Consultant (UNICEF): Consultant to support UNICEF Ukraine in preparation, coordination and implementation of the potential polio outbreak threat related activities, including strengthening of routine immunization. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is looking for a qualified professional to fill in the position of National (Ukrainian) consultant.

Key Assignments

• To review the national polio related legislative framework, including related strategies, by-laws, instructions, guidelines at the national and regional levels and develop summary analytic  notes  in this regard;
• To contribute to the revision of the national polio outbreak preparedness plan, including planning of supplementary immunization activities, AFP and AEFI surveillance etc.;
• To support the MoH, SES and other national partners engaged in the Extended Programme of Immunization (EPI) in coordination and implementation of activities documented in the joint UNICEF-WHO-MoH plan on responding to the polio outbreak threat in Ukraine, which is based on different scenarios of polio related situation development, including  activities targeted at strengthening of routine immunization and support to the polio free status of Ukraine;
• To monitor the situation in the field and sub-national level with regards to a possible polio case identification, including AFP and environmental surveillance and to provide recommendations for adjusting planned activities especially in the targeted regions;
• To facilitate meetings and activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of government counterparts at national and oblast levels;
• In cooperation with UNICEF and WHO country offices and international experts’ teams to develop advocacy risk mitigation strategies in case of insufficient government political commitment  to take lead in addressing a polio outbreak threat;
• To provide debriefings  to the management of the UNICEF country office, RO and HQ on the polio situation development and UNICEF engagement on a weekly basis;
• To provide inputs, consultations on the overall national immunization programme performance;

Qualifications/specialized knowledge/experience required to complete the task

• Degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management;
• At least five years of relevant professional work experience in national and /or regional government health structures with regard to a national immunization programme;
• Proven ability, capacity and authority to work with technical  level national staff and advocate with decision makers;
• Strong conceptual and analytical thinking, management and writing skills;
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines. Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines and capacity to work long hours when required;
• Good English language knowledge, including the immunization related terminology;
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset;