SERVICES/SCOPE OF WORK[1]: The contractor shall use all reasonable efforts to perform the following services in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement:

Background

In Ethiopia, JSI R&T Inc. supports the Ministry of Health / Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Unit to revitalize HPV vaccination and strengthen the routine immunization (RI) program to achieve and sustain optimal immunization coverage. Led by JSI, the HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) Consortium aims to promote equity, program quality, and accelerate HPV vaccination in LMICs. As part of the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) component, three interconnected studies are being carried out in Ethiopia to support the EPI Unit in increasing HPV vaccination coverage among adolescent girls. These efforts aim to increase understanding of the factors influencing HPV vaccination in fragile and conflict-affected settings, as well as those impacting the sustainability of HPV vaccine programs more broadly in Ethiopia, within the context of a multi-country program evaluation.   

While the initial introduction of the HPV vaccine in Ethiopia provided important learnings, there is limited information on how HPV vaccination is carried out in fragile and conflict-affected settings - such as refugee camps, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, conflict zones, drought-affected areas, and urban slums - and on how HPV vaccination has been sustained in the country, particularly post-COVID-19. Understanding specific program activities (what is done, by whom, where, how often, and with what intensity) that the country has implemented to sustain HPV vaccination programs following introduction is important to identify activities that are considered critical for sustaining HPV vaccine delivery, guide resource needs and pinpoint areas that require strengthening. JSI is currently seeking a Research Advisor (Consultant) to support these learning activities in Ethiopia.  

B.   Objectives

The Consultant will lead the in-country coordination and implementation of HPV vaccine program learning activities in fragile and conflict-affected settings and will document efforts related to program continuity and normalization of HPV vaccine delivery in Ethiopia. Additionally, the Consultant will support the extraction of data on the frequency, timing, location, and reach of HPV vaccination sessions conducted by health facilities. 

C.  Learning Activities 

 Under the direction of the JSI Senior Research Advisor, the Consultant will: 

• Complete training on the study protocol, data collection methods, and data extraction form 
• Coordinate with the national EPI to align on the selection of 30 health facilities based on specific criteria for field data collection 
• Coordinate with national EPI and district health officers for the schedule of field visits to health facilities for data collection  
• Conduct national level interviews (up to 8) and data extraction at the health facility level  
• Conduct observations of HPV vaccination activities at selected fragile and conflict-affected sites
• Draft or contribute to summaries/reports and data synthesis 
• Perform any other related tasks assigned by the JSI Senior Research Advisor

D.  Management Responsibilities

•  Plan the implementation of JSI activities outlined in the work plan, as well as any new activities that may emerge 
• Provide regular updates to the JSI central office team (based in the US) via email and/or online meeting platforms  

E.   Deliverables and Timeline

The contractor is responsible for the timely submission of the following deliverables, as part of the SOW:

• MPH and more than five years of experience in the field of public health 
• At least five years of work experience in routine immunization is required; specific experience working with the Malawi EPI program is desirable
• Experience in program evaluation methods and implementation, facility-level research, and/or immunization service delivery
• Experience working with national and district EPI program staff
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills with demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff, clients, and consultants
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality
• Excellent writing skills
• Experience working in a multi-agency/organizational environment

CONSULTANCY FEE:

• Compensation fee shall be negotiated with the selected consultant on daily rate and will be paid on completion of key deliverables.  It is negotiable, but only depends on qualifications, experience, and the applicable JSI rates for the consulting level. Fees do not cover expenses for project-related travel, coordination/organization of project-related activities and events, stakeholder dialogues, consultations, or workshops.

Duration of assignment and duty station:

• A maximum of 59 work days from start to finish 

How To Apply

Interested applicants who met the above minimum requirements should send and apply at WWW.Ethiojobs.net. This is an opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated professional consultant and if you meet the required skill, competencies and experience, please submit your application letter and CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post. Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request. 

                                                     Women are highly encouraged to apply.