Request for Quote: Linked Immunisation Action Network (Technical Consultant – New Vaccine Introduction [NVI], MENA)

Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too. 

1.2. R4D Program Overview:

The Linked Immunisation Action Network (Linked) represents an integral component of Gavi’s strategic approach to engaging with middle-income countries (MICs) with the goal of preventing backsliding in vaccine coverage and driving the sustainable introduction of key missing vaccines. Linked designs and employs highly participatory and action-oriented collaborative learning approaches that bring together country practitioners, technical experts, and immunisation partners from former Gavi and select never Gavi MICs to identify common immunisation programme challenges and the transformative practices that will lead to greater resilience, equity, and sustainability. These approaches include in-person and virtual learning exchanges, in-person and virtual study tours, country institutional twinning, direct country-to-country linkages, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

Funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Linked is co-led by Curatio International Foundation (CIF), the Institute for Health Policy (IHP), and Results for Development (R4D), also referred to as the Network Facilitation Team. 

1.3. Purpose and Objective:

Results for Development (R4D) is looking for a technical advisor to the Linked Immunisation Action Network to support the sustainable introduction of critical vaccines, namely the PCV, HPV, and rotavirus vaccines as part of Gavi’s MICs strategy.

Top candidates to this consultancy will have:

·        Excellent English skills (native written and verbal fluency), with French and/or Arabic

·        Experience and expertise in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region

·        15+ years of experience working in immunisation programme strengthening, specifically in new vaccine introduction and the HPV vaccine

·        Significant experience in collaborative or peer-to-peer learning, or event facilitation

·        Excellent communication skills

·        Ability to work well individually and in a team, including working with teams based remotely across time zones

·        Experience being a mentor and coaching/accompaniment experience

·        Leadership and management skills

·        Analytical thinking skills

·        Problem solving skills

·        Flexibility and adaptability

·        Preferred: the ability to travel to 1-2 in-person engagements of 2-4 days each (Q2 2025, location TBD)

The consultant will not be providing direct technical assistance; the consultant will be directly supporting the Network Facilitation Team. There may be relationship management with individual countries as requested, as well as collaboration with regional partners including WHO and UNICEF.

1.4. The Opportunity

The consultant will draw on deep experience and expertise in new vaccine introduction to support the Network Facilitation Team by:

·        Participating in virtual discussions with the Linked Network Facilitation Team and Gavi to discuss critical barriers and priority challenges to introduction of the three critical vaccines in the MENA region;

·        Participating in virtual discussions with priority country stakeholders to discuss critical barriers and priority challenges to introduction of the three critical vaccines in the MENA region;

·        Supporting the development of a learning agenda for the NVI objective;

·        Identifying focus areas for learning engagements that address critical barriers and priority challenges related to new vaccine introduction in the MENA region;

·        Reviewing concept notes for learning engagements and support the development of technical content, such as technical guidance/standards, case studies for presentation, templates for country presentations and posters, guidance for facilitators, etc.;

·        Identifying and coordinating with potential speakers or thought partners that could contribute to the network;

·        Advising the Network Facilitation Team on relevant global and country vaccine introduction and immunisation programme trends, sharing relevant research, best practices, or other materials or tools;

·        Curating country experiences and technical expertise to share practical “how-to” implementation knowledge on promising approaches to address critical barriers and priority challenges;

·        Facilitating one in-person learning exchange alongside the Network Facilitation Team; drawing on country experiences and expertise to guide discussions and draw out learnings;

·        Serving as the “go-to” technical expert for the Network Facilitation Team as they support MENA countries to implement action plans which facilitate the translation of network learnings to action within countries; and

·        Reviewing resources which synthesize learnings from Linked engagements.

The consultant will report to R4D.  The period of performance will be 1 February 2024 to 31 December 2025, with the possibility to extend into 2026. The expected commitment will be up to 20 working days.

2.    General Information

2.1. Proprietary Information

All information contained in this RFQ is proprietary. It is for the sole use of the Offeror in connection with bid response preparation and is not to be used by Offeror for any other purpose or revealed or disclosed in any manner to any other individuals and/or company without specific written permission from R4D.

