JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Publication for

Partner

Partner Name

WHO World Health Organization

Position Title

Specialist – Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) GAVI Transition

Job Category

Procurement

Duty Station(s)

Dhaka

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 10

Posting Start Date

24-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

01-Dec-2025

Duration

3 months (Working days – 30)

Job Highlight

The purpose of this consultancy is to document the GAVI transition plan for EPI with a focus on ensuring sustainable and uninterrupted vaccine availability through government procurement mechanisms, while maintaining quality standards in line with national immunization policy and WHO prequalification requirements.

About the Group

Since 1972 WHO has been a key partner of the Government of Bangladesh and provided technical advice and support for the development and improvement of the health of the country’s population.

The organization has been supporting the Government, and working in collaboration with other partners, for the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all. It has been providing support for the development and strengthening of the country’s public health systems. Currently WHO support is guided by a broad framework known as the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for 2014-2017.

Job Specific Context

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh”s health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled “Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh”, outlining the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategic areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication.

The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening.

Role Purpose

Objectives of the Assignment

• To document the GAVI transition process for EPI and identify key milestones, responsibilities, and implementation arrangements.
• To assess opportunities and barriers in transitioning vaccine procurement and financing to government systems.
• To analyze institutional, financial, and regulatory readiness for ensuring the availability of quality-assured vaccines.
• To identify capacity-building and policy support needs for maintaining WHO prequalification standards during and after the transition.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening vaccine procurement, supply chain management, and sustainability.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The consultant will-

• Review existing GAVI transition framework, EPI strategic plans, and national immunization policy documents.
• Map the vaccine procurement process — from demand forecasting and budgeting to tendering, quality control, and distribution.
• Identify institutional responsibilities and financial flows in government-led procurement mechanisms.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations with MoHFW, DGHS, CMSD, EPI, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI to understand opportunities and challenges.
• Document the barriers, risks, and mitigation strategies in the shift from GAVI-supported to government-financed vaccine procurement.
• Assess adherence to WHO prequalification standards and national regulatory frameworks for vaccine quality assurance.
• Develop a detailed report outlining the GAVI transition plan, including recommendations for policy, operational strengthening, and long-term sustainability.
• The consultant will coordinate closely with EPI, CMSD, DGHS, Planning Wing, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI, ensuring that documentation aligns with global standards and national policy frameworks. MoHFW will facilitate access to relevant data, documents, and stakeholders.

Expected Deliverables:

Sl. No.

Activities

Deliverables

Timeline

1

Situational Review and Data Compilation –

Conduct desk review and consultations with EPI, MoHFW, DGHS, and development partners to gather data on GAVI-supported activities, transition progress, and current procurement mechanisms.

Comprehensive Documentation of the GAVI Transition Plan for EPI –

Detailed report outlining the status, progress, challenges, and strategies related to the GAVI transition plan, including exit and sustainability approaches.

Day 1–10

2

Assessment of Institutional and Market Readiness –

Analyze institutional capacity, policy frameworks, and market dynamics for government-led vaccine procurement; identify systemic barriers and opportunities.

Analytical Report on Opportunities, Barriers, and Institutional Readiness for Government-Led Vaccine Procurement –

Evidence-based analysis with actionable findings and key insights.

Day 11–20

3

Development of Policy and Operational Recommendations –

Formulate recommendations and strategies to ensure sustainable, quality-assured, and cost-effective vaccine procurement and supply management post-GAVI transition.

Policy and Operational Recommendations Report –

Final document providing practical recommendations, implementation roadmap, and capacity-building measures for sustainable vaccine procurement.

Day 21–30

Skills

Analytical Skills, Documentation, Stakeholder Engagement

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Advanced degree(Master”s) in Public Health, Health Economics, Supply Chain, or related field.

Experience Requirements

Required

• At least 5 years of experience in immunization systems, health procurement, or vaccine supply chain management.

Desired

• Proven understanding of GAVI transition frameworks, WHO prequalification processes, and national procurement systems.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and stakeholder facilitation skills.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredBengaliFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.