EPI - Immunization Officer- SSA

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Qualifications

Purpose of the position 

The position is to focus on the Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme in Liberia providing technical support and advisory services to strengthen high-quality immunization and vaccine development and/or testing capacity and policies that prevent mortality, morbidity and disability from diseases which are preventable through the optimum use of vaccines. The incumbent will provide support to the government on the technical and practical aspects of developing guidelines for selection and introduction of new vaccines in the immunization programmes and to further develop and disseminate guidelines for the evaluation of the impact of newly introduced vaccines in the national immunization schedule. The work requires sound knowledge of disease burden and surveillance for vaccine preventable diseases and in-depth knowledge of new vaccines as well as internationally adopted Global Immunization Vision and Strategies.

Objectives of the Program (Overview of the Program)

The incumbent will report to the WHO Representative in Liberia. Within the delegated authority and in collaboration with the Regional Office team and other specialists at HQs, the officer will undertake independently under broad guidance of the supervisor, Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization programmes in the country including establishing /maintaining good relations with national counterparts, multiple stakeholders from professional agencies to United Nations agencies, from development banks and other donors and funding agencies to establish collaborative and consultative models of policy dialogue and resource mobilization for projects. In addition, the position serves to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and WHO Liberia in strengthening the national immunization program, improving VPD surveillance, supporting implementation of routine and supplementary immunization activities, and advancing national efforts to achieve immunization and disease control targets.

Organizational Context

To provide technical assistance to the government in building capacity for routine immunization activities and surveillance for vaccine preventable diseases, aiming to increase access for safe immunization for all eligible age group, introduce new cost-effective vaccines, respond public health emergencies, expand vaccine preventable diseases surveillance, sustain polio free status and measles elimination.

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Representative and technical guidance of the Technical Officer Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Liberia and WHO/AFRO VPD team AFRO, the incumbent will:

1.     Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MOH)in developing, implementing and evaluating national immunization programme (NIP) strategies at national and local levels in updating and adapting relevant guidelines, materials and tools, and in performing training needs assessments, organizing and implementing training activities.

2.     Support the Ministry of Health or other health related interlocutors in the country in planning, organizing and evaluating vaccination campaigns

3.     Support the national immunization programme in implementing projects aimed at increasing vaccinations coverage, including support to counties in capacity-building activities.

4.     Develop joint actions with MOH counterparts, such as working groups, roundtables, meetings to facilitate the NIP and VPI project implementation process at national and county levels, with emphasis on documenting experience for later review.

5.     Support the planning, preparation implementation and monitoring of the introduction or roll-out of new vaccines and related surveillance.

Support VPD surveillance include data management, interpretation and use to guide

1.     programming

2.     Liaise with other professional and general service staff on unit activities, follow-up on administrative actions, programme /project reviews to ensure timely implementation.

3.     Liaise between the communicable and non-Communicable diseases cluster counterparts and other WHO country offices on activities, facilitating partnership and coordination between the Ministry of Health and partners involved in the NIP;

4.     Facilitate smooth information flow of activities between MOH, NIP and other involved institutions and partners (UNICEF particularly) through sharing of reports, meetings etc;

5.     Advise on national policy and guidelines in the area of immunization in line with WHO recommendations.

6.     Draft/write regular reports and provide updates to the Programme Coordinator, WHO Representative and to the WHO Regional Office;

7.     Provide technical assistance in other areas of immunization programme support as needed.

Conduct any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

Education (Qualifications):

Essential: First University degree in Medicine from an accredited University.

Desirable: Advanced University degree in Public Health or any other health related field.  

Experience:

Essential: At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in EPI or disease surveillance developing capacity and policies linked to EPI or surveillance programs. Within this experience, demonstrated professional experience working at the country level providing technical advice and services to national counterparts, Ministry of Health, and other external partners on EPI/Child health or surveillance diseases. Experience managing diverse teams.

Desirable: Relevant work experience with WHO and/or UN agencies, health cluster partners; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations.

Languages:

Essential: Excellent knowledge of the English

Desirable: Working knowledge of French

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

Proficiency in all MSOffice software applications, spreadsheets and Working knowledge of data analysis packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EPI-INFO, Health Mapper or EPI MAP.

Expected Output:

Functional Skills/Knowledge

1.     Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

2.     Excellent knowledge and experience in disease surveillance and immunization programs.

3.      Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty.

4.     Public speaking techniques.

5.     Excellent drafting and communication skills.

6.     Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

7.      Team leadership, team spirit and time management skills.

WHO Competencies

·       Teamwork

·       Communicating in a credible and effective way

·       Producing results

·       Respecting and promoting individual and culture difference. 

·       Overall attitude at work