Specialist - Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) GAVI Transition

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

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

Required
Education Requirements

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

*Required
Experience Requirements*

• 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.