Post Title:COLD CHAIN INVENTORY CONSULTANT

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Post Level:P-4

Type of Contract:Consultancy

Duration:60 days

Duty Station:Luanda, Angola

Start date:May 2015

Reporting to:Chief, Child Survival & Development

Introduction and background

In Angola vaccines are largely stored at central, provincial, district and health facility levels. In the last 9 years, the Country introduced new vaccines such as PENTA in 2006, PCV13 in 2013 and Rotavirus in 2014 with GAVI support. The net cold chain capacity at national level,after expansion in 2013, is estimated at 390.000 liters of positive storage and 290.000 liters negative storage, which is sufficient to cover all vaccines and immediate future vaccine storage need. Cold rooms and new warehouses were built in 5 provinces that had very low storage capacities. The Ministry of Health proposed to introduce the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (10 dose vial) in July 2015;and the cold chain capacity at sub national levels has been proposed to be increased. The provincial level gap is estimated at 20,151liters mainly in Huambo and Uige.

Two standard effective vaccine management assessments (EVM) have been conducted in Angola, one in 2011 followed by an EVM improvement plan; and another in July 2014 along with the comprehensive EPI review.

To update and effectively implement an improvement plan, the main recommendations after the last EVM assessment were:

To conduct a study monitoring the temperature throughout the all cold chain network;
To purchase and distribute continuous monitoring temperature devices to use in refrigeration equipment (provincial and district level);
Conduct a general inventory of the cold chain (at all levels), followed by a multi-year rehabilitation plan;
Develop basic standards for maintenance of cold chain equipment and conduct training;
Conduct training in vaccine management/logistics for all levels of the cold chain – EPI supervisors;
Introduce the computerized stock management system in all provincial stock/cold rooms (SMT-Stock Management Tool).
Establishment of vaccine arrival reporting system for periphery levels
Introduction of the data management system of vaccines at district level (DVDMT)
Introduce a control system of vaccine wastage (open vials)
Organize folders to archive important documents of the EPI program at district and HF level (temperature record; stock record; coverage graphs; monthly reports…)
Improvement of Injection safety system – acquisition of incinerators at district level and HF level

Stock management

The current stock management system used in the country is mainly paper based; and at central level what is used is an excel database. Transportation of vaccines and other logistics from central level to provincial warehouses are done quarterly by a private company contracted by CECOMA. From province to district and health facility level, vaccines are distributed monthly in cold boxes that are lined with water packs by car or motorbike.There is a lack of monitoring of cold chain equipment by Provincial level managers and the repairing status is a major area of concern. Standard operating procedures and a maintenance and replacement plan for cold chain management systems is a priority area at the subnational levels.The introduction of new vaccines implies the need to increase the storage capacity of vaccines, diluents and injection supplies at all levels; and ensure greater responsibility in their management due to their high cost and vulnerability.

Purpose of Consultancy:

This consultancy has been requested to conduct a national cold chain inventory as well as prepare a cold chain multi-year rehabilitation plan that will strengthen existing human resources to respond to increasing demand for a well maintained expanding cold chain system and result focused EPI programme. This is very important taking into consideration the basic immunization essentials, equipment inventory, equipment maintenance and repairs, replacement planning and planning for emergencies.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct and inventory and Map existing Cold Chain and Logistics support, including processes & bottleneck analysis.

Vaccine Transportation – Map existing processes for Vaccine Distribution & Transportation, develop Lead Time Management system and Quick Response processes; Introduce overall concept & utility of Transportation Management System (TMS) for Cold Reefer Trucks.Liaison with SIAPS (USAID), PSI to replicate best practices already existing for other National Health Programs on Transportation Management System (TMS).
Vaccine Inventory Mgt. – Support developing EPI Program driven Vaccine Inventory variety and uncertainty, Map Inventory impact on operational costs (at 03 levels), Support EPI’s responsiveness and Vaccines stocks rationale at each point ( from Central till Health post )
Vaccine Demand Management - EPI program; Understanding EPI’s program Vaccine operational flow & requirement, efficient Cold Chain communication flow strategies;

Facilitate the building of a library of EPI best practices guide to better understanding of their implications for Vaccine performance capabilities, Basic Concepts and Analytical Tools for managing effective Vaccine Logistics.

Propose and/or adapt a cold chain commodity logistics management system and tools – for effective vaccine and cold chain management

Design & support standard the development of a Vaccine Cold Chain Logistics Training ModuleCold Chain Field Manuals(in both - Portuguese & English language)

Map existing Maintenance Resources supporting CCE maintenance and further improvements.
Provide performance standards guidancefor (CCE) working performance andTechnical Maintenance process flow (example - Down time, Preventive maintenance roster, Emergency break down plan, etc…at Provincial + Municipal Levels)
Map & support setting-up responsibility chart & system for ensuring multi-level CCE Maintenance, Resources and also Compliance / Audit processes & roster.
Map contributing factors for CCE failures ( example – Failure Frequency, Expenditure & Audit processes, Outsourcing-Conflict of Interest, Map actual Energy Faults, Improper Handling, Spare parts, Structural Set-up, Training Needs, etc…)
Map EPI performance impact due to CCE performance at all levels (Central, Provincial, Municipal & Health Service delivery points).
Develop a CCE break-down / performance andfault reporting system.

Design & develop Cold Chain Equipments (CCE) Preventive Maintenance Guide & Training Program for Freezers, Refrigerators - for both Provincial & Municipal Levels (in two languages – Portuguese & English)

Develop understanding of structure of Vaccine Supply Chain, key Gaps & issues involved, improving their effectiveness.
Design & develop Periodic Training Roster for EPI’s Logistics Team

Propose EPI Logistics Staff coordination structure to meet future Cold Chain Maintenance challenges.

Provide an opportunity for experience sharing among CECOMA & EPI participants.

DELIVERABLES:

Vaccine Cold Chain Logistics Training Module ( in both - Portuguese & English language )
Guidance on Selection of Cold Chain Equipments (CCE) Preventive Maintenance Guide & Training Program for Freezers, Refrigerators - for both Provincial & Municipal Levels (in two languages – Portuguese & English )
Map of existing Cold Chain Logistics processes & probable gaps, Support designing Vaccine Cold Chain Logistics System /Tools for further efficiency by including Monthly Reviews on Performance Analysis & Evaluation; timely proof - reading & printing follow-ups for all related Training Materials
End of contract report and weekly report

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Advanced university degree in Public health with engineering, supply chain and vaccinology background

Eight (8) years of relevant professional work experience, including in developing countries.

Fluency in Portuguese and English required.

Knowledge of another UN working language is an asset

Experience in monitoring gender inequalities and in programming interventions that reduce these inequalities an asset.

OTHER COMPETENCIES

Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.

Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.

Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.

Analyses and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.

Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly;

Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Applications will be considered only if accompanied by a completed United Nations Personal History (P-11) form, CV, and cover letter to: UNICEF Angola Country Office, email . All applications are treated with strict confidentiality.

The deadline for receipt of applications: 30 April 2015

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.