NGO JOBS

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 04 Sep 2013

Terms of Reference: CCL Experts (Equipment & Systems)

1. Background:

UNICEF supports countries in achieving national immunization goals, with an increased focus on the vaccine cold chain and logistics (CCL) systems. The goal for CCL systems is to ‘optimize’ their performance based on three key parameters: availability, quality and cost; the aim is to achieve adequate supply for every immunization session without temperature damage and at the lowest possible cost per fully immunized child. As immunization programmes add new vaccines to their schedules, the demand on CCL systems increases as these vaccines tend to be more expensive, bulkier, and more freeze-sensitive than traditional vaccines.

UNICEF has prioritized activities that facilitate the strengthening of CCL systems, capacity transfer for their effective local decision-making and ownership, and the development of routine systems that provide timely and reliable data on availability, quality and costs to measure progress towards optimization.

While WHO-prequalified cold chain equipment (i.e. 30-day electronic temperature loggers, central temperature monitoring systems and direct-drive solar refrigerators) is readily available to facilitate storage of vaccines at appropriate temperatures including in off-grid settings, the design and implementation of systems that generate routine evidence on the performance of this equipment and on the management response by humans tasked to operate and manage it, have proven to be problematic. Constraints include the low prioritization of data-driven management by national Ministries of Health (MoH) and their employees, historical lack of consideration for developing country user context in equipment systems design, the lack of institutional capacity to ensure sustainable adoption of existing technologies in resource-constrained settings, concerns that the full lifecycle value of new technologies cannot be realised in the absence of sustainable equipment management business models, and the resulting lack of management commitment to change.

To address these challenges, UNICEF and partners have developed guidance to support countries in all aspects of equipment systems planning, selection, implementation, and management of equipment inventories as well as temperature data. Further investment is being made in the development of sustainable local capacity to use and maintain the equipment.

1. Purpose:

The purpose of the consultancies is to provide, in close collaboration with UNICEF Country Offices and immunization partners, technical support to countries in the effective adaptation of cold chain equipment management guidelines, and the development of institutional capacity to enable effective adoption of CCL technologies by national systems. In particular:

(a) Implementation of Temperature Monitoring & Management Systems: 30-day Electronic Temperature Loggers (30DTR)

The implementation of 30DTR seeks to achieve the following objectives:• Improve health workers’ ability to monitor and manage fridge performance;• Provide system-wide data on both fridge and managerial performance (assessed by response to non-reporting and fixing of underlying causes for alarms);• Update equipment inventory functional status (defined by monthly alarms), and establish an inventory system if not available now;• Manage equipment replacement based on performance rather than age;• Obtain long-term data on fridge performance for future equipment choices.The consultant(s) will support countries in the implementation of 30DTR - the new ‘minimum standard’ for temperature monitoring in fridges that store vaccines. This support will involve the following activities: • Inform national decision-making on the introduction of 30DTRs, including definition of the implementation objectives;• Where applicable, design and coordinate the implementation of temperature mapping studies, in compliance with the WHO protocol;• Develop a comprehensive temperature management system design and 30DTR implementation plan (including whole-lifecycle management of devices, alarm reporting system triggering user & managerial response, data-driven system performance management) including provision for a 'learning' phase or pilot introduction;• Facilitate collaborative workshops to define & validate the system design and implementation plan, including the selection of a context-appropriate device, to ensure effective participation and endorsement of the resulting system by relevant institutional stakeholders and users;• Develop a training system, process and content to ensure adoption and sustained use of the system by health workers; • Develop and implement a monitoring & evaluation (M&E) framework to gather evidence and measure progress during and post-implementation;• Where applicable, plan and coordinate integration of temperature data generated through 30DTR with national e-Health management information systems. (b) Implementation of Central Temperature Monitoring Systems

While a number of countries are preparing for the implementation of WHO-prequalified Central Temperature Monitoring Systems (CTMS) designed to monitor temperature performance of vaccine walk-in cold rooms, some countries that have implemented the technology are experiencing challenges with setting up routine equipment maintenance systems including the choice between owning vs. outsourcing the equipment calibration and maintenance capabilities. Meanwhile other countries are exploring strategies for integration of temperature data generated by CTMS into e-Health management information systems, leveraging communication technologies such as ‘rapid SMS’.

