National Immunization Officer, NERICC at World Health Organization (WHO)

Job ID: 1806490
Location: Abuja
Grade: NO-C
Contractual Arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Contract Duration: 12 months
Organization: AF_NGA Nigeria
Schedule: Full-time  

Objectives

• The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGoN) through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has established the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC) to lead the efforts towards revamping Nigeria’s routine immunization program.
• NERICC thus functions as a coordination mechanism in managing the full implementation of the national routine immunization program. This includes strategies and key recommendations towards achieving routine immunization coverage of at least 80% in 2028. This goal and strategies are as outlined in Nigeria’s Strategy for Immunization and PHC Systems Strengthening (NSIPSS 2018 – 2028).
• Technical assistance will be deployed to the NERICC to strengthen the coordination, design and implementation of routine immunization strategies which NERICC shall undertake.
• The Technical Adviser (TA) to NERICC shall support the Program Manager (PM) NERICC in ensuring all NERICC objectives are met.
• The TA shall function as a core member of the NERICC team providing technical support in the strategic execution and achievement of NERICC goals and objectives. The TA shall report directly to the PM NERICC

Description of Duties

• Under the overall leadership of the WR/Nigeria, technical guidance by the EPI team leader and direct supervision of the PM NERICC. The Technical Adviser NERICC will conduct the following specific tasks:
• Support the overall strengthening of the routine immunization program in Nigeria including new vaccine introductions and the achievement of the routine immunization goals as outlined in the NSIPSS
• The TA shall provide technical and policy expertise to the design, execution and achievement of NERICC plans and objectives
• Support the coordination of the emergency response activities of a high level RI technical squad, supporting the PM NERICC in the day to day management of the NERICC
• Provide technical and mentoring support in ensuring quality of the NERICC processes, management of and compliance with the procedures, data models, policies, and technologies associated with the process, including process design and improvement across all levels
• Work with the Deputy Program Managers, team leads, members of NERICC and partners to identify and implement well defined strategies for low performing states on RI. This will be based on quality program performance data with the provision of technical and managerial oversight for the development and implementation of interventions in these areas
• Work with Deputy Program Managers, Manager Data and Logistics and members of NERICC to set program goals, define targets, establish and aggressively achieve operational milestones, periodically measuring program performance
• The TA shall, as directed by the PM NERICC, represent the PM in discussions or correspondence with NERICC, development partners and other stakeholders on immunization and vaccine delivery systems
• As directed by the PM, attend meetings of the immunization technical working groups and other relevant technical meetings, updating the PM on issues pertaining to routine immunizations, SIAs, vaccine logistics and demand creation
• Maintain quality interactions with national, state level, and international stakeholders supporting the immunization program
• Support the PM on administrative activities related to SERICC, including closely liaising with other relevant departments and programs in the NPHCDA
• Work closely with the Deputy Program Managers and other members of NERICC to ensure timely delivery on project activities.
• Develop technical documents and proposals as would be assigned by the PM
• Ensures alignment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Critical Success Factors (CSFs) working with NERICC team members to ensure that these objectives are realized
• Any other responsibilities as assigned by the PM NERICC and ED NPHCDA 

Competencies
Functional:

• Producing results;
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organisation and beyond
• Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership

Education

• Essential: Advanced public health degree
• Desirable: M.B.B.S

Experience
Essential:

• At least 5 years’ experience in immunization and health system strengthening.
• In depth understanding of the Nigerian health system and routine immunization program.
• Demonstrated capacity to effectively coordinate organizations with good expertise in navigating and strengthening relationships among government and development organizations.
• Strong managerial, problem solving skills and experience working under demanding work plans and tight budgets.
• Strong diplomatic and interpersonal relationship skills; experience working with government officials at all levels.
• Extensive experience with large scale health systems strengthening interventions, particularly in the public sector
• Significant experience in strategic planning, organizational development, change facilitation and process management in the health sector

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of French language would be an asset.

Skills

• Strong diplomatic and interpersonal relationship skills; experience working with government officials at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills and high level technical proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with ability to use these tools to collect and analyze immunization program data.
• Good business-oriented verbal, visual and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office with the use of IT facilities for information-sharing and/or database management.