VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

E-Zone HRM Limited is a management consulting group providing one-stop solutions to clients who seek improved and sustainable profitability through the effective use of their people and resources. We specialize in delivering innovative and value added services that promote revenue growth and cost containment.
E-Zone HRM Limited has a formal agreement with one of the United Nations Agency to provide outsourcing services under a third party contract.
E-Zone HRM Limited is now accepting applications from Bangladeshi Nationals for the following vacancies under third party outsourcing contract modality.

Cold Chain Management Officer, WIC (Districts) (GS7)

Duty Station:  Partner/IP Office (EPI-HQ, Mohakhali)
Contract Duration:  12 Months
Number of Vacancies: 01
Contract Type: Contract with E-Zone.
Contract Start Date:  Immediate
Reporting to: Health Officer (eEPI)

A. Purpose

The consultant will perform the specific tasks, especially cold chain management, operation, and maintenance (both preventive and corrective) of cold chain equipment (active and passive equipment such as WIC, WIF, Genset, ILR, Freezer, Cold Box, and Vaccine Carrier). Also, provide technical support on-job, workshops, and institutional capacity building of the Sub-Assistant Engineers, Cold Chain Technicians, and Medical Technologist EPI, in collaboration with DGHS, MOHFW, and other partners on the Cold Chain Management, EVM improvement plan, and CCEOP, which also needs continuous coordination between national and sub-national level Cold Chain Engineers and CCT, including the UNICEF’s health section. These works are beyond the scope of the regular work of the staff member.

B. Background

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has an extensive and robust network of EPI Cold Chain Equipment spanning across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, with an impressive 53 districts equipped with a total of 86 state-of-the-art Walk-in-Cold Rooms (WICRs). Furthermore, the MOH's EPI Central Store is equipped with 38 operational WICRs located at Mohakhali. This comprehensive infrastructure has played a pivotal role in supporting the Government of Bangladesh's efforts to execute the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP), during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to this infrastructure, Bangladesh successfully achieved its vaccination targets and conducted effective immunization campaigns.
In collaboration with the UNICEF Supply Division, EPI installed an additional 12 walk-in cold Rooms (WICRs) and 58 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers (ULTFs) nationwide in 2020. While this expansion has been instrumental in enhancing the capacity, it has also introduced a new challenge - the maintenance of these critical assets. Regrettably, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) currently faces a shortage of the essential human resources required to ensure the maintenance of this equipment.

Among the 74 Cold Chain Technician positions, a substantial 38 vacancies have arisen across various districts. Additionally, critical positions, such as Senior Cold Chain Engineers and two Sub-Assistant Engineers at the central level, remain unfilled. This personnel gap has inevitably hampered EPI’s ability to conduct effective maintenance at both the central and district levels, posing a significant operational challenge.

Compounding this situation is the upcoming introduction of new vaccines, including HPV, JE, and TCV. The assessment, repair, and maintenance of Cold Chain Equipment at all levels have become important tasks. However, due to the shortage of in-house skilled manpower, the MOH finds itself in need of external technical assistance to ensure the continued reliability and functionality of this vital infrastructure.

C. Objectives and Expected Results

The objective of hiring this Officer is to provide technical support to DGHS for Cold Chain management, operation, and maintenance of Walk-in-Cold rooms (WICR), Walk-in-Freezer rooms (WIFR), ILRs, Deep freezers, Voltage regulators, Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices (RTMD) installed throughout the entire country for the EPI program.

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support to DGHS on the timely implementation of the EVM improvement plan, capacity building of the EPI personnel, CCE study, temperature mapping exercises for cold rooms, and assessment of the solarization of facilities. This consultancy will greatly contribute to leveraging UNICEF’s priority results through DGHS. Gavi acknowledged UNICEF’s contribution in each work stream and agreed to provide TA support in accordance with the approved CDS and HSS budget. This consultancy will greatly contribute to leveraging UNICEF’s priority results through DGHS.

D. Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The consultant will perform the specific tasks in collaboration with EPI, DGHS, and other partners on cold chain management, operation and maintenance of WICs, vaccine & logistics distribution and store maintenance, capacity building and budgeting, and implementation of Cold chain practices for routine immunization programs. The major assignments are:

  • Provide technical support to MoH in capacity building and implementation of routine vaccination programs, etc.

