Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
UNICEF, with support from GAVI, is seeking a qualified service provider to strengthen cold chain equipment maintenance in Greater Upper Nile, South Sudan. The initiative focuses on ensuring vaccine quality, availability, and effective immunization services through reliable cold chain systems across all health service levels.
UNICEF–GAVI Cold Chain Maintenance Opportunity in South Sudan
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), supported by GAVI, is inviting qualified service providers to support cold chain equipment maintenance in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan. This initiative aims to safeguard vaccine potency and ensure uninterrupted immunization services for children and high-risk populations.
The assignment directly supports national immunization goals and health system strengthening in a fragile and climate-affected context.
Sector Focus and Priority Areas
This opportunity is focused on the health sector, specifically immunization and cold chain system management.
Key priority areas include:
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Preventive maintenance of cold chain equipment
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Corrective repair of solar-powered and electric cold chain systems
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Emergency response services for equipment breakdowns
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Spare parts assessment and replacement planning
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Cold chain inventory updates using WHO/UNICEF tools
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Continuous temperature monitoring
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Vaccine stock management
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Support for equipment relocation during flooding
These activities ensure consistent vaccine storage within recommended temperature ranges.
Understanding Cold Chain Systems in Immunization
A cold chain system refers to the equipment, processes, and monitoring mechanisms used to store and transport vaccines at controlled temperatures from manufacture to administration.
Cold chain reliability is essential because:
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Vaccines lose potency if exposed to incorrect temperatures
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Damaged vaccines cannot be safely used
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Breakdowns increase wastage and service disruptions
Maintaining functional cold chain systems is critical for immunization success.
Immunization Context in South Sudan
South Sudan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) aims to reduce illness, death, and disability caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. The programme seeks to ensure that every child and high-risk group receives safe, effective, and timely vaccinations.
However, achieving this goal depends heavily on:
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Functional cold chain equipment
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Timely maintenance and repairs
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Accurate temperature monitoring
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Reliable vaccine stock management
Population growth, new vaccine introductions, flooding, and infrastructure challenges have increased pressure on existing systems.
Why This Initiative Matters
This initiative is essential for protecting public health and strengthening the national immunization system.
It matters because it:
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Prevents vaccine spoilage and wastage
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Ensures uninterrupted immunization services
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Protects children from vaccine-preventable diseases
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Strengthens health system resilience
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Supports equitable access to vaccines in hard-to-reach areas
A strong cold chain directly translates into better health outcomes.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
This opportunity targets qualified service providers with relevant technical capacity.
Eligible applicants typically include:
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Organizations specializing in cold chain or biomedical equipment maintenance
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Service providers with experience in solar and electric refrigeration systems
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Providers with capacity to operate across state, county, and facility levels
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Organizations familiar with WHO and UNICEF cold chain tools and standards
Demonstrated experience in humanitarian or low-resource settings is an advantage.
How the Cold Chain Maintenance Assignment Works
The selected service provider will support routine and emergency cold chain operations.
Key responsibilities include:
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Conducting scheduled preventive maintenance
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Performing corrective repairs on faulty equipment
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Responding rapidly to emergency repair requests
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Completing job cards for each intervention
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Updating cold chain inventories using standardized tools
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Monitoring temperature data and vaccine stock levels
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Supporting equipment relocation during flooding or emergencies
All activities must align with Ministry of Health and UNICEF requirements.
Reporting and Accountability Requirements
Strong documentation and reporting are mandatory.
The service provider must:
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Submit detailed monthly reports to UNICEF and the Ministry of Health
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Report on equipment functionality and maintenance activities
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Document temperature management and vaccine stock status
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Maintain accurate records for accountability and planning
These reports support transparency and system improvement.
Common Implementation Tips
Service providers can improve performance by:
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Establishing rapid-response maintenance teams
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Maintaining readily available spare parts
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Using standardized job cards consistently
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Prioritizing preventive maintenance to reduce emergencies
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Coordinating closely with health facility staff
Proactive maintenance reduces downtime and service disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the geographic focus of this assignment?
The Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan.
Which sector does this opportunity focus on?
The health sector, specifically immunization and cold chain systems.
Why is cold chain maintenance critical for vaccines?
Vaccines must be kept within specific temperature ranges to remain safe and effective.
What types of equipment are included?
Both solar-powered and electric cold chain equipment.
Who oversees reporting and accountability?
Reports are submitted to UNICEF and the Ministry of Health.
Does the assignment include emergency response?
Yes, rapid emergency repair and response services are required.
Conclusion
This UNICEF–GAVI cold chain maintenance initiative is a critical investment in South Sudan’s immunization system. By strengthening preventive maintenance, emergency response, and cold chain management across Greater Upper Nile, the project ensures vaccine quality, protects children’s health, and supports long-term health system resilience.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
