Request for Consultant - Build Capacity Assessment for Vaccine Production and Clinical Research at the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC)

The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) is a strategic government effort established by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda in October 2023.

Operating under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, PVAC aims to unlock billions of dollars in new investment into Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Request for Consultant - Build Capacity Assessment for Vaccine Production and Clinical Research

Location: Nigeria
Duration of the Assignment: 20 working days (May - June 2025)

Background

• Nigeria faces a significant burden from both communicable and non-communicable diseases, which strains the healthcare system and hinders economic development. Despite ongoing efforts to address these challenges, the country remains heavily reliant on imports for essential health commodities. This dependency leads to high costs, supply chain vulnerabilities, and inconsistent availability of critical healthcare products.
• Strengthening local capacity and optimizing supply chain management is essential to improving the accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of healthcare products. This is key to advancing public health.
• Market shaping strategies have proven successful in other health sectors by leveraging economies of scale, improving quality control, and enhancing distribution efficiency. Adopting this model for manufacturing and distributing essential health commodities could reduce costs, improve product consistency, and ensure more reliable supply chains.
• However, transitioning from an import-dependent system to one with a robust local production capacity and an efficient pooled procurement system is a complex process. It requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses manufacturing capabilities, quality assurance mechanisms, supply chain optimization, workforce capacity building, and supportive policy frameworks.
• The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), with support from the World Bank IMPACT, embarked on a project called:“Enhancing Local Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management for Health Commodities and Supplies in Nigeria.”
• The aim of this project is to address these challenges through a phased approach that balances short-term and long-term objectives.
• The strategies for addressing these challenges will include developing and laying the groundwork for local manufacturing of malaria commodities (including ACTs, RDTs, APIs and LLINs), including enhancing production capacity, ensuring compliance with international quality standards, and fostering workforce development.
• At the same time, the project will focus on optimizing the pooled procurement of imported malaria commodities to improve cost-effectiveness and distribution efficiency.
• Over the medium to long term, these interventions will strengthen the entire health commodities value chain, create opportunities for economic growth, and support Nigeria's self-sufficiency in critical healthcare products.
• This comprehensive approach seeks to improve Nigeria's healthcare supply systems' efficiency and resilience while unlocking new economic opportunities within the country's health sector. The project duration is 1 year.

Objectives

• The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical and strategic support for strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for local vaccine production and clinical research, with a focus on malaria vaccines.
• This involves assessing existing manufacturing capabilities, identifying gaps, facilitating technology transfer, and supporting regulatory approvals for vaccine development.
• The consultant/consulting firm will coordinate partnerships with regional and international vaccine research institutions, oversee clinical trial site development, and advocate for policy reforms to enhance local vaccine production.
• Additionally, the consultancy will support Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities to track project progress, assess regulatory compliance, and ensure that locally produced vaccines contribute to malaria control and overall health security in Nigeria.

Scope of Work
The consultant/consulting firm is expected to:

• Develop a status update on in-country capacity for vaccine production by different vaccine types – LAV, mRNA, etc., including malaria vaccines.
  • National vaccine production facilities (e.g., within NAFDAC premises in Lagos)
  • In-country research institute capacities
  • Selected manufacturers, private-sector pharmaceuticals
• Develop recommendations for critical policy and regulatory reforms required for the local manufacturing of vaccines.

Project Rationale / Justification

• Local vaccine production strengthens health security, enhances accessibility, fosters innovation, and supports malaria elimination efforts through sustainable supply and clinical research.
• Recognizing this critical need, PVAC is seeking the expertise of a qualified consultant for this initiative. The consultant will evaluate vaccine production capacity and provide recommendations that will aid Nigeria’s vaccine production capabilities.

Methodology

• The methodology for this project should outline how the consultant or consulting firm will approach capacity building for regulatory agencies on quality control.

Capacity Assessment for Vaccine Manufacturing:

• Conduct in-depth evaluations of local vaccine production facilities.
• Identify key infrastructure and technical gaps for different vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA, live-attenuated).

Policy and Regulatory Framework Development:

• Assess existing regulations and propose improvements for streamlined vaccine approval.
• Support regulatory agencies in fast-tracking vaccine manufacturing approvals.

Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes include:

• Status update report on Nigeria’s capacity for vaccine production, including recommendations for policy and regulatory reforms.
• Map of potential partnerships to strengthen in-country capacity for vaccine and other research.

Required Expertise
The required expertise for this scope of work includes:

• Experience in establishing supply chain resilience to ensure the uninterrupted availability of vaccines and clinical research materials during emergencies.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with state agencies to design and implement systems that enhance transparency and accountability in financial and procurement operations.
• Skilled in evaluating existing pooled procurement frameworks and providing tailored recommendations for improvements that enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Familiarity with addressing logistical challenges unique to the West African context, including solutions for vaccine cold chain management and last-mile delivery.
• Demonstrate proficiency in conducting regulatory compliance assessments and implementing risk mitigation strategies specific to vaccine production and clinical research.
• Strong analytical skills to perform financial modelling and cost-benefit analyses for procurement systems, ensuring value for money.

Selection Method:

• The selection process will follow a Limited Consultant Qualification-Based Method (LCQBM).
• Under this approach, interested consultants/consulting firms will submit proposals in response to the Terms of Reference (TOR) issued by PVAC.
• As part of the evaluation, consultants/consulting firms must demonstrate their relevant experience and qualifications in managing similar projects.
• Only the most qualified consultants or firms with proven expertise in project management, monitoring & evaluation, and health supply chain optimization will be shortlisted and considered for final selection.

Application Closing Date
2nd May, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Documents to: pvacprocurement@hscgroup.org using the Title as the subject of the email.

Submission Requirements
Interested organisations are expected to submit the following documents:

• Technical Proposal:
  • A clear methodology that demonstrates expertise in managing this project.
  • A track record and experience in implementing similar projects.
  • At least 3 references from similar projects.
• Compliance Documents:
  • Valid CAC registration.
• Financial Proposal:
  • Including clear budget narratives.

Note

• Proposals sent after the deadline will not be considered.