support for a Vaccine Portfolio Optimization and Prioritization (VPOP) exercise. This exercise will establish a framework to evaluate vaccine investments based on public health impact, equity, financial sustainability, and programmatic feasibility. The ultimate goal is to inform strategic investment decisions, ensure effective resource allocation, and strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of Kenya's immunization program, aligning with national health priorities and Gavi's strategic objectives.
Responsibilities
The consultant will lead and support the planning, implementation, facilitation, analysis, and documentation of Kenya's Vaccine Portfolio Optimization and Prioritization (VPOP) exercise. Key duties include conducting an evidence-based assessment of the current vaccine portfolio and potential investment options, improving the prioritization of vaccine investments within budget constraints, and ensuring alignment with national disease burden and public health priorities. The role involves increasing the capacity of the KENITAG and National Vaccines and Immunization Programme in evidence-informed prioritization, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and identifying optimal investment scenarios for discretionary vaccines. The consultant will also be responsible for maximizing health impact, equity, and value for money from the national vaccine budget and ensuring the timely completion and submission of the VPOP exercise to Gavi by March 2027. Deliverables include an Inception Report, Situational Analysis, Literature Review, Budget and Financing Analysis, Stakeholder Consultation Report, KENITAG Technical Briefs, Draft and Final VPOP Reports, Gavi Submission Package, and a Final Consultancy Report.
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, evidence reviews, and program assessments is required. Experience with Gavi-supported countries and familiarity with Gavi 6.0 strategy are desirable.
Skills
Strong knowledge of immunization programs, vaccine policy, and health economics. Understanding of VPOP, priority-setting frameworks, and evidence-based decision-making. Proven facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and consensus-building skills. Excellent analytical, report-writing, and presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Expert-level English communication skills.