Regional Routine Immunization Specialist - (210008SJ)

Internal/External Vacancy for the Regional Routine Immunization Specialist Seconded to Gambella Regional Health Bureau (Technical Advisor)

Background: Universal immunization is one of the high-impact proven interventions that make a leading contribution to the reduction of child morbidity, mortality and disability. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was launched in 1980 in Ethiopia with six antigens. Ethiopia introduced Hepatitis B and Hib in 2007 in the form of Penta valent vaccine, PCV in 2011, Rotavirus vaccine in 2013, IPV in 2015, HPV in 2018 and MCV2 in 2019, making the antigens in the national EPI program 12.

There have been remarkable achievements in reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. The immunization coverage has been increasing in Ethiopia over the last several years. Measles and Penta3 administrative coverage increased from 65% and 73% in 2007 to 88% and 95% in 2018. However, WHO UNICEF Estimate of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) indicates that measles and Penta3 coverage increased from 49% and 50% in 2007 to 61% and 72% in 2018.

The EPI program however, is facing formidable challenges despite the efforts and success mentioned above. The immunization coverage is not only low but there is also big disparity in immunization coverage among regions. The immunization utilization rate as measured by Penta1-Penta3 and Penta1-MCV1 dropout was 20.2% and 23.2% at national level respectively. Immunization quality issues like administration of age invalid measles doses is very high and the disparity between administrative and survey coverage reports for the different EPI vaccines has been growing over years.

Ethiopia introduced the second dose of measles vaccine (MCV2) in February 2019 to accelerate the measles elimination efforts in Ethiopia. However, the MCV2 coverage for 2019 was very low (47%). The2ndyear of life immunization platform is not well established in Ethiopia.

The Ministry of health is committed to ensure that no child is left behind and will address zero dose children for life saving vaccines by improving immunization service access, service and quality and introducing new vaccines and increasing immunization coverage of new and existing vaccines in equitable manner in Ethiopia.

With this regard, the Save the Children in collaboration with RHB and with support of Gavi has seconded technical assistants to support the regions focusing on selected eleven woredas to strengthen routine immunization activities, monitor and follow the implementation of RED, support introduction of new vaccines, and generate evidences to monitor the service and data quality of the immunization program. The technical support will focus on building capacity and skill at, RHB, ZHD, WorHO, and PHCU to plan, implement and monitor the immunization program to reduce gaps in access and equity to immunization services and finally address the zero dose children.   

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

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

Job Requirement

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. 

The Organization

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. 

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

How to Apply

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.  A copy of the full role profile can be found at the website

 CLICK HERE

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.