The consultant(s) will support countries in the implementation of CTMS. This support will involve the following activities:

• Develop a comprehensive temperature management system design and CTMS implementation plan (including whole-lifecycle management of equipment, alarm reporting system triggering reliable user & managerial response, data-driven system performance management) including provision for a 'learning' phase or pilot introduction;• Facilitate collaborative workshops to define & validate the system design and implementation plan, including the selection of context-appropriate equipment, to ensure effective participation and endorsement of the resulting system by relevant institutional stakeholders and users;• Plan and provide on-the-job support for CTMS installation;• Undertake capacity assessment for routine maintenance of CTMS, and develop recommendations for addressing gaps in the individual and institutional capacity;• Develop technical requirements for routine equipment maintenance services, including a performance-based contract management framework where applicable (i.e. the decision to outsource was made); • Develop a training system, process and content to ensure effective adoption of the system by users; • Develop and implement a monitoring & evaluation (M&E) framework to gather evidence and measure progress during and post-implementation;• Where applicable, plan and coordinate integration of temperature data with national e-Health management information systems. (c) Implementation of Solar Refrigeration Systems

With the availability of efficient and environmentally-friendly direct-drive solar vaccine refrigerators, countries and implementing partners face challenges in ensuring their effective introduction in national systems , with the prevailing concern that the realization of whole-lifecycle benefits is problematic without innovative approaches to local ownership.

To address these needs the consultant(s) will: • Develop a comprehensive temperature solar refrigeration system design (including system sizing), costing and implementation plan, including provision for a 'learning' phase or pilot introduction;• Facilitate collaborative workshops to define & validate the system design and implementation plan, including the selection of context-appropriate equipment, to ensure effective participation and endorsement of the resulting system by relevant institutional stakeholders and users;• Plan and oversee the installation of solar systems;• Undertake capacity assessment for routine maintenance of solar systems, and develop recommendations for addressing gaps in the individual and institutional capacity;• Develop technical requirements for routine equipment maintenance services, including a performance-based contract management framework where applicable (i.e. the decision to outsource was made); • Develop the equipment management and maintenance training systems, processes and content; • Develop and implement a monitoring & evaluation (M&E) framework to gather evidence and measure progress during and post-implementation.(d) Implementation of Cold Chain Equipment Inventory (CCEI) Systems

To manage cold chain equipment, countries need up-to-date equipment inventories. Traditionally the operational status of equipment has been updated periodically and at high cost. To ensure a higher return on investment into this costly data collection exercise, UNICEF and partners are promoting the use of the monthly alarm data as a tool to both keep the inventories up-to-date and to provide long-term field performance data on different equipment in different settings. PATH has developed a CCEI database running on DHIS2 system that can link each piece of equipment with the monthly 30DTR alarm status.

To address these needs the consultant(s) will:

• Review national inventory data, to identify the CCEI indicators that are being reported by facilities monthly, and compare the data sets against minimum standards required for DHIS2 CCEI module; • Develop a process design & implementation plan for the integration of CCEI with the national DHIS2 system;• Adapt the DHIS2 CCEI module to national requirements, including the design of data exchange with the DVD-MT and SMT Excel tools; identify any critical gaps and strategies to expand functionality and improve quality, if needed, to facilitate the CCEI module deployment;• Facilitate collaborative workshops to define & validate the CCEI system design and implementation plan, to ensure effective participation and endorsement of the resulting system by relevant institutional stakeholders and users;• Develop and implement a monitoring & evaluation (M&E) framework to gather evidence and measure progress during and post-implementation.(e) Documentation of the process & lessons learned

1. Duration: Start date: 16 September 2013 End date: 31 December 2013
   Note: The TOR targets multiple experts for deployment throughout September – December 2013 to multiple countries, on an as-required basis. The specific deliverables within each consultancy will be requested based on country demand and consultant availability. Applicants are requested to confirm the number of days for which they will be available in 2013.

