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

Job ID: 2208725
Contractual Arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 12 months
Organization: AF_NGA Nigeria
Grade: NO-C

Purpose of the Post

• The position aims to strengthen overall vaccine preventable disease (VPD) program 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 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”.

Organizational Context
Under the general coordination of the WHO Country Representative 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:

• Guide the conduct of situation analysis for zero dose, develop general framework to guide addressing zero dose in varying context.
• Coordinate the planning and the conduct of health worker capacity building to improve Routine Immunization (RI) and reduce gender bias for vaccination.
• Develop roadmap for continuing integration of RI and PHC service and integration with COVID -19 vaccination
• 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, vaccination in conflict areas, technology-based microplanning etc.).
• Assess the quality of REW micro plans and its implementation in addressing the burden of zero dose.
• Plan and coordinate technical engagements with professionals for RI Coverage improvements and zero dose reduction.
• Coordinate and develop M&E framework to track implementation of action points from Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Review/Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue.
• Plan and Coordinate activities for new vaccines introduction - HPV, Malaria Vaccines
• Develop Action plan for increasing MCV2, HPV and other New Vaccines uptake with due consideration to gender barriers
• Adapt and implement protocol for conduct of PIE/EPI review
• Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisors

Requirements
Education:

• Essential: University Degree in one of the following: Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing with a Master’s Degree in Public Health, preferably in Epidemiology or other related public health fields from a recognized University.
• Desirable: Master of Public Health from a recognized University

Experience:

• Essential: At least 5 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.