Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO are seeking representatives from civil society and community organisations (CSOs) to participate in COVAX – the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator – which aims to develop, manufacture and fairly allocate 2 billion doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2021 to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSOs will play a vital role in the development and implementation of the COVAX initiative as well as the deployment of any successful vaccine through COVAX.

Specifically, we are looking for CSO representatives to participate in coordination meetings and a number of specific workstreams of COVAX. We anticipate that the roles of CSOs will include fostering the necessary support at a political and community engagement level to ensure equitable access and delivery of future COVID-19 vaccine; providing in-depth subject matter expertise in one or more areas including vaccine R&D, manufacturing, delivery, demand, access and allocation, policy, governance; and, acting as an advocate for civil society and community perspectives. We also seek representatives’ input in building public trust and capacity across healthcare systems for COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

In addition to nominated representatives, broader CSOs will also be engaged in COVAX through other forums.

How to Apply

CSOs can nominate a representative for consideration to participate in the COVAX coordination meeting and the following COVAX workstreams:

• Technical review group
• Enabling Science SWAT
• Manufacturing SWAT
• Clinical development and operations SWAT
• Vaccine strategy, Access and allocation, and Country readiness and delivery coordination group and sub-groups

For further details and information on each of the COVAX workstreams and how to apply, please see this application guidance document.

Representatives will be chosen following assessment by a selection panel. COVAX aims to have representation across the required areas of expertise, and to the greatest extent possible ensure geographical diversity and gender equitable membership.

The deadline for applications is 14 September 2020.