UNICEF 2026: Apply Now for National Consultant – Immunization M&E [10-Month Contract]. Exciting opportunity

If you are passionate about global health, child protection, and data-driven decision making, an exciting opportunity is now available at UNICEF. The organization is currently hiring a National Consultant – Immunization Programme Monitoring & Evaluation based in Abuja for a 10-month consultancy contract.

This role offers professionals in health data analytics, epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation, and public health a chance to contribute to strengthening immunization systems and improving the health outcomes of millions of children in Nigeria.

The consultant will support UNICEF’s immunization programmes by enhancing data systems, strengthening monitoring processes, and improving the ability of health systems to track vaccine coverage and respond to disease outbreaks effectively.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to promote and protect the rights of every child. Guided by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the organization partners with governments, communities, civil society groups, and families to ensure that children everywhere have access to health, education, protection, and opportunity.

Working at UNICEF means contributing to a global mission focused on saving lives, defending children’s rights, and helping them achieve their full potential. The organization provides professionals with meaningful career opportunities where innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact are central to the work being done.

In Nigeria, UNICEF runs one of its largest country programmes worldwide. Due to the country’s large population and development challenges, UNICEF plays a major role in supporting healthcare systems, nutrition programmes, education initiatives, and child protection efforts.

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The Immunization Challenge in Nigeria

Across Africa, millions of children remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Many of these children have never received even a single vaccine dose, leaving them exposed to serious illnesses.

Nigeria currently has the highest number of zero-dose and under-vaccinated children in Africa. As a result, the country frequently experiences outbreaks of diseases such as:

• Cholera
• Measles
• Polio
• DPT and Pentavalent vaccine-preventable diseases

To address these challenges, UNICEF collaborates closely with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other partners to strengthen the national immunization system. These efforts align with the global Immunization Agenda 2030, which aims to ensure that vaccines are accessible to every child regardless of where they live.

Through expanded vaccination campaigns, community outreach programmes, and stronger health data systems, the initiative aims to reach more than three million children across high-risk communities in Nigeria.

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Purpose of the Consultancy Role

The National Consultant – Immunization Programme Monitoring & Evaluation will provide technical leadership in strengthening routine immunization data systems across targeted local government areas.

The consultant will support the development of systems that allow health teams to track vaccination coverage, identify children who missed vaccines, and monitor disease outbreaks in real time. These improvements will be implemented using modern data analytics tools such as digital dashboards and monitoring systems.

By improving data quality and accessibility, the consultant will help health authorities and programme partners make informed decisions that improve vaccination coverage and reduce disease outbreaks.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will work under the supervision of UNICEF health specialists and collaborate with field offices, state health authorities, and monitoring teams.

1. Immunization Data Evidence Generation

The consultant will lead routine immunization data collection and analysis across 40 targeted Local Government Areas (LGAs) and outbreak-affected states.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing vaccination data systems
• Tracking immunization coverage and performance
• Collecting baseline data on children who missed vaccines
• Identifying key gaps in immunization services

2. Monitoring Health Facility Performance

Another key responsibility is developing and maintaining a comprehensive list of health facilities supported by UNICEF.

This work will ensure that:

• Routine immunization sessions are conducted regularly
• Outreach services reach underserved communities
• Health facilities maintain accurate data reporting systems

3. Real-Time Data Tracking Systems

The consultant will introduce digital tools to track routine immunization activities in real time.

These systems will support:

• Monitoring vaccination sessions across fixed and outreach services
• Tracking children who missed routine vaccinations
• Evaluating the performance of immunization campaigns

Monthly reports will be produced comparing planned and completed immunization sessions, allowing programme managers to quickly identify and address gaps.

4. Outbreak Data Analysis

The consultant will also analyze data related to disease outbreaks and support vaccination response strategies.

Key tasks include:

• Reviewing surveillance data during outbreaks
• Identifying high-risk communities
• Supporting immunization campaigns in response to emergencies

These efforts will help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen the national health response.

5. Capacity Building and Training

An important part of the consultancy will involve building the capacity of monitoring and evaluation teams at the state and local government levels.

The consultant will organize training sessions covering:

• Data management techniques
• Data quality improvement practices
• Monitoring and reporting systems for immunization programmes

Strengthening local expertise will ensure that improved data systems remain sustainable beyond the consultancy period.

Expected Deliverables

During the consultancy assignment, the consultant will be responsible for delivering several key outputs, including:

• A baseline analysis report on immunization coverage across 40 LGAs
• An updated database of UNICEF-supported health facilities
• Functional digital dashboards for real-time immunization data tracking
• Monthly monitoring reports on planned versus conducted immunization sessions
• Analytical reports on outbreak response data
• Orientation and training sessions for monitoring teams

These deliverables will directly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s immunization systems and improving vaccination coverage among vulnerable children.

Required Qualifications

Candidates interested in this role should have strong expertise in public health data systems and monitoring frameworks.

Education

Applicants must hold an advanced university degree in fields such as:

• Social Sciences
• Demography
• Computer Science
• Statistics
• Epidemiology
• Geographic Information Systems
• Health Education
• Or a related discipline

Professional Experience

Applicants must have at least eight years of relevant professional experience, including field experience in Nigeria.

Additional experience requirements include:

• Experience in large-scale data management and analytics
• Practical experience with data visualization tools and monitoring dashboards
• Familiarity with digital data collection systems
• Experience managing large and decentralized teams

Key Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
• High motivation and commitment to delivering results under strict timelines

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required for this role. Knowledge of major Nigerian local languages or another UN language is considered an advantage.

UNICEF Values and Competencies

Working with UNICEF requires alignment with the organization’s core values, known as CRITAS:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

Professionals in this role are expected to demonstrate competencies such as building partnerships, strategic thinking, collaboration, and the ability to deliver results that create measurable impact.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding

UNICEF is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. The organization encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of gender, nationality, disability, ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic status.

UNICEF also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, including discrimination, harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will undergo thorough background and reference checks.

Important Application Details

• Position: National Consultant – Immunization Programme Monitoring & Evaluation
• Organization: UNICEF
• Location: Abuja
• Contract Type: Consultancy
• Duration: 10 Months
• Application Deadline: 23 March 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This consultancy role provides a unique chance to contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s immunization systems and protecting millions of children from preventable diseases. By improving data systems, tracking vaccination coverage, and supporting outbreak responses, the consultant will help ensure that every child has access to life-saving vaccines and a healthier future.

For professionals passionate about public health, data analytics, and international development, this opportunity represents a meaningful chance to make a lasting impact.