Comprehensive and integrated EPI training package Development Consultant
Organizational Context
The Somalia Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and partners, aims to enhance the national immunization program through a comprehensive training initiative. This program targets various stakeholders, including vaccinators, managers, data personnel, and cold chain technicians, to strengthen the overall immunization system and ensure high-quality vaccine delivery across Somalia. The initiative seeks to move away from vertical training approaches towards an integrated model within the Primary Health Care framework.
Job Purpose
This consultancy provides end-to-end technical leadership to design a unified, competency-based training package for Somalia's national immunization program. The role involves developing comprehensive training modules for diverse stakeholders, from vaccinators to cold chain technicians and surveillance focal persons. A key objective is to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) for national institutions and EPI officers, enabling them to cascade this training nationwide. The consultancy aims to address existing gaps in knowledge and skills, thereby boosting the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of immunization services, particularly in light of upcoming vaccine introductions and program changes.
Responsibilities
The consultant will lead the design of a comprehensive and integrated EPI training package, mapping core competencies for target cadres and developing modular curricula including facilitator/participant manuals, slide decks, job aids, skills checklists, and coaching guides. This includes embedding cross-cutting content on equity, gender, zero-dose vaccines, safety, data quality, and new vaccine introductions. The role also involves designing rapid Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) tools, such as pre/post-tests and fidelity checklists, and developing a simple HRH/training tracking template. Furthermore, the consultant will co-plan and co-deliver ToT to selected national institutions and EPI officers, produce a trainer deployment plan, support a pilot phase for refinement, and develop an implementation handbook and QA plan for cascade training.
Work Experience
Requires 7-10 years of relevant experience in EPI training design and ToT, preferably in low- and middle-income countries or fragile settings. Expertise in MEL, competency-based design, cold chain management, surveillance, data systems, social and behavior change communication (SBC), and new vaccine introductions is essential. Excellent facilitation, materials development, analytical, communication, and report-writing skills are also required.
Skills
Competency-based training design, Training of Trainers (ToT), Curriculum development, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Cold chain management, Vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance, Data management and analysis, Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBC), New vaccine introduction, Facilitation, Communication, Teamwork, Partnership building, Analytical skills, Report writing.