2. Timeframe: 74 working days in 2013, as requested by the Immunization TeamDeliverables Duration(Estimated # of days) DeadlineConsultant(s) may be required to attend a coordination meeting at one of the UNICEF Regional Offices. 3 days By end of Sep 2013Develop a comprehensive temperature management system design and implementation plan for the introduction of 30DTRs, based on technical assessment and validation by relevant institutional stakeholders and users, and coordinate its implementation, including training and M&E framework. Develop a plan for integration of 30DTR temperature data with national e-Health management information systems. Develop a technical design, and coordinate the implementation of a temperature mapping study. 20 days By mid- Oct 2013Develop a comprehensive implementation plan for CTMS, based on technical assessment and validation by relevant institutional stakeholders and users, and coordinate its implementation, including training and M&E framework. Develop a plan for integration of 30DTR temperature data with national e-Health management information systems. Develop technical requirements for routine equipment maintenance services, including a performance-based contract management framework. 14 days By end of Oct 2013Develop a comprehensive implementation plan for solar refrigeration systems, based on technical assessment and validation by relevant institutional stakeholders and users, and coordinate its implementation, including training and M&E framework. Develop technical requirements for routine equipment maintenance services, including a performance-based contract management framework. 20 days By end of Nov 2013Develop the context-appropriate design & implementation plan for the integration of CCEI with the national DHIS2 system, based on based on technical assessment and validation by relevant institutional stakeholders and users. 13 days By mid-Dec 2013Progress report adapted for general publication: Document the process and lessons learned, incl. recommendations on regional and global scale-up. 4 days By end of Dec 2013Trip Report provided after each country visit and final summary report of activities undertaken. - By end of Dec 2013TOTAL 74 days

3. Key competences, technical background, and experience required:

Competencies• Strong analytical, oral & written communication skills• Proven track record in project management with the emphasis on strategic planning and evaluation• Effective presenter including ability to adapt the message and visual aids for multiple audiences to deliver concise, impactful presentations • Effective facilitator with proven ability to engage and train a group of individuals • Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environmentTechnical skills and knowledge• Educational background in mechanical engineering or related field (university degree preferred; advanced training may be considered in combination with relevant work experience). • Proficiency in WHO PQS-listed CCL equipment • Proficiency in the development of technical SOPs• Experience with hardware and software integrations• Understanding of mobile and cloud technologies an advantage• Proficiency in solar refrigeration systems sizing and installation an advantage• Familiarity with WHO-recommended vaccine management practices an advantage• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and PowerPointWork experience• At least 7 years of experience in cold chain hardware and software installation & maintenance, of which at least 4 years as manager of delivery teams• Experience interfacing with national ministries of health an advantageLanguages• Written and spoken fluency in English• Proficiency in French, Portuguese or Russian an advantage for assignments to select countriesGeneral Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors

1. Legal StatusThe individual engaged by UNICEF under this contract as a consultant or individual contractors (the “Contractor”) is engaged in a personal capacity and not as representatives of a Government or of any other entity external to the United Nations. The Contractor is neither a "staff member" under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor an "official" for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, 1946. The Contractor may, however, be afforded the status of "Experts on Mission" in the sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the Convention and the Contractor is required by UNICEF to travel in order to fulfill the requirements of this contract, the Contractor may be issued a United Nations Certificate in accordance with Section 26 of Article VII of the Convention.

2. ObligationsThe Contractor shall complete the assignment set out in the Terms of Reference for this contract with due diligence, efficiency and economy, in accordance with generally accepted professional techniques and practices.

The Contractor must respect the impartiality and independence of UNICEF and the United Nations and in connection with this contract must neither seek nor accept instructions from anyone other than UNICEF. During the term of this contract the Contractor must refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on UNICEF or the United Nations and must not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICEF. The Contractor must exercise the utmost discretion in all matters relating to this contract.

In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, the Contractor (a) will conduct him- or herself in a manner consistent with the Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service; and (b) will comply with the administrative instructions and policies and procedures of UNICE relating to fraud and corruption; information disclosure; use of electronic communication assets; harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority; and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General's Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, the Contractor must not communicate at any time to the media or to any institution, person, Government or other entity external to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has become known to the Contractor by reason of his or her association with UNICEF or the United Nations. The Contractor may not use such information without the written authorization of UNICEF, and shall under no circumstances use such information for his or her private advantage or that of others. These obligations do not lapse upon termination of this contact.

1. Title rightsUNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material created by the Contractor which bears a direct relation to, or is made in order to perform, this contract. At the request of UNICEF, the Contractor shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to UNICEF in compliance with the requirements of the law governing such rights.

