Immunization (Polio EPI) Consultant

The consultancy will provide specialized, time-bound technical expertise to sustain the quality, continuity, and performance of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The consultant will provide advanced technical support to strengthen evidence-based planning, implementation, monitoring, and quality improvement of routine immunization and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs). This includes analyzing immunization and surveillance data using DHIS2, EPI dashboards, Excel, and other programme monitoring tools to identify immunity gaps, monitor programme performance, prioritize high-risk populations, and support timely corrective actions. The consultant will strengthen integrated immunization services by providing technical guidance on microplanning, supportive supervision, vaccine and cold chain management, surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, and strategies to identify and reach zero-dose and under-immunized children. The role will support effective coordination among the Provincial EPI Management Team (PEMT), BPHS and non-BPHS implementing partners, provincial and district health authorities, and other stakeholders to improve programme quality, strengthen accountability, enhance community engagement and demand generation for immunization, and build the technical capacity of frontline health workers through mentoring and on-the-job support. The consultancy aims to maintain uninterrupted implementation of UNICEF-supported immunization activities, improve vaccination coverage and equity, and accelerate progress toward national immunization and polio eradication objectives.

Bachelor's Degree in Medicine, Health, Public Health, Family Health, Child Development, Nursing, or a field relevant to international development assistance in Immunization and Child Survival & Health Care; Two years of relevant professional work experience in immunization, public health, primary health care, disease surveillance, or child health programmes, including field-level implementation and monitoring; Experience in immunization data analysis, interpretation, coverage monitoring, microplanning, supportive supervision, and capacity building of health workers; Training and experience in public health, Immunization, or child survival and health care; Strong technical knowledge of routine immunization, supplementary immunization activities, DHIS2, EPI dashboards, and Excel; Ability to work in high-risk environments and travel as required; Nationals of Afghanistan only.