Consultant_Technical Assistance for Nepal’s Application for Preventive Oral Cholera Vaccine Application and Planning

IFRC opened a position of consultant to provide Technical Assistance for Nepal’s Application for the Preventive Oral Cholera Vaccine Application and Planning

Interested candidates should submit their application material (as mentioned in ToR) by Monday, 26 May 2025, to the following e-mail: aliza.baidya@ifrc.org

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Technical Assistance for Nepal’s Application for Preventive Oral Cholera Vaccine Application and Planning

Background and Context:

Nepal is a cholera-endemic country with the potential for large-scale outbreaks, with periodic surges linked to seasonal and environmental factors. Several factors contribute to the persistent risk of cholera, including poor sanitation systems, contaminated drinking water, inadequate hygiene practices, rapid and unplanned urbanization, and a porous border which facilitates the cross-border transmission of infectious diseases.

The country has experienced recurrent outbreaks, including significant ones in Kathmandu Valley and other high-density areas, underscoring the persistent public health threat posed by cholera. Surveillance data indicate that these outbreaks disproportionately affect communities with poor access to clean water and sanitation, exacerbating health inequities.

The Government of Nepal has committed to cholera elimination in line with the Global Roadmap to End Cholera by 2030 with the development of the National Cholera Plan. The introduction of preventive Oral Cholera Vaccine (pOCV) in high-risk areas is a strategic priority to complement ongoing cholera control efforts as outlined in the National Cholera Plan.

With Gavi's support, technical assistance (TA) will be delivered by the Country Support Platform (CSP), hosted at the IFRC, to support Nepal’s preparation and submission of a preventive OCV application. 

Objectives of the TA:

The TA aims to:

• Provide technical support for developing and submitting a high-quality Gavi application for pOCV introduction.
• Support in prioritising Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs) targeted for preventive OCV campaigns. 
• Strengthen multisectoral coordination mechanisms and build capacity for preventive OCV campaigns.
• Ensure the application aligns with Nepal’s multi-sectoral cholera elimination strategy and broader health priorities.

Methodology/ Approach

The TA will follow a structured, multi-phase approach, including series of consultations and meetings with relevant stakeholders, desk reviews and analysis, facilitations, validation consensus and workshops. 

Expected Outcomes

• A comprehensive report of PAMIs targeting high-risk areas for preventive OCV campaigns (OCV prioritization) and validated by Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD).
• A validated preventive OCV dossier – Multi-Year Plan of Action (MYPoA), workplan and budget - aligned with Nepal’s cholera elimination goals in close collaboration with EDCD and  Family Welfare Division (FWD).
• Stronger collaboration and ownership within the government and strengthened coordination between relevant stakeholders.
• A high-quality application submitted to Gavi, laying the foundation for preventive OCV rollout in Nepal.

Oversight and coordination

This TA will be conducted under the leadership of the Department of Health Services, with the EDCD as the focal department and FWD as the technical lead. The CSP will ensure alignment with national priorities, coordinate with WHO and partners, and report regularly to the national steering committee.

Chronogram

Application procedures

The interested individual consultant should submit their expression of interest to the following email: aliza.baidya@ifrc.org, by 26 May 2025.

Applicant must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including at least three referees’ details
• Cover letter summarizing your experience as mentioned in ToR. 
• Financial proposal with a cost breakdown including all applicable VAT/tax. 
•  VAT or PAN Registration Card
• Health and accident insurance policies will be required at the time of appointment.