Background:

Tanzania was certified as Polio- Free country by ARCC in November 2015 with the last Polio cases traced back to July 1996. The country has achieved and maintained standard AFP surveillance performance indicators and ensured key performance indicators. Surveillance performance varies slightly between regions (1st administrative level) but varies significantly among councils (2nd Administrative level).

The outbreak of Wild poliovirus type 1 in Malawi genetically linked to WPV1 that was detected in Pakistan’s Sindh province in October 2019 is a serious concern and underscores the importance of prioritizing polio immunization activities. Until polio is fully eradicated, all countries remain at risk of importation and must maintain high vaccination coverage to protect all children from polio.

WHO and partners are supporting health authorities in Malawi and neighbouring countries of Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation and begin urgent immunization activities in the subregion to mitigate any risk of spread. Surveillance measures are also being expanded in all countries neighboring Malawi to detect any other potential undetected transmission.

Consequently, this ToR is put together for the consultant to support the intensification of surveillance, routine immunization and supplementary immunization campaign.

Purpose of the Position

Consultants with experience in country support to assist countries at risk of polio outbreak from neighboring countries and to assist with intensification of surveillance, routine immunization and immunization campaign. The consultants with experience in strengthening AFP surveillance, routine immunization and conducting MR, IPV, OPV and integrated campaigns.

The consultant will assist with improving quality of immunization campaigns and surveillance for poliovirus for eradication of poliomyelitis due to wild or vaccine related poliovirus in case it happens in Tanzania and to detect and interrupt any new outbreaks due to wild or vaccine-derived polioviruses more rapidly.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

To eradicate poliomyelitis due to wild or vaccine related poliovirus. Complete the interruption of wild poliovirus transmission globally, and more rapidly detect and interrupt any new outbreaks due to wild or vaccine-derived polioviruses.

Organizational context

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Polio Team Leader, the incumbent will perform the required duties within the framework of WHO program and policy documents.

Summary of Assigned Duties

Monitor progress and identify risks in regions and districts assigned.
Promote activities to enhance Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, including rapid surveillance assessments, development of action plans to improve surveillance, evaluation of the impact of these plans, and training/orientation of national and sub-national staff.
Develop and manage approaches in assigned regions that can achieve polio eradication while contributing to strengthening routine immunization systems.
Assist with preparations for Polio immunization campaign readiness.
Provide technical guidance for coordination and planning of Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) planning in outbreak-affected regions as well as SIA activities to reduce vulnerability in countries at high risk of outbreaks.
Evaluate and document outbreak response activities to ensure that all lessons learned are effectively incorporated into current best practices.
Submit a weekly and monthly report.
Perform other duties, as may be requested by the supervisor.

Major output from consultant:

Produce a summary report with all surveillance indicators monthly and provide feedback to regions and districts.
Produce mission reports after each field surveillance visit and submit to IVD Team leader.

Provide a list of surveillance priority sites and a matrix for supportive supervision.

Produce report of regional review meetings and comprehensive report of performance quarterly to IVD Team leader.

Produce a report of the status of preparations for the Polio campaign and implementation.
Consultancy Requirements:

Education:

The consultant should normally have the following qualifications:

First degree in medical/health field, a degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Services Management or related field.

Exprience:

At least 5 years working in the health sector in Tanzania.
Skills (e.g. IT)

Good knowledge in computer and Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Power point)
Good understanding of the Tanzania health system;
Good understanding of immunization services ;
Experience in working as National STOP Polio team
Considerable experience in Vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance especially AFP and measles case-based surveillance.
Experience in working with multiple health sector stakeholders;
Excellent writing and presentation skills;
Indepeth understanding of the Expanded Program on Immunisation is a distinct advantage;
Demonstrated ability to motivate people of diverse background to resolving problems while promoting effective team work.

Duration of Support:

The duration of work for a consultant will be 3-4 months from signing of contract with monthly report submitted to IVD Team leader.

Fees and payment schedule:

The consultant will be paid as per NOC scale per month and allowances for travel will be provided including transport.