Immunisation Technical Expert At Crown Agents

About the role

Background:

Suriname detected its first case of the Covid-19 on March 13th, 2020. Currently, the country is experiencing the third wave of the disease, and the increasing cases and deaths are of concern to the country especially with the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant. It is estimated that approximately one in every 86 people in the country are currently sick with Covid-19.

The country has developed a comprehensive National Vaccine Deployment Plan (NVDP) which details out the prioritisation for vaccinating the population using a two-dose regime. Suriname aims to reach the majority of priority groups by the end of 2021 with the healthy population being reached between 2022 and 2023, however that might change as the epidemiology of the disease changes over time.

There have been a number of challenges with the vaccine roll out including last mile delivery of vaccine to remote communities, the number of available vaccinators to immunise the population, and high levels of vaccine hesitancy.

To support the COVID19 vaccine roll out by the Ministry of Health, in partnership our client, Crown Agents will implement a rapid needs assessment to assess and determine challenges within the service delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine approach and then provide the MoH with recommendations and an implementation plan to overcome those identified challenges. Following on from the assessment will immediately follow a costed implementation plan lasting approximately 8 months.

Objective of the consultancy

The Immunisation Technical Expert will provide overall leadership to the assessment team made up a total of 4 positions including a Supply Chain Expert, Logistics Expert, and Risk Communication and Community Engagement Expert.

He/she will work closely with key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and other vaccination partners as well as other assessment team members to rapidly design an assessment methodology, implement, analyse and document key successes and areas for improvement against the NVDP resulting in a prioritised set of costed actionable items to take forward in phase two of the programme.

Description of Tasks

Working with the assessment team and in close collaboration with the MoH and our client design an assessment (mixed methods) methodology that answers critically identified questions. Develop a list of data sources and share for approval

Scope and collect all relevant data including conducting and transcribing any key informant interviews and focus group discussions

Work with the assessment team to agree on the format of the assessment report and annexes

Complete assessment report and annexes including a detailed list of recommendations to strengthen the Covid-19 vaccine roll out in Suriname

Conduct a debrief meeting with all key stakeholders on assessment findings

About you

Master’s qualification in International Public Health, Health Services Management or related field is desirable
A minimum of 8 years relevant, progressively responsible professional experience in the health sector, notably in expanded programmes on immunisation (EPI) in developing countries. Preferred direct experience working on Covid-19 vaccination efforts
Clinical background desirable (medical doctor, clinical officer, nurse or related)
Extensive experience in complex reviews/evaluations of health system performance
Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering strategic recommendations to Ministries of Health and/or relevant government bodies
Experience working in Suriname and/or South American Region
Excellent communications skills, including writing and presentation skills
Ability to meet tight deadlines with quality products
Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
Strong professional oral communication and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents.
Ability to work in English and Dutch (preferable)
SEND CV’S ASAP

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.