Comprehensive and integrated EPI training package Development Consultant

Position details

• Vacancy number: 2604562
• Contractual arrangement: External consultant
• Contract duration: 2 Months
• Organization: EM_SOM WHO Representative%27s Office, Somalia
• Schedule: Full-time
• Closing date: Oct 29, 2026, 6:59:00 PM

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 Comprehensive and integrated EPI training package Development Consultant (ID: 2604562) 

Purpose of the Consultancy

Provide end-to-end technical leadership to rapidly design a unified, competency-based training package and conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) for selected national training institutions and EPI national officers, enabling them to cascade nationwide after the consultancy.

Background

The Somalia Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and other partners, aims to enhance the capacity of the national immunization program through a comprehensive training initiative. This initiative will cover a spectrum of training modules designed for various stakeholders involved in immunization, including vaccinators, mid-level managers, data persons, cold chain managers and technicians, social mobilizers, surveillance focal persons. The primary goal is to strengthen the overall immunization system, ensuring equitable access, and high-quality vaccine delivery across Somalia.

Somalia has made significant strides in improving immunization coverage, yet challenges persist such as:

•          Vertical approach to programming

•          Inefficient trainings

•          Lack of skilled HRH

•          Unequal distribution of HR and capacities

Therefore, Somalia wants to break the status quo by moving away to vertical and multiple trainings to advocate and strengthen an integrated approach to training within the perspective of Primary Health Care using immunization as an entry point. This comprehensive training program seeks to address gaps in knowledge and skills among key immunization personnel. By investing in capacity building, we aim to boost the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the immunization programme.

CO introduced PCV into the national immunization schedule to reduce morbidity and mortality from pneumococcal diseases through a campaign mode in May 2025. Following it in sequence. Rota was introduced through routine immunization in the months of July and August 2025. The post-campaign coverage survey for PCV indicates 76% coverage, compared with 78% administrative coverage. A Post-Introduction Evaluation (PIE) is planned to identify the lessons from the introduction. Further, Somalia plans to introduce a booster dose of the diphtheria-containing vaccine, switch the formulation from pentavalent to hexavalent, and introduce a Hepatitis B Birth dose and a rubella-containing vaccine in the near future. The Consultant will:

•         Enhance the skills and knowledge of vaccinators for the safe, effective delivery of potent vaccines.

•         Strengthen the capacity of mid-level managers in standard immunization programme management, specifically planning service delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of the immunization programme.

•         Equip personnel with the necessary skills for the introduction of new vaccines and/or change of vaccine formulations, ensuring a smooth integration into the existing immunization schedule.

•         Improve the technical capabilities of cold chain technicians for the proper management of vaccine storage and supply distribution and transportation.

•         Provide comprehensive pre-campaign training to ensure the success of upcoming immunization campaigns.

•         Improve the skills of communication and community involvement for immunization among Health workers and Health Managers.

•         Provide guidance on new and under-utilized vaccine introduction and basics; standards-recognized training material should be used.

•      Enhance VPD surveillance

Timeline:

Timeline 1: End Month 1: Inception & workplan; competency framework; detailed content outline; QA/MEL plan.

Timeline 2: Mid-Month 2: Draft complete integrated package (all modules + tools) ready for pilot.

Timeline 3: End Month 2: MEL toolkit + HRH/training tracking template + pilot report + finalized package (v1.0)

 Deliverables

Output 1: Design the comprehensive and integrated training package

Deliverable 1.1: Map required core competencies for target cadres (vaccinators, Mid-Level Managers, data personnel, social mobilizers, cold chain managers/technicians, surveillance focal persons, SBC/community engagement, training institutions in the country).

Deliverable 1.2: Develop an integrated, modular curriculum (facilitator/participant manuals, slide decks, job 
      aids, OSCE/skills checklists, coaching guides).

Deliverable 1.3: Embed cross-cutting content: equity/ gender, zero-dose, safety/AEFI, data quality/use, new-
      vaccine intro + PCV addendum.

Deliverable 1.4: Ensure blended delivery methods (classroom + skills lab + micro-learning objects for  
      offline/low-bandwidth use) and ensure language/format adaptable for Somali translation.

Output 2: Design rapid MEL + tools

Deliverable 2.1: Design pre/post-tests, OSCE rubrics, fidelity checklist, coaching & joint-supervision tools.

Deliverable 2.2: Develop simple HRH/training tracking template for cascade monitoring.

  
Output 3: Plan and deliver Institutional and EPI ToT

Deliverable 3.1: Co-plan and co-deliver ToT to selected institutions (nationally recognized) and EPI national officers.

Deliverable 3.2: Produce trainer deployment plan (who trains whom/where) for the cascade phase.

Output 4: Set a pilot & refinement:

Deliverable 4.1: Support a short pilot (simulation/skills lab or limited field practicum), analyze results, and finalize materials.

Output 5: Handover & scale guidance

Deliverable 5.1: Implementation handbook (standard agendas, session plans, venue/skills-lab specs, supplies list, staffing ratios).

Deliverable 5.2: QA plan for cascade (quality gates, pass marks, re-training triggers).

Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages

Educational Qualifications

• Essential:      Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above)  in public health, epidemiology, or related field

Desirable: N/A

Experience required

• Essential: 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in EPI training design/ToT in LMIC/fragile settings; strong MEL and competency-based design.
•  Demonstrated expertise across cold chain, surveillance/AEFI, data systems, SBC, and new vaccine introductions.
•    Excellent facilitation and materials development; English required
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills
•   Experience working in low- and middle-income countries preferred
• TOT Certified

Language:

Essential:  Expert in the English Language.

Desirable: N/A

Competencies

https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/who-careers/who-enhanced-competence.pdf?sfvrsn=aae66472_3&download=true

• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences 
• Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership

Location:

The consultant will be based in Mogadishu, with travel to different Federal Member States

Travel

In-country travel.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

  Medical clearance 

  The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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