International Consultancy to Assess Cold Chain Inventory in Eritrea, Asmara, Eritrea, two months

To support the Ministry of Health, Eritrea, and partners in conducting a comprehensive Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) inventory using WHO Inventory Gap Analysis (IGA) tools. The aim is to determine the storage capacity required per health facility and district based on target populations, assess current equipment for obsolescence, and develop a replacement and expansion plan for cold chain capacity, accommodating new vaccines and future immunization campaigns over the next five years.

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, health

Eritrea has achieved national vaccination coverage rates exceeding 95% for the 14 basic antigens. However, challenges remain at regional and local levels due to outdated, malfunctioning cold chain equipment and limited real-time monitoring systems. To prepare for new vaccine introductions, the Ministry of Health aims to assess and upgrade cold chain infrastructure across the country.

How can you make a difference? 

The consultant will:

1. Conduct a comprehensive cold chain inventory using WHO IGA tools.
2. Identify critical gaps in cold chain storage and equipment.
3. Develop a cold chain equipment replacement and expansion plan.
4. Provide capacity building and training on IGA tools and cold chain management.
5. Facilitate a validation workshop with key stakeholders.

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Supply Chain Management, Health Information, or related field.
• Languages: Fluency in English
• Experience Minimum of 8 years in cold chain and logistics, immunization programs, and vaccine management, with specific experience in using WHO IGA tools.

• Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

  • Familiarity with WHO standards for vaccine storage and handling
  • Proven capacity-building and workshop facilitation skills
  • Expertise in cold chain inventory assessment and planning using WHO IGA tools.
  • Expertise in Gavi CCEOP application.

   Desirable

• Knowledge of vaccine management and equipment maintenance in a low-resource context.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested consultants should provide the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Brief technical proposal (no longer than five pages) demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the assignment and approach/methodology to the assignment.
3. (A portfolio of) document(s) the consultant produced or contributed related to the required expertise/skills of the consultancy assignment.
4. Financial proposal including a breakdown of their all-inclusive fees (including professional fees and other costs). Complete the attached form. Financial Proposal Template

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

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UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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.

Remarks:  

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

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. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.