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UNICEF is a UN organization mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF is working with its partners to support the Government to realize children’s rights on survival, development, protection and participation.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, support

UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for International Immunization Supply Chain Consultancy. The duration of this assignment is 3 months, starting as soon as possible. The consultant will be based in UNICEF Office in Vientiane.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The consultant will be responsible to provide technical assistance for implementation of following tasks:

1. Technical Assistance to the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Supply Chain: The consultant will closely work with NIP and Supply Chain TWG group ensuring that the supply chain activities are being implemented as per plans like implementation and follow up of EVM IP and other supply chain activities as per EPI- Annual Operational Plan (AOP). While the consultant will not lead the activities independently, he/she will provide technical guidance on best practices, assist in identifying gaps, and provide expert insights into aligning SOPs with global standards. The consultant will closely work with National EPI Manager and will support to organize regular meetings on supply chain and working sessions with the TWG to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan the next steps. The consultant will be responsible for driving following activities:

a)   Technical Assistance for Implementation of EVM Improvement plans: NIP leads the implementation of EVM IP with support of UNICEF and other TWG members. By Q3 2024, NIP has already implemented 33% of the activities, 19% of the activities are on track, 25% are delayed and 23% have not started (these 23% are the activities due in 2025-2026). The consultant will work closely with NIP and provide technical assistance to fast track the implementation of the ongoing EVM IP activities focusing on the activities which are on track and delayed. The implementation of activities requires day to day follow up and support to NIP. 

b)   Technical Assistance on Vaccine Management: Provide Technical assistance and expert feedback/ review of vaccine management SOPs to the TWG-supply chain group. Provide expert advice to TWG on selection of appropriate LMIS tools, pros, and cons relevant to the context and sustainability. Reflect global best practices while being practical for the context of Laos. Support NIP in the development of a robust and sustainable vaccine distribution plan.

c)   Technical Assistance for cold chain management and SOPs: Closely work with UNICEFs National Supply Chain consultant and TWG group and support drafting the SOPs focusing CCE repair and maintenance. The SOPs should be precise and clearly indicate action points for all levels of government functionary in-case of CCE malfunctions and response mechanism. Work with NIP and develop annual supportive supervision plan for cold chain monitoring including revision of checklists.

2. Technical Assistance to Improve Monthly Stock Reporting in DHIS2:  Review the current process of vaccine stock reporting in DHIS2, focusing on data accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. Conduct assessment of Current reporting practices; Analysis of reported data in DHIS2; Identification of challenges in monthly reporting; Comparison of performance across past months; Develop recommendations for improving monthly reporting; Develop an action plan for implementing the recommendations to enhance monthly vaccine stock reporting in DHIS2.

3. Assessment and Phased Implementation Plan for Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices (RTMD): a) Evaluate the current state of temperature monitoring across the vaccine supply chain and determine the necessity of introducing RTMD at different levels; b) Identify and list the key challenges in introducing RTMD technology at each level of the supply chain, considering both technical and operational factors; c) Develop a comprehensive phased plan for introducing RTMD technology across the vaccine supply chain, considering the priority needs of each level; d) Develop a framework for monitoring the effectiveness of RTMDs once they are deployed and ensuring ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting.

The applicant is expected to submit a high-quality technical proposal indicating his/her approach and methodology through which the deliverables will be accomplished within the given timeframe.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

•  Public health expertise and relevant experience in child health and immunization related research and programming required.

•  A minimum of 15 years of experience in Immunization Supply Chain including EVM and other cold chain initiatives is required.

• Familiarity with the Lao PDR health system context would be an advantage.

•  Excellent analytical, report writing and communication skills.    Previous experience working for the United Nations would be an advantage.

•  Self-driven and self-managing, with good inter-personal skills.

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and upload the following documents:

• Letter of Interest (cover letter)
• CV or Resume
• Performance evaluation reports or references of similar consultancy assignments (if available)
• Financial proposal: All-inclusive lump-sum cost, including travel, accommodation cost and insurance with Medevac for this assignment as per work assignment

Assessment Criteria:

1. Technical Evaluation (e.g. maximum 70 Points)

1.  Work Experience (20)  

• Experience in conducting EVM assessments and development of improvement plans
• Experience of supporting governments in development of strategic plans for strengthening of iSC
• Experience in vaccine LMIS and other supply chain tools and systems
• Experience in working with the government in developing countries, preferably Asia Pacific region, and Lao PDR on public health related issues

2. Technical proposal (50)

• Relevance and quality of proposed approach and method for the assignment/completion of deliverables.

2. Financial Proposal (incl. fees, travel costs, DSA): 30 Points

The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened /evaluated and compared among those technically qualified candidates who have attained a minimum 50 points score in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

The Contract shall be awarded to the candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores, subject to the satisfactory result of the verification interview.

Please find the TOR here:  TOR International Immunization Supply Chain for VA.pdf

Financial Proposal template for candidate to fill:  Financial Proposal Template-updated Oct 2024.doc

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at here

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.