TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
OVERVIEW
TITLE
Senior Consultant – Policy and Practice of Environment & Sustainable Energy for
Immunization
LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT
Remote-based w/ Travel as Required
LANGUAGE(S) REQUIRED
English, additional languages an advantage
TRAVEL
Yes ; Occasional missions to NYHQ and UNICEF Country or Regional offices
DURATION OF CONTRACT
220 days (14 December 2015 and 5 December 2016)
BACKGROUND & RATIONALE
Climate change and environmental degradation are equity issues, with children often being the most
vulnerable. Particularly, children’s health is at risk from climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, heat
waves and spreading of vector- and water-borne diseases because of changes in rainfall and increasing
temperatures. Also, environmental pollution continues to pose a major threat to children’s health as does the
absence of reliable energy supply especially to remote and low-income populations. For example, annually the
death of over 660,000 children under 5 is attributed to air pollution, and some 94% of the 1.8 million annual
deaths from diarrheal disease is attributable to environmental causes, particularly unsafe drinking water and
inadequate sanitation,1 with infants being the most vulnerable.
The strong emphasis on environment throughout the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
provides significant opportunities and momentum to address these issues. The overarching health goal (SDG3):
“ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” is associated with three mortality targets for
2030 related to reducing infectious, maternal, and child deaths:
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by 2030 reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
by 2030 end preventable deaths of newborns and under-five children
by 2030 end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis,
water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
The 5 building blocks of the GAVI supply chain strategy (supply chain leadership, data for management, better
cold chain equipment, continuous improvement plans, and system design), with objectives of potency,
availability and efficient use of resources, contributes directly to the SDG3 goals. UNICEF is at the forefront of
initiatives to implement the GAVI strategy and is increasingly recognizing the need to incorporate
environmental sustainability in its programs in order to secure improved results for children’s health and wellbeing and “walk the talk” on environmental sustainability for children. This is of particular relevance to the
health sector. Increasingly health practitioners and policy makers recognize that the health sector itself needs
to become more environmentally sound.
The global attention to environmental sustainability provides significant opportunities to the health sector. For
example, incorporating sustainable energy solutions into health programming is a good example of a mutuallybeneficial opportunity in terms of children’s health and well-being, efficiencies, value for money, and climate
goals. Many health clinics have little to no access to sustainable energy to provide basic services. Sustainable
energy is essential for the immunization cold chain; basic medical, communication and IT equipment; for
cooking, and for cooling and heating of medical facilities. Unsustainable energy sources such as firewood for
1 See WHO/UNEP Publication Health Environment: managing the linkages for sustainable development
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
cooking, kerosene for refrigeration or lighting, and electricity from diesel generators are oftentimes highly
polluting, expensive and even unavailable. While solar direct drive refrigerators were designed to provide clean
sustainable energy to keep vaccines cool in off-grid health posts, countries are consistently facing the
challenges with implementing these devices, despite the available technical guidance, and are often looking
for alternative, more cost-effective systems solutions to power health facilities and entire communities along
with vaccine fridges. There is also increasing need – and demand from countries - to improve waste
management practices to respond to the ever-increasing volumes of packaging, electronic and medical waste,
and particularly infectious waste from immunization: GAVI targets the immunization of 300 million infants by
2020, where 1,300cc of waste of which almost 30% is infectious is produced for each fully immunized child.
The upcoming switch of national immunization programs to IPV, implementation of gel packs and insulated
pallet shipping containers are set to result in large scale waste management burden to countries and yet they
represent just a fraction of programmatic waste management challenges throughout the entire immunization
supply chain, from suppliers to the child.
PURPOSE
UNICEF seeks to support countries in leveraging appropriate environmental and sustainable energy policies,
strategies and technology systems to achieve measurable results for children. Health programs, and especially
immunization, with the vast environmental and energy footprint of its vaccine supply chain, have a sustained
demand for informed policies, strategies and technical assistance packages to guide their investments in
innovative waste management and sustainable energy solutions. Increasingly, these solutions are intersectorial in nature.
Over 70 low- and middle-income countries are taking advantage of GAVI funding opportunities to mobilize
resources for immunization and health systems strengthening. Inclusion of sustainable energy for health
facilities and broader environmental sustainability management (ESM) policies will be a significant opportunity
for the Ministries of Health, Environment and Energy and their partners to make their work more sustainable,
deliver better results for children, and should also quantify and secure the additional domestic and/or
international resources required for further scaling up and consolidation of sustainable energy and waste
management for health facilities and health workers.
EXPECTED RESULTS: (MEASURABLE RESULTS)
The expected result of this consultancy is (a) the development of UNICEF’s global guidance and best practices
in environmental sustainability management including sustainable energy for health in the context of national
health/immunization programs, and (b) the provision of initial support to the health sector in countries to start
articulating its environmental and sustainable energy needs and their inclusion in national policy, program and
technical assistance plans, with a particular focus on national immunisation programs.
The results will include a global and a series of national evaluations of the direct and indirect economic, social
and environmental costs and benefits accruing from integrating environmental sustainability management
(ESM) for health facilities into existing maternal and child health programs especially immunization supply
chains.
