CONSULTANT to support implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Roll Out in Kenya

Background

**COVID-19 was unknown prior to the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease spread rapidly across the globe. On 30 January 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and on 11 March characterized it as a pandemic. Globally, as of 15^th March 2021 there have been 119,603,761confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 2,649,722 deaths, reported to WHO. In the African region, there have been 2,953,556 confirmed cases.

Kenya’s index case was reported on 12th March 2020. As at 15^th March 2021, 113,967 cases and 1,918 deaths have been reported. This ranks Kenya as 7th on the case fatality rate in Africa. Kenya is currently witnessing a third wave of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 vaccine program is part of the effort to reduce the spread and transmission of COVID-19, and therefore limit the morbidity and mortality associated with infection and the broader socio-economic effects of the pandemic. Kenya carried out the first vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine on the 5^th March 2021 using sabin institute of India Aztra Zeneca vaccine (SII-AZ AZD1222).

WHO plans to recruit a consultant who will work as part of the Immunization Programme team in the WHO Country Office. Under the overall direction and supervision of the WHO Representative and IVD Team Leader, the consultant will support the Ministry of Health, the national COVID-19 vaccination task force, the technical working committees, the counties, the immunization programme and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to rollout COVID-19 Vaccine.

Task of the consultant

The consultant will be responsible to carry out the following assigned duties and responsibilities to support Ministry of Health;

1. Support the review and implementation of the national vaccine deployment and vaccination plan

2. Provide support to planning processes for expansion of vaccination to other eligible population

3 Provide support and technical assistance in collaboration with other in-country stakeholders/partners, the MOH, working closely with the technical committees to prepare, implement and advance COVID-19 Vaccine activities in line with the developed timelines.

1. Work with Ministry of Health to optimize existing surveillance and monitoring framework with a set of recommended indicators to monitor uptake of vaccines and any adverse events following immunization

2. Collaborate with Ministry of Health and partners to carry out COVID-19 vaccine evaluation studies and programme assessments

3. To support the development of the vaccine safety implementation strategy

4. Provide technical support to develop and disseminate Vaccine safety guidelines, job Aids and monitoring system to ensure seamless flow of Vaccine safety information

5. Facilitate operations of Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG)

6. Facilitate the operations of Kenya National Vaccine Safety Advisory Committee (KNVSAC) to carry out causality assessment

7. Support MOH and Counties to identify training needs and address capacity building gaps of health workers

11.Participate in technical committee meetings on planning/coordination, training, procurement/logistics, regulatory/safety physically and/or virtually

1. Provide support to ensure regular communication, updates and regular data on the vaccine uptake and vaccine safety is available and shared

2. Carry out any other assignment that is assigned by the WHO Country Representative or its delegated authority

Academic and Experience Requirements

Academic qualifications:

Required:

The consultant should have a first University degree in medical field or other health sciences related field.

Desired:

A master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Medicine or Pharmacy

Experience:

Required:

At least three years’ experience and expertise in the field of vaccine preventable diseases and pharmacovigilance.

Desired:

At least three years’ experience in immunization services

• Experience working with introduction of vaccines
• Experience in programme management
• Experience in carrying out programme evaluations/assessments
• Experience on vaccine or drug pharmacovigilance systems
• Previous work experience working with Ministry of Health
• Experience working with Counties
• Experience working with UN or other international agencies

Language: Excellent command in writing English

Skills:

Proficiency in data analysis

Good interpersonal skills, presentation skills, demonstrate ability to work under pressure

How to apply:

Qualified Kenyan Nationals should submit a cover letter with an updated Curriculum Vitae based on the TORs by 21 April 2021 using the email address; afkenhr@who.int

Applications are required from individuals who meet the criteria.