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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy

The WHO Office for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Marshall Islands (MHL) and Republic of Palau (PLW) seeks to engage a highly experienced international immunization specialist to provide strategic and technical assistance to the National Immunization Programmes of FSM, MHL and PLW.

This short-term consultancy (STC) will focus on immunization systems strengthening – encompassing national immunization strategy development, supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), outbreak response, Vaccine-preventable Diseases (VPD) and adverse event following immunization (AEFI) surveillance enhancement, guideline reviews, and measles rubella elimination efforts. Particular emphasis will be placed on strengthening hospital‑based active surveillance, reaching unreached target groups, and reducing inequities in vaccination coverage.

The nine-month duration reflects the scope and urgency of parallel priorities, including persistent subnational coverage gaps, a confirmed pertussis outbreak in Pohnpei, and the need to heighten measles preparedness, prevention and response capacities in light of increased transmission in the United States and ongoing regional elimination targets.

Background  

The WHO Office for FSM, MHL and PLW provides continuous technical support to the three countries for VPDs and immunization programmes. While the countries have sustained polio-free status, eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, and successfully managed past measles outbreaks, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption. Routine immunization coverage declined, and VPD surveillance performance became suboptimal.

Recent recovery efforts – including catch up campaigns, Immunization in Practice training, and policy reviews – have improved coverage, yet 2024–2025 data show persistent subnational inequities, particularly for MCV1 and MCV2 in outer islands. Reaching unreached populations remains a priority, and several large scale SIAs are planned or under consideration for 2026.

In early 2026, a pertussis outbreak was declared in Pohnpei State, FSM, underscoring gaps in infant vaccination timeliness and waning immunity. The outbreak has stretched local response capacities and highlighted the need for strengthened outbreak investigation, case management, and contact vaccination.

Simultaneously, the Pacific region is pursuing verification of measles and rubella elimination by 2025–2026. Importation risk remains high, exacerbated by large measles outbreaks in the United States and other travel linked countries. FSM, RMI, and Palau must urgently reinforce measles outbreak preparedness, rapid response mechanisms, and population immunity.

The recent activities advanced these agendas:

• Finalized and facilitated endorsement of the FSM National Immunization Strategy.
• Development of 2026 catch up campaign micro plan.
• Regularized surveillance performance review meetings with national and state surveillance officers.
• Development of measles-rubella outbreak preparedness and response plans.

Building on this momentum, the current nine-month assignment will deepen systems strengthening, expand support to RMI and PLW, respond actively to the pertussis outbreak, accelerate measles preparedness, and embed practical digital health solutions into routine immunization and surveillance workflows.

Deliverables

The consultant will be based in Pohnpei, FSM, with travel to RMI and PLW as required. S/he will work under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative for FSM, MHL and PLW, and the technical direction of the Technical Officer – VDI (Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization), WHO Country Office for FSM, MHL and PLW.

The consultant will collaborate closely with national EPI managers, surveillance officers, health information system units, and development partners. A blended approach combining strategic guidance, hands on outbreak response, technical support, capacity building, and systems strengthening will be applied.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

100% – Immunization systems strengthening, outbreak response, VPD surveillance (including hospital-based active surveillance), SIAs, policy and guideline development.

Output/s

Output 1: Strengthened National Immunization Systems, Policies and Delivery

Deliverable 1.1: National Immunization Strategy (NIS) finalization and operationalization

• Provide technical support to complete and endorse NIS documents for MHL and PLW, building on the FSM model.
• Support development of costed operational plans and monitoring frameworks aligned with Immunization Agenda 2030 and regional elimination goals.
• Facilitate national EPI technical working group meetings and document action points.

Deliverable 1.2: Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) and catch-up campaigns

• Support design, micro planning, implementation, and monitoring of measles rubella, pertussis containing vaccine, and other catch-up campaigns in FSM, RMI, and Palau.
• Conduct pre-SIA readiness assessments, intra campaign monitoring, and post campaign coverage surveys.
  Document lessons learned and recommend improvements for future campaigns.

Deliverable 1.3: Immunization guideline and policy review

• Review and update national immunization guidelines, including those for new vaccine introduction, AEFI management, and outbreak response.
• Support immunity gap analyses for measles, rubella, and pertussis; develop targeted strategies to close identified gaps.

Deliverable 1.4: Immunization data quality and use

• Strengthen routine data verification, analysis, and feedback mechanisms at national and subnational levels.
• Train EPI staff on data quality audits, coverage monitoring, and equity assessment to identify and reach zero dose and under immunized communities.