DUTY STATION
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TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
Remote-based with occasional travel to the field (countries to be decided) and New York HQ
TIMEFRAME 220 working days, as requested by UNICEF.
Start date: 14 December 2015
End date:
05 December 2016
Under the supervision and overall guidance of the Senior Adviser, Climate and Environment, (Division
of Data, Research and Policy) and in coordination with the Health Section, the consultant is
responsible for the following tasks and deliverables:
TASKS AND DELIVERABLES
a. Tasks
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Conduct a desk review on environment and sustainable energy, focusing on the needs, gaps, policy,
planning, budget allocation, partnerships and implementation in the maternal and child health sector
(with emphasis on immunization supply chains) of low- and middle-income countries.
Prepare and co-facilitate regional workshops to raise awareness and capacity development of
government officials.
In consultation with UNICEF Regional and Country Offices, undertake scoping missions to selected
GAVI-eligible countries to engage with Ministries of Health, Environment and Energy to analyze
programmatic and financial gaps vs. opportunities to align the Immunization/iSCM and child health
programs with the SDG Indicators on sustainable energy and environment. Specific travel
arrangements (dates, countries, etc.) are yet to be determined.
Advise on existing challenges in alignment between the health programs and sustainable energy and
environment programs in the country during the gap analysis and concept note development.
Draft a report outlining the key priorities and opportunities to apply ESM practices to improve
efficiency in immunization supply chains, for review by the WHO / UNICEF iSCM Hub.
Work with the MOH, MOE, and partners to assist in identifying co-funding opportunities, as per areas
arising from the gap analysis.
Work with the MOH, MOE, and partners to assist in drafting a concept note that can be submitted to
potential donors.
Coordinate the review of initial report integrating also country feedback.
b. Deliverables
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Report on how ESM practices can be applied to improve efficiency and effectiveness of immunization
supply chains with a list of priority interventions.
Case studies on environmental sustainability management (including e.g. energy needs, uses and
waste management practices) in the health sector (with emphasis on immunization supply chains) of
four selected GAVI eligible countries to identify scoping opportunities for integrating ESM practices.
ESM context and gap analysis reports completed for selected countries.
Global guidance and best practices for health sector and energy/environment sector (e.g. briefing
note, screening tool, FAQs, powerpoint) and training delivered at regional workshops.
Draft country action plans and concept notes for submission to potential donors.
DELIVERABLES
DURATION
(ESTIMATED # OF DAYS)
Deadline
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TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
Case studies on environmental sustainability management
(including e.g. energy needs, uses and waste management
practices) in the health sector (with emphasis on immunization
supply chains) of four selected GAVI eligible low- and lowermiddle income countries to identify scoping opportunities for
integrating ESM practices.
Report with recommendations to WHO/UNICEF iSCM hub on:
a) Roadmap for implementation of solar direct drive
equipment in countries, based on the analysis of field
performance and programmatic issues;
b) Roadmap for addressing waste management issues
throughout the immunization supply chain, based on
the analysis of gaps and emerging opportunities.
ESM context and gap analysis reports completed for select
countries
Global guidance and best practices for health sector and
energy/environment sector (e.g. briefing note, screening tool,
FAQs, powerpoint) and training delivered at regional workshops
Draft country action plans
Country engagement plans and concept notes for submission to
potential donors
TOTAL
30 days
End of January
2016
30 days
End March
2016
80 days
End July 2016
20 days
End August
2016
40 days
20 days
End Oct 2016
End Nov 2016
220 days
KEY COMPETENCES, TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED DEADLINE
Competencies
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Strong analytical, negotiation, oral & written communication skills
Highly-effective presenter including ability to adapt the message and visual aids for multiple audiences
to deliver concise, impactful presentations
Highly-effective facilitator with proven ability to engage and train a group of individuals
Self-starter with ability to plan and execute projects in a timely manner
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Technical skills and knowledge
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Educational background or extensive experience in public health, immunization, energy or similar
Expertise in new and emerging health technologies and sustainable energy
Expertise and experience in gap analysis, energy needs assessments, gender, good understanding of the
health sector in diverse country settings
Experience with preparing and providing capacity development of government officials
Familiarity with WHO immunization and environmental policies
Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Work experience
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At least 15 years of Mid-Senior Level experience in public health including 8 years in immunization, with
experience in resource-constrained environments.
Experience working in Africa and Asia preferable
Prior working experience with the UN/UNICEF or development organizations required
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TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
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Experience in leading the discussions with national ministries of health on complex technical matters
required.
Languages
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Written and spoken fluency in English and French.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are requested to send their submissions to pdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line:
“Senior Consultant – Policy and Practice of Environment & Sustainable Energy for Immunization” by 12th
November 2015, 5:00pm EST.
Applications must include:
 Cover letter,
 CV, and
 P-11 form2
 Indicate where you heard about this advertisement
Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference
above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.
NOTE: Files should not exceed 5.0MB limit
UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from
minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will
be treated with the strictest confidence.
2
P 11 form can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc
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TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE - CONSULTANTS
1.
