Technical Officer, Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) - NO-B at World Health Organization (WHO)

Purpose of the Post

• The position aims to strengthen overall vaccine preventable disease (VPD) program at the State level by:
  • Strengthening routine Immunization (RI)
  • Improving coverage and reducing equity gaps
  • Reducing the zero-dose burden
  • Integrating RI to the broader PHC through health system strengthening approach and
  • Supporting the introduction of new and under-utilized vaccines.

Objectives

• To support the State Government in achieving the goals of the Nigeria Strategy for Immunization and PHC system Strengthening (NSIPSS), which aligns with global strategies presented by the IA 2030 and the GAVI 5.0 strategy of “leaving no one behind on immunization” and applying people centred context specific data driven interventions.
• Partnership’s coordination, improving human resource capacity and optimization of integration platforms to provide sustainability for immunization service delivery.

Organizational Context
Working under the overall leadership of the WR/Nigeria and Deputy Representative and the Cluster Leads, the officer will report to the VPD Team Leader in WHO Nigeria and will work closely with representatives of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other partners in:

• Technical support in work plan development for Integration of EPI and PHC services toward strengthening Health Systems and reach for zero dose, under immunized and missed communities at State level
• Coordinate health worker capacity building to address knowledge gaps to strengthen the immunization program
• Technical support to map human resource providing routine immunization in high priority LGAs in the State so as to support government to develop mitigation plan.
• Provide technical support to development of costed RI workplan that include integrated intervention and strategies to improve RI and reach zero dose children (PIRI, Urban vaccination, Missed opportunity for vaccination).
• Provide technical support to improve the quality of REW micro plans and its implementation in addressing the burden of zero dose.
• Technical Support for introduction of new vaccines (HPV, Malaria).
• Support implementation of strategies to improve uptake of new vaccines (MCV2, HPV)
• Develop regular feedback on updates to improve RI Coverage, equity and zero dose reduction 
• Plan and coordinate technical engagements with professionals for RI Coverage improvements and zero dose reduction.
• Assess the quality of REW micro plans and its implementation in addressing the burden of zero dose.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisors

Requirements
Education:

• Essential: University Degree in one of the following: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing other related Public Health fields from a recognized University.
• Desirable: Master of Public Health from a recognized University.

Experience:

• Essential: At least 2 years experience in EPI activities in similar roles in an organization concerned with public health management.
• Desirable: Working experience in related areas with WHO, other UN agencies or other recognized public health organization.

Languages:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

• Computer abilities such as word processing, spread-sheets; data analysis tool such as Epi-Info, SPSS, GIS and excellent report writing skills.

Competencies:

• Producing results (core)
• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Within the context of IA 2030 and the AFRO Regional Immunization Strategic Plans, the candidate is expected to have demonstrated knowledge of VPDs and global health programmes.
• Proven ability to think independently and strategically plan, coordinate, and implement NPSIAs activities, including norms and standards for vaccines management and related capacity building; coordination of the demand generation for immunization services, monitoring and reporting on results, progress, lessons learnt and obstacles.