2. TravelIf UNICEF determines that the Contractor needs to travel in order to perform this contract, that travel shall be specified in the contract and the Contractor’s travel costs shall be set out in the contract, on the following basis: (a) UNICEF will pay for travel in economy class via the most direct and economical route; provided however that in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, travel in business class may be approved by UNICEF on a case-by-case basis.
   (b) UNICEF will reimburse the Contractor for out-of-pocket expenses associated with such travel by paying an amount equivalent to the daily subsistence allowance that would be paid to staff members undertaking similar travel for official purposes.

3. Statement of good healthBefore commencing work, the Contractor must deliver to UNICEF a certified self-statement of good health and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement. In addition, the Contractor must include in this statement of good health (a) confirmation that he or she has been informed regarding inoculations required for him or her to receive, at his or her own cost and from his or her own medical practitioner or other party, for travel to the country or countries to which travel is authorized; and (b) a statement he or she is covered by medical/health insurance and that, if required to travel beyond commuting distance from his or her usual place or residence to UNICEF (other than to duty station(s) with hardship ratings “H” and “A”, a list of which has been provided to the Contractor) the Contractor’s medical/health insurance covers medical evacuations. The Contractor will be responsible for assuming all costs that may be occurred in relation to the statement of good health.

4. InsuranceThe Contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of this contract as he or she considers appropriate taking into account, among other things, the requirements of paragraph 5 above. The Contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members. The responsibility of UNICEF and the United Nations is limited solely to the payment of compensation under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below.

5. Service incurred death, injury or illness If the Contractor is travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contract, or is performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval, the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate), shall be entitled to compensation from UNICEF in the event of death, injury or illness attributable to the fact that the Contractor was travelling with UNICEF’s prior approval and at UNICEF's expense in order to perform his or her obligations under this contractor, or was performing his or her obligations under this contract in a UNICEF or United Nations office with UNICEF’s approval. Such compensation will be paid through a third party insurance provider retained by UNICEF and shall be capped at the amounts set out in the Administrative Instruction on Individual Consultants and Contractors. Under no circumstances will UNICEF be liable for any other or greater payments to the Contractor (or his or her dependents as appropriate).

6. Arbitration(a) Any dispute arising out of or, in connection with, this contract shall be resolved through amicable negotiation between the parties.
   (b) If the parties are not able to reach agreement after attempting amicable negotiation for a period of thirty (30) days after one party has notified the other of such a dispute, either party may submit the matter to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL procedures within fifteen (15) days thereafter. If neither party submits the matter for arbitration within the specified time the dispute will be deemed resolved to the full satisfaction of both parties. Such arbitration shall take place in New York before a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties; provided however that should the parties be unable to agree on a single arbitrator within thirty days of the request for arbitration, the arbitrator shall be designated by the United Nations Legal Counsel. The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute.

7. Penalties for UnderperformancePayment of fees to the Contractor under this contractor, including each installment or periodic payment (if any), is subject to the Contractor’s full and complete performance of his or her obligations under this contract with regard to such payment to UNICEF’s satisfaction, and UNICEF’s certification to that effect.

8. Termination of ContractThis contract may be terminated by either party before its specified termination date by giving notice in writing to the other party. The period of notice shall be five (5) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two (2) months and ten (10) business days (in the UNICEF office engaging the Contractor) in the case of contracts for a longer period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of impropriety or other misconduct by the Contractor (including but not limited to breach by the Contractor of relevant UNICEF policies, procedures, and administrative instructions), UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice. If this contract is terminated in accordance with this paragraph 10, the Contractor shall be paid on a pro rata basis determined by UNICEF for the actual amount of work performed to UNICEF’s satisfaction at the time of termination. UNICEF will also pay any outstanding reimbursement claims related to travel by the Contractor. Any additional costs incurred by UNICEF resulting from the termination of the contract by either party may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the Contractor under this paragraph 10.

9. TaxationUNICEF and the United Nations accept no liability for any taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant and individual contractor on payments made under this contract. Neither UNICEF nor the United Nations will issue a statement of earnings to the consultant and individual contractor.

How to apply:

How to Apply:Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and P 11 form (which can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) to pdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line “CCL Experts (Equipment & Systems)” by 4 September 2013, 5:00 pm EST. Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.