TERMS OF REFERENCE
Review the GAVI 6.0 guidelines alongside the NIS 2026–2030 and EVM assessment recommendations to ensure alignment with national priorities. Coordinate closely with the Immunization Department and the Director General of Partnership to clarify the Ministry of Health’s financial allocation to the immunization program for 2026–2030. Based on this, analyze critical funding gaps and develop recommendations on how to leverage available resources to effectively scale up immunization activities. Review the TCA and HSS investments since January 2026, to identify the unfunded activities that are recommended in NIS 2026-2030. Finally, provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in developing a comprehensive GAVI 6.0 consolidated cash grant proposal.
Background
GAVI has collaborated with the Government of Timor-Leste since 2012, supporting the country through the provision of new vaccines and financial assistance. To date, five vaccines have been introduced in Timor-Leste with GAVI support: Pentavalent, IPV, Rotavirus, and PCV, with HPV introduction in the second quarter of 2024.
GAVI has provided financial support to Timor-Leste through three types of grants: Health System Strengthening (HSS), Transition Grants, and Post-Transition Grants.
- The Health System Strengthening (HSS) grant amounted to USD 2,998,647.00. The unspent balance of US$ 844,028.00, initially allocated to the Ministry of Health, was subsequently reallocated to the Transition Grant and later to the Post-Transition Grant.
- GAVI allocated US$ 1,168,620.00 under the Transition Grant, which was fully utilized.
- The total approved Post-Transition Grant amounts to US$ 8,302,516.48.
Post-Transition Support
The Post-Transition Grant focuses on the following key areas:
In 2026, GAVI support will continue through CFS and TCA to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in overall vaccine management, surveillance, data management, cold chain systems, and health promotion activities. The Health System Strengthening (HSS) component will support the continuation of critical immunization activities from January 2026 to June 2027, following the conclusion of support previously provided through the Post-Transition Grant up to December 2025. In addition to GAVI core alliance partners, one CSO is included in line with GAVI guidelines with allocation of 10% of total funds.
Timor-Leste will develop and submit a consolidated cash grant proposal by the fourth quarter of 2026 for IRC review and feedback. The final proposal is expected to be submitted to the GAVI Board by December 2026. This process is essential to ensure the uninterrupted implementation and scaling up of immunization activities.
Scope of Work
- In-depth review of the existing immunization reports such as annual EPI review reports, eJRF, cold chain and inventory
- Desk review GAVI 6.0 guidelines and templates
- Analyze the HSS and TCA implementation status; January 2026-June 2027
- Technical support to national immunization department to analyze the key recommendations from National Immunization Strategy 2026-2030 and Effective vaccine Management, to be incorporated into the consolidate cash grant
- Bilateral meeting with Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO and key stakeholders to analyze the critical gaps in immunization services, community engagement and supply chain
- Technical assistance to Ministry of Health to ascertain MoH contributions on vaccines co-financing
- Recommendation to leverage available resources to enhance immunization activities at scale
- Develop a consolidated cash grant proposal for 3.5 years; July 2026-December 2030 with available GAVI resources, US$ 3.5 million
- Assist MoH to submit the proposal by November 2026
- Incorporate IRC feedback and submit the final proposal by December 2026 / January 2027
Education
Advanced degree in Public Health
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills
Knowledge on development of immunization proposal, health financing, new vaccine introduction and cold chain system.
Desirables
Portuguese Language
For every Child, you demonstrate Integrity
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- A detailed technical proposal
Past GAVI Proposal(s)
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.