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National Consultant to Conduct a Study to Examine Behavioral, Socio-economic, and Cultural Factors Influencing Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake in Bhutan

Apply now Job no: 583889
Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Thimphu
Level: Consultancy
Location: Bhutan
Categories: Social and Behavior Change, Health and Nutrition

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a future.

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose of the Assignment: 
 
The purpose of this consultancy is to generate evidence about factors influencing vaccine acceptance and uptake in Bhutan, including the key drivers of high immunization coverage and the underlying causes of under-vaccination among different population groups both in urban and rural areas, particularly far flung and remote areas. The evidence will provide actionable insights into programmatic and policy decision-making for equitable coverage of immunization and for reaching the last mile.
 
The purpose of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of behavioral, socio-economic, and cultural determinants influencing vaccine acceptance and uptake in Bhutan, with a focus on identifying barriers, enablers, and context-specific insights to inform SBC interventions.
 
Background: 
 
The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Bhutan was launched in 1979 with six antigens and has progressively expanded to cover 15 antigens today. Over the decades, the program has played a pivotal role in reducing morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with vaccine-preventable diseases through sustained high coverage and robust disease surveillance. Although national immunization coverage has consistently remained above 90%, disparities persist at the subnational level, with some districts reporting coverage as low as 60%. Targeted interventions are therefore essential to ensure equitable access and strengthen vaccination uptake in these areas.
 
Emerging challenges include increased access to social media and the global rise in vaccine hesitancy, exposing populations to information that may influence attitudes toward vaccination. Additionally, while no formal studies have been conducted, “vaccine fatigue” in the post-pandemic context may affect uptake. Understanding the behavioural, socio-economic, and cultural factors that influence immunization is crucial. Identifying drivers of high coverage and barriers to vaccination among specific groups will help policymakers consolidate best practices, design targeted interventions, and strengthen the national immunization program.
 
Furthermore, insights from this study will support planning for the introduction of new vaccine in the future, whether for pandemic response or new routine vaccines, ensuring evidence-based strategies for successful implementation and sustained coverage. In line with the recent Joint External Evaluation in 2024, the program was recommended to examine factors driving both high and low coverage of immunization and use the findings to develop actionable strategies and interventions to improve immunization coverage.
 
Scope of Assignment: 
 
The consultant will report to Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Specialist, UNICEF and Chief Program Officer, Communicable Disease Division, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and with regular updates and consultations with the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme and UNICEF Health, Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene teams.
 
This study will be undertaken to design evidence-based interventions to further strengthen Bhutan’s immunization program by systematically assessing factors that contribute to both high coverage and persistent gaps in immunization. The scope includes:
  • Assessing key drivers of high immunization coverage and identifying barriers to vaccination among under-vaccinated population groups, both in urban and rural including remote areas.
  • Examining behavioural, social, and systemic factors that influence vaccine hesitancy and uptake.
  • Find out the elements that contribute to sustained high immunization coverage.
  • Evaluating Bhutan’s preparedness for the introduction of new vaccines, including those for routine and pandemic response.
  • Establishing an evidence base for advocacy, policy dialogue, and public discussions aimed at strengthening immunization programs and reducing inequities.
  • Developing actionable recommendations for programmatic interventions with timelines, policy options, and strategies to enhance equitable access to immunization services.
  • Producing a policy brief summarizing findings, gaps, and recommendations for use in advocacy and strategic planning.
Management and Timeframe: 
 
The consultant will work under the overall guidance and oversight of the UNICEF’s Social and Behavior Change Specialist (SBC Specialist). The consultant shall update the progress regularly to ensure that the work is going according to the plan. The contract period is for 65 working days spread over three months.
 
Work Assignment Overview:
 
Sl. No. Deliverables/Outputs Estimated Duration (days)
1 Develop and submit inception reports, including study design, methodology, strategic approach, sample, timeline and data collection tools. 7
2 Conduct stakeholder mapping, develop and share detailed consultation plan. 5
3 Present the final documents on inception report, data collection tools and stakeholder mapping and consultation plan to TWG meeting to review and finalize them. 2
4 Conduct desk review and share comprehensive desk review report. 10
5 Data collection, including the conduct of KIIs and FGDs with stakeholders, partners, and communities and share the reports. 20
6 Present desk review report and KIIs and FGDs to the TWG. 4
7 Share draft study report with details of findings, including what is done well, challenges, gaps and needs improvement, and actionable recommendations with timeline. 10
8 Present draft report with actionable recommendations to TWG and stakeholders for feedback. 2
9 Prepare the final detail analytical study report with actionable recommendations and policy brief to support advocacy, policy formulation, and programmatic planning. 5
 
Deliverables and Payment Schedule
 
The consultant’s payment will be released upon submission of deliverables, incorporating the feedback and comments of the Contract Manager, and upon endorsement of the deliverables. The final payment will be made after the successful completion of all deliverables and completion of the consultancy performance appraisal.
 
Sl. No. Deliverables Payment Schedule  Amount to be paid (%)
1 Final inception report, including methodology, study design, timeline and data collection tools submitted and endorsed. Week 1  25%
2 Final comprehensive reports on desk review, KIIs and FGDs completed and endorsed. Week 6 25%
3 Draft detailed study report with challenges, gaps and actionable recommendations submitted and endorsed. Week 8 25%
4 Final detailed study report with actionable recommendations and final policy brief to support advocacy, policy formulation, and programmatic planning submitted and endorsed. week 10 25%
 
Travel: International travel is not anticipated for this assignment, however, local travel to districts, estimated at 20 days, will be required. The cost associated with the travel must be incorporated in the financial proposal. 

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

Minimum Requirements: 

1. Education Qualification: 

  • An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Research, Environmental Health, Social Sciences, or related fields.

2. Work experience: 

● Minimum 5 years in public health research, immunization programs, or behavioural studies.
● Demonstrated experience in study design, data collection, and analysis.
● Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods on socio behavioural issues.
● Experience in stakeholder engagement and policy advisory is an asset.
● Knowledge of Bhutan’s health system and immunization context is desirable.
● Strong communication, and report-writing skills in English.
● Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information and issues.
● Past experience of working with UNICEF on similar assignments will be an asset.
 
Submission of Proposals and Evaluation Criteria
 
Proposal should include the following:
  1. Motivation Letter.
  2. Consultant’s full Curriculum Vitae.
  3. Proposed approach and methodology that will be followed in executing the assignment.
  4. A lump sum fee structure, indicating a breakdown of professional fee for the anticipated number of working days, including travel.
  5. Name(s) of collaborator(s) (if applicable) with their full curriculum vitae.
  6. Reference to similar work (final products or links to previous work can be shared along with the proposal)

Selection will be done by UNICEF Bhutan as follows:

1. Technical Evaluation (75 points)

2. Financial Evaluation (25 points)

Procedures and Logistics

  1. The consultant is expected to use his/her computer and work from his/her own workstation and arrange his/her own logistics for the travel.
  2. The consultant will report the progress periodically to the UNICEF's SBC Specialist who will monitor the progress, provide further directives and endorse the report.

Remarks: 

  1. The candidates must submit the financial proposal along with the technical proposals.  
  2. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

[add the 8th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Advertised: Bangladesh Standard Time
Deadline: Bangladesh Standard Time

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