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, Immunization

With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference? 

Background

In March and April 2025, VDPV type 2 was detected in environmental samples in Lae and Port Moresby, with no associated paralysis cases. The virus has also been detected in the stool samples of two healthy children in Lae. These samples were taken from children in the catchment area of the environmental sampling site that tested positive for poliovirus. This means the country is experiencing a polio outbreak. The poliovirus detected in PNG is closely related to a poliovirus circulating in Indonesia since 2022, highlighting cross-border risks.

The National Department of Health (NDoH) has launched the Polio Preparedness and Immunisation Response Plan, activated the National Emergency Operations Centre, and established four strategic working groups including partners and donors (WHO, UNICEF, and DFAT). These groups will lead operational response efforts in collaboration with Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs).

Morobe Province and the National Capital District, where poliovirus has been detected are currently conducting vaccinations in the affected areas and actively searching for cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) — a key surveillance method for identifying suspected polio cases. PHAs are also encouraged to allocate their own budgets to expand immunisation coverage by identifying and vaccinating children who may have missed earlier doses.

NDoH, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners are currently preparing a plan for a nationwide polio vaccination campaign. UNICEF and WHO are working closely with the government to enhance surveillance, support vaccination efforts, and ensure communities receive accurate and timely information.

Scope of Work:

The consultant in Cold Chain Logistics and Vaccine Management (CCL&VM) will be under the supervision of Immunization Specialist and international vaccine logistics consultant and will work closely with the cold chain officer, social behavior change specialist where he/she will provide support in responding outbreak and will be responsible for the following Tasks and activities:

Before campaigns:

• Support the update of the inventory of active and passive equipment of the cold chain, the proper functioning of the cold chain and optimization of storage capacity.

• Support the micro-planning exercise.

• Facilitate the distribution and optimal use of vaccines and consumables in accordance with the macro and micro plans and ensure that the quantities received comply with the distribution plan.

• Ensure proper storage of vaccines and consumables at each level of the supply chain.

• Ensure that vaccine management tools comply with the standards and develop mechanisms to accelerate the collection, analysis, and transmission of paper-based reports and ODK questionnaires.

• Ensure that Vaccine Accountability Monitors and their supervisors are on board and properly trained on all aspects of Logistics and vaccine Management at least three days before Supplementary Immunization Activities.

• Capacity building: Training of all staff and partners involved in polio outbreak response on vaccine management and CCL in context of polio SIA per the available learning modules. This includes training in management tools, both paper and ODK questionnaires for vaccine management, use of the online dashboard and the rolling out of these training tools and resources in the country.

During campaign:

• Monitor implementation of all aspects of CCL&VM policies as laid out in the National Logistics Plan, and the Guidance Note on VM/CCL during polio SIAs.

• Monitor health facility performance indicators on the online dashboard and take corrective actions to optimize results and improve the quality of vaccine management.

• Ensure that Vaccine Accountability Monitors fill the paper-based system and the ODK questionnaires daily and that supervisors are using the online dashboard to monitor stocks balances, missing vials, status of the cold chain and consumption.

After campaigns:

• Facilitate recover 100% of the usable and unusable vials.

• At end of each round all usable vials, ensure that all usable vials are retrieved at a predetermined level of the supply chain for future use.

• At end of each response, ensure that all unusable vials are safely disposed of as per WHO and/or national guidelines and NDOH attests to restoration of PV2 free status for the country.

• Facilitate the timely transmission of Daily Summary Sheet, Vaccine Vial Monitoring Forms and form A at all level and destruction reports where appropriate.

• Collect and analyze vaccine stocks and their state of use at all levels of the supply chain - At the end of each passage.

• Evaluate the work of Vaccine Accountability Monitors and their supervisors and provide necessary advice and guidance.

As a champion for every child, qualifications are… 

First level university degree in combination with qualifying experience in vaccine management during mOPV2 or nOPV2 polio campaigns. Additional training in Logistics, Cold Chain or related areas is an asset (pharmacy, medical and biomedical, engineer).

Health logistics specialist with extensive knowledge of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, including aspects related to mass vaccination campaigns and to polio eradication initiative; 

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

Professional Experience:

• Good Knowledge and experience in Health program management, Polio Outbreak response SOP implementation and any other vaccination campaign is required.

• Three or more years of working experience in the field of vaccine and cold chain management during polio campaigns and preferably with mOPV2 or nOPV2 vaccine, with international or UN organization.

Other Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven track record on technical knowledge and experience in use of tools in vaccine stock management and cold chain maintenance

• Experience in undertaking / analyzing inventories of cold chain equipment and suggesting Immediate and long-term strategies to mitigate and correct gaps.

• Strong facilitation skills, with prior training experience in immunization supply chain (ISC) management.

• Working in an emergency context is challenging and can sometimes be at short notice. It is therefore essential applicants consider their personal circumstances before registering an interest in this type of assignment. This includes:

• Realistically assessing your mental and physical health to ensure you are fit and well. This includes ensuring you have had the basic vaccinations recommended by UNMD (UNMD recommendations).

• Ensuring you have up-to-date and valid travel documents, including passport.

 For every Child, you demonstrate… our core values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability. 

This position is a short-term assignment and doesn’t give rise to a long-term permanent post with the organization.

Applicants are required to include in their applications a financial proposal which includes a lumpsum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. Breakdown or details of the fee will be much appreciated.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

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.

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.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or orientation). 

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