Output 2: Enhanced VPD and AEFI Surveillance Systems

Deliverable 2.1: VPD surveillance strengthening

• Revitalize and institutionalise monthly surveillance performance review meetings with national and state surveillance officers.
• Strengthen hospital‑based active surveillance systems to ensure timely detection, investigation and reporting of VPD cases (acute flaccid paralysis, measles, rubella, pertussis, neonatal tetanus).
• Update measles-rubella outbreak preparedness and response plans for all three countries, ensuring alignment with regional elimination verification requirements.

Deliverable 2.2: Pertussis outbreak response and control

• Provide direct technical support to the Pohnpei pertussis outbreak response: case investigation, contact tracing, chemoprophylaxis, and targeted vaccination activities.
• Conduct rapid risk assessments and guide expansion of response to other affected states or countries.
• Document outbreak epidemiology and response outcomes; recommend system improvements to prevent future outbreaks.

Deliverable 2.3: AEFI surveillance system improvement

• Develop or finalise national AEFI guidelines, including case definitions, standardised reporting forms, and investigation protocols.
• Conduct training for health workers on AEFI detection, reporting, and causality assessment.
• Monitor AEFI surveillance implementation and provide feedback for corrective action.

Deliverable 2.4: Surveillance data management and reporting

• Enhance the use of standardised indicators and reporting tools.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments and provide onsite mentoring.
• Support the adoption and utilisation of relevant surveillance data systems to ensure timely reporting and use of VPD and AEFI data.

Output 3: Measles Preparedness, Prevention and Response

Deliverable 3.1: Measles outbreak readiness assessment

• Conduct a multi country assessment of measles immunity gaps, cold chain capacity, surveillance sensitivity, and rapid response team readiness.
• Identify specific vulnerabilities in light of increased importation risk from the United States and other regions.

Deliverable 3.2: Strengthening measles outbreak response plans

• Revise and test national measles outbreak response plans through simulation exercises or tabletop drills.
• Inculcate into the plans clear triggers, roles, budgets and communication strategies, with a view to measles‑rubella elimination and verification by 2026/2027.

Deliverable 3.3: Capacity building for measles case investigation and response

• Train surveillance officers and rapid response teams on measles case investigation, specimen collection, shipment and outbreak control measures.
• Conduct supportive supervision visits to high-risk areas.

Deliverable 3.4: Risk communication and community engagement

• Support development of targeted information, education and communication (IEC) materials to address vaccine hesitancy and improve demand for measles containing vaccines.

Output 4: Reporting and Knowledge Transfer

Deliverable 4.1: Monthly progress reports submitted to the WHO Representative and Technical Officer – VDI, summarizing:

• Activities undertaken and outputs achieved.
• Outbreak response updates and SIA progress.
• Challenges encountered and mitigation measures.
• Next steps and support required.
• A dedicated section on possible digital health integration progress in immunization.

Deliverable 4.2: End of mission report providing:

• A comprehensive overview of all activities across the three countries.
• Analysis of progress against objectives.
• Clear, actionable recommendations for sustaining gains.
• A forward-looking transition plan for national ownership of both VDI and digital health initiatives emanating from gaps in immunization and VPD activities.
  
   

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:  

Essential: Postgraduate degree in public health, nursing, medicine, epidemiology, or a related field from a recognized university.

Desirable: Formal training in Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

Work Experience:

Essential:

• At least seven years of relevant experience in immunization programmes and VPD surveillance at country level.
• Demonstrated experience in national immunization strategy development, SIAs, and AEFI and HBAS system strengthening.
• Proven ability to conduct data analysis, produce high quality technical reports, and translate evidence into policy and practice.

Desirable:

• Working experience with WHO or UNICEF country offices.
• Experience in Pacific Island countries or small island developing states.
• Practical experience in outbreak response (pertussis, measles).

Skills/Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of immunization systems, VPD surveillance, and measles rubella elimination strategies.
• Familiarity with WHO and GAVI standards, EPI review methodologies, and immunization data quality assurance.
• Proficiency in at least one data management, analysis, and visualization software (Excel, DHIS2, Power BI or Tableau).
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver capacity building activities for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work harmoniously in multicultural teams.
• Motivated, highly organised, and able to think critically with minimal supervision.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English (Read/Write/Speak)

Location

On site: WHO Office, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: Payband level B – USD 8,000 – USD 9,000 (monthly)

Expected duration of contract: 9 months, March to December 2026 

Additional Information:

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