Cluster Coordinator at World Health Organization (WHO)

Ref No: 1801275
Grade: NO-B
Contractual Arrangement: External Consultant
Contract duration: 6 Months
Schedule: Full-time 

Purpose of the Position

• To coordinate WHO technical, programmatic and managerial activities aimed at supporting the Government of Nigeria to (a) achieve and maintain very high population immunity against polioviruses through high quality SIAs and routine immunization (b) achieve recommended surveillance performance indicators for Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), other Vaccine Preventable Diseases as well as other diseases of public health priority as highlighted in Nigeria's Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy.

Description of Duties
Under the overall technical guidance of the IVE Cluster Leader, the Cluster Coordinator will work under the day-to-day supervision of the WHO State Coordinator and the oversight of the Zonal Coordinator, and will perform the following functions:

SIA Planning, Implementation and Monitoring:

• Prepare high quality SIA High Risk Operational Plans (HROP) and monitor implementation of these plans, including through pre-implementation SIA dashboard.
• Implement of micro-planning with attention to all components included in the 2013 NPEEP.
• Implementation of high quality training of all cadres involved in SIAs including independent monitors
• Supervise SIA implementation, daily review meetings in highest risk areas and timely submission of daily implementation SIA dashboard.
• Ensure high quality Independent monitoring and timely use of data for appropriate action.
• Monitor and document implementation of PEI accountability framework
• Support review of each SIA using recommended data and tools (LQAs, EIM, Tally Sheet Analysis.... etc.) and prepare feedback to all key stake-holders.

AFP Surveillance Planning, implementation and monitoring;

• Prepare AFP Surveillance work-plans for all LGAs in the cluster
• Support active surveillance visits targeting major hospitals and priority sites.
• Implement supportive supervision and capacity building for DSNOs, clinicians/health workers and community surveillance focal points (TBAs, traditional healers....).
• Conduct monthly review of (a) implementation of AFP surveillance work-plans (b) AFP surveillance performance in all LGAs in the cluster.
• Plan and implement of high quality investigation of any confirmed polio case

Support surveillance of other VPDs and priority diseases within the national IDSR Strategy:

• Routine Immunization planning and monitoring
• Ensure timely updating of Reaching Every Ward (REW) micro-plans of all LGAs in the cluster.
• Conduct weekly monitoring of Routine Immunization sessions (fixed and outreach)
• Conduct supportive supervision and training of Health workers in Routine Immunization.
• Support activities aimed at improving Routine Immunization Data Quality, including DQS.
• Monitor implementation of priority activities aimed at smooth introduction of new vaccines.
• Conduct monthly review of implementation of REW micro-plans and RI performance with particular attention to indicators included in the Routine Immunization Accountability Framework.

Cross Cutting Tasks:

• Support capacity building and mentorship of subordinates (LGA Facilitators, Field Volunteers) including through preparation of weekly work-plans and reports.
• Conduct advocacy to promote stake-holder ownership and participation in immunization activities
• strengthen partnership with Government officials, Traditional Leaders, Civil Society, Religious Leaders, Women’s Groups, Professional Associations, Civil Society… etc.
• Provide any support as requested by WHO State Coordinator.

Education (Qualification)
Essential:

• University degree, preferably in one of the following:  Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health.

Desirable:  

• Post-graduate degree in Public Health, preferably in Epidemiology or other related public health fields

Experience
Essential:

• At least 5 years’ experience in EPI/PEI activities in similar roles in an organization concerned with public health management.

Desirable:

• Prior working experience with international nongovernmental organization (INGOs), WHO/UN, health clusters partners, recognized humanitarian organizations.

Use of Language Skills
Essential:

• Advanced level spoken and written English.

Desirable:

• Understanding local languages