  • Provide support to DGHS on operation and maintenance of ILRs, cold and freezer room at the Central Level, and distribution of routine vaccine

  • Provide support in the operation and maintenance of WICs and associated Equipment at the District level and updating the cold chain inventories

  • Provide support to DGHS for vaccine & logistics distribution, stock maintenance, and regular updating of Cold Chain Equipment data in the central eVLMIS

  • Support in conducting temperature mapping exercises for cold rooms and freezer rooms to ensure optimal storage conditions.

  • Support the conduct of assessments of Cold Chain capacity and inventory gap analysis for both routine vaccinations and special campaigns.

  • Coordinate with UNICEF LTAs (Long-Term Agreements) for the maintenance of Cold rooms, Freezer rooms, and Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices (RTMD).

  • Participate in Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessments to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices.

  • Help expansion, renovation, and extension of Cold Chain points as needed.

  • Travel to districts, Upazila, and other sites to assess the solarization of facilities.

  • Provide any other Technical Assistance as requested by the EPI MOH.

E. Deliverables

  • Prepare detailed specifications for Cold rooms, Freezer rooms, Generators, Voltage Stabilizers, Ice-lined Refrigerators, Freezers, Cold boxes, Vaccine carriers, and Monitoring devices and coordinate with the Supply Section in procurement, installation, and commissioning.

  • Conduct Temperature Mapping exercises for Cold rooms and Freezer rooms to ensure optimal storage conditions.

  • Regularly update the Cold Chain Equipment Inventory to maintain accurate records of all equipment.

  • Provide support to conduct assessments of Cold Chain capacity and inventory gap analysis for both routine vaccinations and special campaigns.

  • Coordinate with UNICEF LTAs (Long-Term Agreements) for the maintenance of Cold rooms, Freezer rooms, and Remote Temperature Monitoring Devices (RTMD).

  • Facilitate research activities in collaboration with educational institutions pertaining to Cold Chain Equipment.

  • Deliver Cold chain training sessions for Mid-Level managers, EPI Engineers, Cold Chain Technicians, MT EPI, and other cold chain handlers.

  • Prepare training manuals and instruction booklets for newly introduced Cold chain Equipment.

  • Prepare cold chain proposals for the introduction of new vaccines, ensuring proper storage and distribution protocols, including Rota and OCVC.

  • Prepare applications for the Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Programme (CCEOP) to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Participate in Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessments to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices.

  • Help expansion, renovation, and extension of Cold Chain points as needed.

  • Travel to districts, Upazila, and other sites to assess the solarization of facilities.

  • By working as a Cold Chain Focal point on behalf of UNICEF in the forums as assigned by UNICEF

  • Provide any other Technical Assistance as requested by the EPI MOH. 

F. Payment

  • The consultant will get BDT 100,000 per month with DSA.

G. Administrative Issues

  • For payment by E-Zone on due time, the Supervisor will forward the certified attendance sheet and confirmation of receiving expected deliverables for the respective period.

  • Stationery and other office equipment will be borne by the community mobilizer

  • The contractor/consultant will be responsible for paying all taxes as per government rules

H. Qualification Requirement

  • Diploma or Trade course on Refrigeration from a recognized Institution.

  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in Cold Chain and Logistics management of EPI programs.

  • Hands-on working experience in Installation and maintenance of Cold chain Equipment (WIC, WIF, ILR, Freezer).

  • Previous working experiences with Cold Chain maintenance in the EPI DGHS, MOH will be an added advantage.

  • Sound knowledge of Social Protection, CRC, PSEA, child safeguarding, gender sensitivity, etc.

  • Good background and skills in facilitating training, workshops, coaching, and mentoring others.

  • Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

  • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and support unexpected tasks.

I. Language Requirement

  • Fluency in Bangla and good English communication skills are required.

This position is open for Bangladeshi Nationals only. All candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds can apply for the vacancies.

The UN Agency prides itself as fostering a multicultural and harmonious work environment, guaranteed by a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected consultants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Candidates with the required profile and proven experience, who meet these qualifications, are invited to submit their application in English clearly mentioning the Job Title along with a meaningful cover letter, updated CV, recent PP size photographby email to:

https://forms.gle/cEZ6m1RY5wFSFRLT7

Last Date of Application:  July 02 , 2024

No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated according to the merit and with strict confidentiality.