International Individual Consultancy to conduct causality analysis of sub-optimal immunization coverage in Montenegro and support MoH with strategic planning

International Individual Consultancy to conduct causality analysis of sub-optimal immunization coverage in Montenegro and support MoH with strategic planning UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund Podgorica International Consultant - Contractors Agreement level Speaks English, Montenegrin, Montenegrin Application deadline: March 24, 2026 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool UNICEF is seeking an International Individual Consultant to conduct a causality analysis of sub-optimal immunization coverage in Montenegro and support the Ministry of Health with strategic planning. The consultant will update the 2020 Root Cause Analysis (RCA) by identifying bottlenecks and developing targeted action plans to improve immunization coverage. This role involves desk reviews, interviews, focus group discussions, and workshops at both local and national levels. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Early Childhood Development Officer and produce deliverables in English or local language. Candidate Requirements: Master's degree in Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field Minimum 8 years of public health experience Expertise in root cause/bottleneck analysis in immunization Experience in developing strategic documents and action plans Working experience in Europe & Central Asia, Montenegro preferred Experience in designing and facilitating workshops Excellent writing and presentation skills Knowledge of English or Montenegrin language UNICEF is looking for an International Individual Consultancy to conduct causality analysis of sub-optimal immunization coverage in Montenegro and support MoH with strategic planning.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from diverse populations, including but not limited to people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up. For every child, the best start to life. Immunization remains a key public health priority in Montenegro; however, coverage rates have declined in recent years, particularly for the first dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR1). A Root Cause Analysis (RCA) conducted in 2020 identified systemic bottlenecks, including service delivery gaps and vaccine hesitancy. Following the analysis, a number of initiatives were implemented to address these challenges and strengthen the immunization system. These efforts have been consolidated and further advanced through the Programme of Measures for Immunization 2026–2028, which aims to improve coverage, equity, and public confidence in vaccination. How can you make a difference? This consultancy will help to update the 2020 RCA by reviewing critical bottlenecks and root causes of low routine immunization coverage at subnational level in Montenegro and develop ing updated targeted action plans (including system-specific fixes), to increase and maintain high immunization coverage to protect children from vaccine preventable diseases . The plans should also feed into the implementation of the National Programme of Measures for Immunization 2026-2028. The assignment will include a combination of desk review, interviews and focus group discussions at local and national level, as well as workshops at subnational and national level to identify and discuss main bottlenecks/root cause analysis of low immunization coverage at subnational level from both supply and demand and consolidate at national level . To implement this task, UNICEF Montenegro seeks to identify a n inter national consultant that should work under the supervision of the Early Childhood Development Officer and to carry out t he specific tasks described in detail in the Work Assignment Overview section below. All deliverables should be produced in either local or English language and UNICEF will ensure translation when and where required . Work Assignments Overview Tasks/Milestone Deliverables/Outputs Timeline Develop inception report based on review of National Programme of Measures, previous RCA and other relevant documents Inception report with desk review of relevant immunization related documents and timeline of field mission 8 May 2026 Conduct root cause analysis in 3 low-performing municipalities or Montenegro as selected in consultation with MoH Reports on Root cause analysis in 3 selected low-performing  municipalities or Montenegro 29 May 2026 Develop costed action plan to improve routine immunization coverage in three selected municipalities, reviewed and cleared by UNICEF and MoH Costed action plans to improve routine immunization coverage  in three selected municipalities 5 June 2026 Facilitate two day workshop for remaining 15 municipalities to develop costed plans Two day workshop for remaining municipalities to develop costed plans 19 June 2026 Develop final report Final report with  recommendations for both local and national level to improve routine immunization coverage 23 June 2026 To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… Minimum requirements: Education: Master's degree in Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology or Health Management and Administration. Also, Economics, Legal studies, Social sciences, or related relevant sciences. Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in the area of public health Proven expertise in undertaking root cause/bottleneck analysis in the area of immunization Proven experience in development of strategic documents, action/operational plans in the area of immunization Working experience in the Europe & Central Asia region required, experience in Montenegro an advantage Experience in designing and facilita