National Consultant for the Comprehensive Expanded Programme on

Schedule: Full-time

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TERMS OF REFERENCE

National Consultant for the Comprehensive Expanded Programme on Immunization Review - Namibia

(OPEN TO NAMIBIAN NATIONALS ONLY)

1. BACKGROUND

The National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) under the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is seeking a consultant, with the assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the desk review.

The Immunization Agenda 2030 vision is a world where everyone, everywhere, at every age fully benefits from vaccines for good health and wellbeing. It aims to reduce mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases across the life course, leave no one behind and strengthen immunization within primary health care and contribute to universal health coverage. The strategy has linked the benefits of immunization to 14 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs)2. It is within this context and aligned with the Africa Regional Strategic Plan on Immunization 2021-2030 that Namibia is implementing its eradication and elimination efforts. The comprehensive EPI Programme review will use the health system approach to collect and analyze data on immunization services,, the health system, and the external environment.

The Rationale

The Comprehensive Immunization Program review will enable the country to intensify efforts in attaining the set targets in the pillars of immunization (efficient governance and leadership of the immunization program, predictable and sustained funding, equitable service delivery, sustainable community demand for immunization services, sound immunization supply chain management and cold chain with adequate vaccine supply, vaccine safety surveillance, and immunization information system). Immunization services are part of the health system, thus any changes to the health system affects these services. It is important to conduct periodic in-depth comprehensive external program reviews which will facilitate the integration of lessons learnt and recommendation to form the basis for the adjustment and development a new cycle of the National Immunization Strategy (NIS) of 2024-2028.

2. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The overall objective of the consultancy will be to provide support to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to conduct a desk review of the EPI programme. The review will be guided by local ownership, involving local key stakeholders and partners to ensure relevance, consistency, feasibility and will be impact oriented. This requires the country to conduct a thorough desk review that will focus on integrated methods and approaches that is consistent and in line with guiding documents to link with the strategic planning, the immunization system components and planning guidelines.

Scope of work

The position/consultancy will focus on the desk review as part of the Comprehensive Immunization Programme Review, in preparation of the overall external programme review. The task will include amongst other

* Provide lead technical support to the MoHSS in planning and conducting a desk review of the EPI programme following the guiding principles as set out by WHO, working closely with the external review coordinator/lead.

* Review the concept note and ensure consultation with the ICC, NITAG, and partners to serve as guidance among immunization stakeholders.

* In consultation with EPI management, develop a methodical process to conduct a desk review.

* Conduct the desk review.

* Prepare a desk review report and present findings to the MoHSS /EPI programme/ external reviewers.

* Adaptation of protocol and draft tools to guide appropriate data collection for an objective review to support programme improvements.

* Liaise with external partners/ reviewers on the status of the desk review and provide regular updates.

* Prepare a comprehensive HR framework, including partner involvement for the review with clear roles and responsibilities, logistics and training.

* Participate in the training, deployment and implementation of the review and the writing of the final report with involvement of external review lead.

3. Deliverables

The tasks to be conducted are outlined below.

1. Comprehensive desk review report by 05th August 2024.

2. Finalization of concept note by 31 July 2024

3. adaptation of tools for the training of reviewers.

4. Support the training of reviewers and deployment in August 2024

5. Support external reviewers in the implementation and successful completion of the review

6. Participate in the onsite reviews and contribute to the final report and recommendations for inclusion into the National Immunization Strategy development process by 08October 2024

Subject to the agreement of both parties, these terms of reference may be modified from time to time, as required in the interest of the project/activity.

4. DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The duration of the assignment, 90 DAYS (08 July to 08October 2024.)

5. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

* University degree in a health-related field, medicine, or other related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable

* An advanced degree in public health/health systems or equivalent experience.

Experience

* At least 5 years' experience in public health and 2-3 years in Immunization programme management, particularly in health programme review and strategic programme planning

Desirable

* At least 10 years' experience in public health and strategy development, health systems implementation and review.

Skills/Knowledge

The work requires sound knowledge of the EPI program and its specific Global and National Immunization Vision and Strategies as well as knowledge of the Namibian health system strengthening and partner support for health service provision. Prior knowledge on desk reviews will be an advantage.

Languages and level required

* Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentations in English

6. Technical Supervision

Roselina de Wee, Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer, WHO Namibia.

7. Location

On site: WCO Namibia and Ministry of Health and Social Services

8. Travel - If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required

Please specify any expected travel(s): dates, location and purpose.

* Travel to regions within the country is envisaged as part of the review. Travel expenses will be covered by WCO.

9. Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)

The SSA will be paid at the level of the UN monthly rate of NOB of NAD 73,494.33 for the period of three months. Total N$220,482.99

Currency: NAD

Work schedule (if applicable): Full time

The SSA will be for three months from 15 July to 14 October 2024