Specialist - Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) GAVI Transition

Since 1972 WHO has been a key partner of the Government of Bangladesh and provided technical advice and support for the development and improvement of the health of the country’s population.

The organization has been supporting the Government, and working in collaboration with other partners, for the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all. It has been providing support for the development and strengthening of the country’s public health systems. Currently WHO support is guided by a broad framework known as the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for 2014-2017.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh's health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled "Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh", outlining the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategic areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication.

The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening.

Objectives of the Assignment

• To document the GAVI transition process for EPI and identify key milestones, responsibilities, and implementation arrangements.

• To assess opportunities and barriers in transitioning vaccine procurement and financing to government systems.

• To analyze institutional, financial, and regulatory readiness for ensuring the availability of quality-assured vaccines.

• To identify capacity-building and policy support needs for maintaining WHO prequalification standards during and after the transition.

• To provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening vaccine procurement, supply chain management, and sustainability.

The consultant will-

• Review existing GAVI transition framework, EPI strategic plans, and national immunization policy documents.

• Map the vaccine procurement process — from demand forecasting and budgeting to tendering, quality control, and distribution.

• Identify institutional responsibilities and financial flows in government-led procurement mechanisms.

• Conduct stakeholder consultations with MoHFW, DGHS, CMSD, EPI, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI to understand opportunities and challenges.

• Document the barriers, risks, and mitigation strategies in the shift from GAVI-supported to government-financed vaccine procurement.

• Assess adherence to WHO prequalification standards and national regulatory frameworks for vaccine quality assurance.

• Develop a detailed report outlining the GAVI transition plan, including recommendations for policy, operational strengthening, and long-term sustainability.

• The consultant will coordinate closely with EPI, CMSD, DGHS, Planning Wing, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI, ensuring that documentation aligns with global standards and national policy frameworks. MoHFW will facilitate access to relevant data, documents, and stakeholders.

Expected Deliverables:

Required

• Advanced degree(Master's) in Public Health, Health Economics, Supply Chain, or related field.

Required

• At least 5 years of experience in immunization systems, health procurement, or vaccine supply chain management.

Desired

• Proven understanding of GAVI transition frameworks, WHO prequalification processes, and national procurement systems.

• Excellent analytical, documentation, and stakeholder facilitation skills.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
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