LEGAL STATUS
Individuals engaged under a consultant contract serve in a personal capacity and not as representatives of a Government or of any
other authority external to the United Nations. They are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations
and UNICEF policies and procedures nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention of 13 February 1946 on the privileges and
immunities of the United Nations. Consultants may, however, be given the status of “experts on mission” in the sense of Section 22 of
Article VI of the Convention. If they are required to travel on behalf of the United Nations, they may be given a United Nations
certification in accordance with Section 26 of Article VII of the Convention.
2.
OBLIGATIONS
Consultants shall have the duty to respect the impartiality and independence of the United Nations and shall neither seek nor accept
instructions regarding the services to be performed for UNICEF from any Government or from any authority external to the United
Nations. During their period of service for UNICEF, consultants shall refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect on the
United Nations or UNICEF and shall not engage in any activity that is incompatible with the discharge of their duties with the
Organization. Consultants are required to exercise the utmost discretion in all matters of official business of the Organization. In
particular, but without limiting the foregoing, consultants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the
Standards of Conduct in the International Civil Service. Consultants are to comply with the UNICEF Standards of Electronic Conduct
and the requirements set forth in the Secretary General’s Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and
Sexual Abuse, both of which are incorporated by reference into the contract between the consultants and UNICEF. Unless otherwise
authorized by the appropriate official in the office concerned, consultants shall not communicate at any time to the media or to any
institution, person, Government or other authority external to UNICEF any information that has not been made public and which has
become known to them by reason of their association with the United Nations. The consultant may not use such information without
the written authorization of UNICEF. Nor shall the consultant use such information for private advantage. These obligations do not
lapse upon cessation of service with UNICEF.
3.
TITLE RIGHTS
UNICEF shall be entitled to all property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights and trademarks, with regard to material
which bears a direct relation to, or is made in consequence of, the services provided to the Organization by the consultant. At the
request of UNICEF, the consultant shall assist in securing such property rights and transferring them to the Organization in compliance
with the requirements of the applicable law.
4.
TRAVEL
If consultants are required by UNICEF to travel beyond commuting distance from their usual place of residence, such travel at the
expense of UNICEF shall be governed by conditions equivalent to the relevant provisions of the 100 series of the United Nations Staff
Rules (Chapter VII) and relevant UNICEF policies and procedures. Travel by air by the most direct and economical route is the normal
mode for travel at the expense of UNICEF. Such travel will be by business class if the journey is nine hours or longer, and by economy
class if the journey is less than nine hours, and first class by rail.
5.
MEDICAL CLEARANCE
Consultants expected to work in any office of the Organization shall be required to submit a statement of good health prior to
commencement of work and to take full responsibility for the accuracy of that statement, including confirmation that they have been
fully informed regarding inoculations required for the country or countries to which travel is authorized.
6.
INSURANCE
Consultants are fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the period
of their services on behalf of UNICEF as they consider appropriate. Consultants are not eligible to participate in the life or health
insurance schemes available to United Nations staff members. The responsibility of the United Nations and UNICEF is limited solely to
the payment of compensation under the conditions described in paragraph 7 below.
7.
SERVICE INCURRED DEATH, INJURY OR ILLNESS
Consultants who are authorized to travel at UNICEF’s expense or who are required under the contract to perform their services in a
United Nations or UNICEF office, or their dependants as appropriate, shall be entitled in the event of death, injury or illness attributable
to the performance of services on behalf of UNICEF while in travel status or while working in an office of the Organization on official
UNICEF business to compensation equivalent to the compensation which, under Appendix D to the United Nations Staff Rules
(ST/SGB/Staff Rules/Appendix D/Rev.1 and Amend.1), would be payable to a staff member at step V of the First Officer (P-4) level of
the Professional category.
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TERMS OF REFERENCE (TORs)
8.
ARBITRATION
Any dispute arising out of or, in connexion with, this contract shall, if attempts at settlement by negotiation have failed, be submitted
to arbitration in New York by a single arbitrator agreed to by both parties. Should the parties be unable to agree on a single arbitrator
within thirty days of the request for arbitration, then each party shall proceed to appoint one arbitrator and the two arbitrators thus
appointed shall agree on a third. Failing such agreement, either party may request the appointment of the third arbitrator by the
President of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal. The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of
the dispute.
9.
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
This contract may be terminated by either party before the expiry date of the contract by giving notice in writing to the other party.
The period of notice shall be five days in the case of contracts for a total period of less than two months and fourteen days in the case
of contracts for a longer period; provided however that in the event of termination on the grounds of misconduct by the consultant,
UNICEF shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice.
In the event of the contract being terminated prior to its due expiry date in this way, the consultant shall be compensated on a pro
rata basis for no more than the actual amount of work performed to the satisfaction of UNICEF. Additional costs incurred by the United
Nations resulting from the termination of the contract by the consultant may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the
consultant from UNICEF.
10.
TAXATION
The United Nations and UNICEF undertake no liability for taxes, duty or other contribution payable by the consultant on payments
made under this contract. No statement of earnings will be issued by the United Nations or UNICEF to the consultant.
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