Immunization Specialist (IPV), P-4

UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi

Temporary Appointment (TA) –Immunization Specialist (IPV), P-4

Background

On 26 May 2012, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted a resolution calling for the finalization of a comprehensive polio endgame strategy. In response, the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018 was developed, in consultation with polio-affected countries, donors, vaccine manufacturers, partner agencies and expert advisory bodies.

The Endgame Strategic Plan consolidates all previous ‘post-eradication’ frameworks including the eventual cessation of oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV), introduction of affordable inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) into routine systems, and processes for global certification into one comprehensive document. The plan calls for the parallel pursuit of wild polio virus eradication as well as vaccine associated poliovirus elimination. The plan has four objectives: 1) Detect and interrupt all poliovirus transmission; 2) Strengthen immunization systems and withdraw oral polio vaccine; 3) Contain poliovirus and certify interruption of transmission; and 4) Plan polio’s legacy.

Objective 2 of the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018; specifically mentions 1) the introduction of at least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in the routine immunization programmes of the countries currently only using trivalent oral polio vaccine (tOPV), 2) the strengthening of immunization programmes in those countries as part of the introduction of at least one dose of IPV into their routine immunization programmes; and 3) the phased removal of OPV beginning with switch from tOPV to bOPV (bivalent OPV containing types 1 and 3) after the introduction of at least one dose of IPV into the routine immunization programme.

UNICEF, as one of the GAVI Alliance and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners will be providing support to member states of the World Health Assembly (WHA), to introduce Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), as part of the global effort to eradicate polio and use assets of the global initiative to strengthen routine immunization and health systems. All countries in ESAR except South Africa (already introduced IPV in its national immunization schedule) will be introducing the at least one dose of IPV into the routine immunization by 2015. As the time frame for introduction of IPV is short and in view of the large number of countries in ESAR (20 countries), enhanced capacity and improved coordination is necessary to provide technical support to all countries on rolling out IPV particularly around communication and vaccine management.

In order to support this effort, UNICEF/ESARO wants to recruit an Immunization Specialist (IPV) to provide technical support to countries in the East & Southern Africa Region (ESAR) for the urgent and smooth introduction of IPV into routine schedule by 2015.

Purpose of the Temporary Position

The purpose of the technical assistance post is to provide technical support to all countries in the region to introduce IPV vaccine in their routine immunization programmes by the end of 2015.

The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support to UNICEF Country Offices and Country Ministries of Health in ESAR for IPV introduction. Demonstrating professional leadership, the incumbent will coordinate along with other technical partners, at all levels, quality and timely technical support to countries in the region for their IPV introduction, focusing on UNICEF’ immunization areas of specialization mainly, communication, cold chain and vaccine logistics management, data quality improvement and monitoring and reporting on IPV introduction. She/he will ensure that countries leverage IPV introduction to strengthen other new vaccine introduction processes, as well as the overall national immunization programs, harnessing polio eradication initiative assets and infrastructure as well as other resource opportunities including funds through GAVI HSS for the purpose.

The incumbent will be accountable for ensuring that UNICEF Immunization Program promotes equity in immunization and gender equality, with an emphasis on gender disaggregation, gender disparity identification and gender mainstreaming. The incumbent will report to the ESARO Immunization Specialist and will work in close collaboration with the C4D and Cold Chain Specialists.

Key End-Results

1. UNICEF/ESARO work plan for providing technical and advocacy support to countries for their IPV introduction and for using PEI assets to strengthen routine immunization and the overall immunization program, is developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated;

2.Development and timely submission of quality IPV introduction proposals to GAVI by all GAVI eligible-countries in the region and technical support for timely submission of the three non-GAVI countries;

1. In collaboration with technical partners (GAVI, MCHIP, WHO etc) and other UNICEF technical specialist, technical support provided to all countries in the region to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate their IPV introduction plans;
2. Report on quarterly basis on progress aroun IPV introduction particularly around communication and cold chain and monitoring of progress at country and district levels;
3. Research on perception of multiple injections, acceptance of new vaccines conducted to inform programme strategies;
4. Technical and advocacy support provided to priority countries to take inventory of, and use polio eradication initiative (PIE) assets and infrastructure to strengthen routine immunization and the immunization program in general;
5. Knowledge management conducted through ensuring that technical materials including training manuals/guides, position papers, webinars are widely and timely disseminated to country teams.

Qualification

· Advanced degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Medicine, Public Health, Paediatric Health, Global/International Health, Health Policy and Management, Family Health, Socio-medical Sciences, Health Education, Epidemiology, or other fields relevant to immunization. Research doctorate highly desirable.

· Eight years of relevant work experience at the national and international levels in development, planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and managing of health/immunization programmes.

· Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in child survival & health care.

· Experience of working in developing countries, especially in African Countries desirable

· Knowledge of/experience with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative preferable.

· Fluency in English and a second UN language (IP)

Competencies and experience

· Communicates effectively to varied audiences, both verbally and in writing.

· Works effectively within a team environment and can work autonomously when required.

· Co-ordinates IPV group activities, ensuring regular reports with countries. Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget.

· Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.

· Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources and is able to apply analysis to the design of programme and sector responses.

· Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups across all organizational levels and boundaries, not least with government leaders and stakeholders.

· Shows willingness to travel and work under difficult conditions.

· Other competencies: Commitment, Diversity and Inclusion, Integrity, Communication [II], Working with People [II] ,Drive for Results [II], Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II], Analyzing [III], Relating and Networking [II], Deciding and Initiating Action [II], Applying Technical Expertise [III]

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form (which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/kenya) with subject line “Immunization Specialist (IPV), P-4,” by COB 31 July 2014 to: esarohrvacancies@unicef.org