2.2. Procurement Protocol

R4D reserves the right to make all decisions regarding this RFQ, including the right to reject any and all proposals received in response to this RFQ. Offeror understands that the issuance of this RFQ does not create any obligation on the part of R4D to enter into any contract or to undertake any other obligation with respect to the requirements referred to herein.

2.3. Addendum

In the event that any modification to this RFQ becomes necessary, Offeror will be notified via email.

2.4 Notification of Supplier Selection

Offerors will be notified via email of the results of the selection process.

2.5. RFQ Response Preparation Cost

All costs incurred by Offeror in the preparation of its response to this RFQ, and any oral presentations requested, shall be wholly absorbed by the Offeror.

2.6. Confidentiality/Proprietary Information

Materials submitted by Offeror in response to the RFQ that are considered confidential/proprietary must be clearly marked as such at the time of submission.

2.7. Contract Terms and Conditions

Engagement with selected Offeror will be based on R4D’s standard terms and conditions. It shall constitute the written agreement between Offeror and R4D and shall not be binding until fully executed and delivered by both parties.

2.8. No Publicity

No publicity or news release pertaining to this RFQ, responses to this RFQ, or the award of any contract related to this bid document may be released without R4D’s prior written approval.

2.9. Accuracy of Information

This RFQ and other bid documents furnished by R4D may include errors, omissions, or deficiencies and the accuracy and completeness of such documents is not guaranteed. In the event of such errors, omissions, or deficiencies are discovered by Offeror, it shall promptly notify R4D in writing. Corrected information will be provided to all Offerors.

2.10. Alternative Solutions

Offeror(s) who wish to submit an alternative proposal in addition to the requested RFQ response are invited to do so. Alternative solutions must be clearly marked as such and state whether they are exclusive or inclusive of the requested RFQ requirements.

2.11. Third Party Services/Products

Offeror must clearly identify any third-party product(s) or service(s) that is a part of its RFQ response.

2.12. Offeror’s Response

A clear and complete response must be provided for each element of the RFQ. Any response which deviates from the stated requirements must be noted and underlined.

3.    Communications Regarding this RFQ

3.1. Quote Submission and Notification

Offerors must submit a quote with supporting documentation no later than 17 January 2025. Notification shall be sent via email to: ckeating@r4d.org with copy to eohadi@r4d.org.

Notification must include the name, address, email address, phone number for the Offeror’s contact person who should receive answers to questions and RFQ revisions and updates.

It is our intent that the process be expeditious, concise, and straightforward. If, at any time during the process Offeror should elect to discontinue pursuit of this opportunity, you are requested to notify us via email to the addresses above.

3.2. Contractual Obligations

Offeror’s response to this RFQ, in the whole, in part or by reference, may be incorporated into any resulting contractual agreement at the sole discretion of R4D to ensure that all representations made by the Offeror are legally binding.

4.    Evaluation Process and Schedule

4.1. Schedule of Activities

Activity

Completion Date

Issue RFQ

18 December 2024

RFQ Response Due

17 January 2025

Evaluation of Responses

20-22 January 2025

Award Contract

22-24 January 2025

Contract Start-up/Implementation

27-31 January 2025

4.2. Evaluation Criteria

Offeror responses to this RFQ may be evaluated on criteria such as, but not limited to, the following:

Evaluation Criteria

Professional Experience and Stability

Pricing/Cost

Customer References

Sample work products

5.    Quote Submission Materials

R4D will be aggressive and comprehensive in our deliverable and service demands. It is incumbent upon the Offeror to provide measurable, accurate, and reliable answers based upon our predefined evaluation criteria. We will rely on the quality of your answers. A forthright approach will serve all parties best. To this end, you should note responses may be incorporated within the eventual contract with the selected Offeror, at the discretion of R4D.

A clear, definitive response to each element of the RFQ must be included in the Offeror’s proposal. Any exceptions must be noted, typed in all caps and underlined. Failure to address any stated requirements/specifications may disqualify your proposal from further consideration.

Quote submission materials should be concise and contain the following sections:

·        A CV and cover letter which describes the consultant’s relevant experience and qualifications

·        The consultant’s proposed rate with documentation to substantiate that rate

·        2 references

·        A sample work product in which the consultant led a majority or all of the development

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