The Save the Children in Ethiopia Country Office (CO), in support of the Government of Ethiopia (GoE), has continued to contribute to the well-being of Ethiopian children in development and humanitarian contexts. We work to provide immediate humanitarian relief and long-term sustainable development.

Position Summary:

S/he will provide a comprehensive technical assistance on routine immunization program: support the implementation of RED approach through facilitating bottom up microplanning, assessing health system constraints, evidence generation, extensive capacity building, strengthening community engagement for identifying and reaching unimmunized children for the selected woredas and zones. Strengthening of the recent measles second dose introduction (MCV2), HPV vaccination, new vaccine introduction and improving service and data quality are the major tasks.

Duties and responsibilities: 

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Regional and MCHD/ EPI unit, the Regional Immunization Specialist will support the region, Zones, woreda or districts and PHCU in planning, preparation, training, logistics, monitoring and assessment for the immunization program focusing on selected high priority areas, this will include;

• Coordinate for operationalizing RED activities at district or woreda and PHCU level, micro plans for the routine immunization (RED micro planning) special focus on identification of high-risk areas and unimmunized children’s, vaccine and supplies planning, outreach vaccination, social mobilization, supportive supervision, review meeting, and reporting.
• Strictly follow and support woredas to conduct bottom up microplanning as planned.
• Assess EPI related training needs for regional, zonal, woreda, and HF EPI managers/focals/ service providers and provide training and orientation on immunization program, RED, MLM, IIP, IRT and recent directions and new vaccines at all level
• Conduct and coordinate regular field visits to provide post training follow up and integrated/joint supportive supervision to HC and HP. S/he will document findings and recommendations of field visits for follow-up action points
• Facilitating and coordination between district health, schools, NGOs, religious organizations, private clinics and other partners to ensure every child gets immunization
• Facilitate and conduct advocacy visit and coordinate social mobilization activities to schools, kebele leaders, HDA, HEW   to enhance immunization service demand,
• Facilitate/coordinate advocacy events/ workshops/visits to routinely influence political leaders to allocate domestic resources for immunization and support equitable delivery of service across the region
• support celebration of key global/national moments such as African Vaccination Week to orient, sensitize, and influence decision makers to prioritize immunization program as well as to use the key moment as an opportunity to reach un vaccinated children in the region will quality vaccination
• Monitor immunization performance and improve quality of routine immunization data at regional, ZHD, Woreda Health Office and PHCU levels by providing technical skill in managing. Coordinate/support establishment or strengthening of Quality Improvement team at HCs to ensure immunization data quality in the PHCU
• Ensure regular monitoring (completeness & timelines) of administrative EPI data and provide feedback to HF and Woreda Health Office.
• Conduct periodic supervisions and monitoring’s using the standard cheek list and provides necessary feedbacks, correction to the districts/ sub districts focus on routine immunization.
• Facilitate EPI review meeting at ZHD, WorHO level and PHCU to discuss key program success, challenges, and solutions.
• Conduct regular VPD surveillance (AFP, Measles and other VPD) in collaboration with PHEM structures at ZHD, WorHO and PHCU
• Ensure the operationalization of COVID 19 precautions during immunization services provision
• Support COVID19 vaccine rollout in the region
• Facilitate and monitor timely budget utilization and liquidation of immunization budgets
• Under take additional assignment or tasks of the departments
• Summit monthly report to Region and Save the Children

Duration of the consultancy:  12 months with the possibility of extension

Duty station: Gambella Regional Health Bureau

Requirements

Functional Skills and Knowledge: 

Technical and good communication skills, analytical skills to identify critical issues and good writing skills, knowledge and skills in implementing immunization campaign specially measles campaign, routine EPI and VPD control, surveillance of communicable diseases, ability to work independently and also in team setting.

Competencies: 

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Building and promoting partnership and multi sectoralism
• Moving forward in changing environment

Education (Qualifications): 

Essential: Medical/Public Health or related degree with specialized training (Masters) in public health.

Experience:

Essential: Over 5 years’ experience in public health programs, preferably in Immunization and vaccine preventable disease surveillance. Experience with community based EPI interventions. Previous experience in organizing standard EPI trainings; TOT in IIP, Cold chain users, etc. are required. Prior experience of implementing or supporting routine immunization programs at least from woreda level to higher in a developing region. Previous experience in quantitative and qualitative assessments and data analysis is essential.

Language skills:  Amharic, English, and regional languages would be an asset.

Other Skills: Computer literacy: Proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications, and statistical software

Competences:

SC Values are: Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity. To meet the value system the post holder is expected to demonstrate the following Competencies on ongoing bases (this varies according to the position please consider the below as example)

Leading: (align with Ambition, Integrity collaboration and creativity)

• Delivering result: Takes personal responsibility and holds others to account to deliver our ambitious goals for children, continually improving own performance or that of the team/ organization.

Thinking: (align with Ambition, Creativity, Collaboration and Creativity)

• Applying technical and professional expertise: Applies the required technical and professional expertise to the highest standards; promotes and shares best practice within and outside the organization.

Engaging: (align with Collaboration, Creativity)

• Working effectively with others Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and thrives on diversity of people and perspectives; knows when to lead and when to follow and how to ensure effective cross-boundary working.
• Communicating with Impact: Communicates clearly and confidently with others to engage and influence; promotes dialogue and ensures timely and appropriate messages, building confidence and trust with others.

We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector.