Consultant - Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group

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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy  

Supporting the operationalization of the transformed RITAG, establishing technical area subgroups and strengthening NITAG functionality across the Region require dedicated technical and operational experts. To support these areas of work, VDI/DPC would like to engage a short-term consultant to advance the implementation.

Background  

The Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG), formerly the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, is the principal independent technical advisory mechanism for vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization (VDI) in the WHO Western Pacific Region (WPR). Established in 1991, RITAG has provided strategic guidance to Member States on immunization policies, disease control, elimination and eradication initiatives, and the introduction of new and underutilized vaccines and has achieved many remarkable milestones.

Recognizing the increasingly complex immunization landscape and the growing need to strengthen National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs), National Immunization Programmes (NIPs), and Ministries of Health, in consultation with Member States and partners, VDI/DPC of WPRO has transformed RITAG into a network of NITAGs and equivalent national advisory bodies, which is a country-centered advisory system in the region. The transformed RITAG aims to strengthen regional collaboration, peer learning, evidence-based decision-making, and alignment between global recommendations and country needs while amplifying national perspectives in regional and global immunization discussions.

Well-functioning and sustainable NITAGs are essential to ensure effective technical support to NIPs and Ministries of Health. One critical weakness in the WPR is that only 19 countries and areas currently meet the WHO’s criteria for a functional NITAG that provides evidence-based recommendations to Ministries of Health, with gaps in governance, institutional maturity, evidence-based decision-making, and technical capacity. Similarly, the NITAG’s secretariat has limited capacity in many countries. Where NITAGs are weak, this limits NIPs' capacity to grow their programmes and make them more sustainable.  

Deliverables

Under the overall supervision of the VDI Coordinator and guidance of the Technical Officer - Immunization Agenda 2030, the consultant will provide the following deliverables in the Region.
Deliverables

Output 1:   Coordinate with Member States for the establishment and operationalization of the transformed RITAG, including technical area subgroups in the Region
Deliverable 1.1:  Writing draft technical documents for transforming RITAG. 
Review and analysis of nominations for RITAG Chair and Vice Chair for selection.
Drafting an annual work plan and meeting framework for RITAG along with the RITAG Chair and Vice Chair.
Deliverable 1.2:  Writing draft technical documents for technical area subgroups.
Review and analyze expressions of interest for the selection of experts for technical area subgroups.
Drafting a work plan and meeting framework for the subgroups.
Deliverable 1.3:  Work with RITAG structures in establishing a coordination and reporting mechanism between RITAG and technical area subgroups.
Work with RITAG and NITAGs to establish coordination and engagement mechanisms for their work.
Organize RITAG and technical area subgroups’ quarterly meetings/consultations.
Meet with experts to establish peer-learning and networking mechanisms and related activities.
Draft technical briefing notes.

Output 2: Strengthening NITAG functionality and capacity in priority countries in the Region.
Deliverable 2.1: Conduct situational analysis of NITAG functionality/maturity in the region, including conducting assessments using NMAT in priority countries. 
Identify gaps and priority areas for strengthening and develop a regional NITAG strengthening roadmap.
Deliverable 2.2:  Facilitate NITAG and its secretariats in strengthening governance, evidence review processes, and recommendation development through regular meetings.
Facilitate capacity-building activities and virtual learning sessions for NITAG and its secretariat.
Drafting a work plan and meeting framework for the subgroups.
Deliverable 1.3:  Work with RITAG structures in establishing a coordination and reporting mechanism between RITAG and technical area subgroups.
Work with RITAG and NITAGs to establish coordination and engagement mechanisms for their work.
Organize RITAG and technical area subgroups’ quarterly meetings/consultations.
Meet with experts to establish peer-learning and networking mechanisms and related activities.
Draft technical briefing notes.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:   

Essential: University degree in medicine, public health or other related life-science field/ programmes.
Desirable: Post-graduate studies or master’s degree in public health.

Experience 

Essential: Minimum of at least five (5) years in an immunization programme at international level.
Desirable: Managing advisory mechanisms such as NITAG in countries or similar advisory bodies or professional networks.

Skills/Knowledge: 

Essential: Must have strong, proven skills managing advisory mechanisms or networks.
Desirable: Professional knowledge in NITAG or TAG.

Languages and level required:

Proficient in written and spoken English is required (read-write-speak).

Location

On site:   WPRO, Manila, Philippines
The consultant is expected to work at the Regional Office in Manila, Philippines, with travel to countries.

Travel 

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: Payband level B, USD 7,000 (monthly) 
Expected duration of contract : 10 months, November 2026 to September 2027

Additional Information:

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