Organization Background

Recently, MoH-Ethiopia switched Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) from rotarix to rotasiil. In most of the regions, the vaccine product switch is ongoing. JSI has been providing technical assistance to the MoH and selected regional health bureaus to facilitate the switching of vaccine product. To provide the techncial support on RVV product switch and strengthen overall routine immunization, JSI is looking to hire an immunization specialist based at RHB of Oromia region. 

Overview

The regional immunization specialist (RIS) will provide in-country expertise in coordination with in-country and remote support from the JSI team in support of Ethiopia's compulsory Rotavirus vaccine switch. The RIS will work with country experts (RHB/EPIs and multi-agency partners) to support switch process, implementation and monitoring as part of routine delivery systems as well as within the broader context of disease prevention and control. He/she will also support the RHB on routine immunization including on data quality, training, supervisions and other similar task as part of routine immunization service delivery strengthening.

Activity Overview

He/she will work in coordination with the JSI in-country and home office team, and provide technical assistance to the RHB/EPI team in their preparation and rollout of the compulsory Rotavirus switch and RI strengthening activities. Technical assistance may include but is not limited to:

Specific Responsibilities 

• Work with the assigned RHB to identify their needs, develop a joint plan, and provide ongoing technical assistance based on those needs related with RVV switch 

• Support development of vaccine switch implementation plan at regional level 

• Actively participate in key regional technical meetings, such as regional technical working group meetings, to stay informed and provide input on regional immunization efforts. Ensure issue of RVV switch is included as agenda, as deemed relevant

• Co-facilitate trainings at regional, zonal and woreda level and monitor the performance of cascade trainings at woreda level.

• Supportive supervision to woredas and zones to facilitate switching of RVV and on RI

• Conduct monthly data analysis of rota for all health facilities in the region, trend analysis on rota3 coverage and data triangulation

• Ensure the AEFI of rotasiil monitoring is in place and work closely with the department responsible for AEFI monitoring 

• Closely work with the supply division to monitor the availability of RVV stock at hand so that no gap will be created at each health facility and woreda health office during the transition/switching.

• Technical support to RHBs during reviewing of guidelines and tools to incorporate Rota3 (including microplan, reporting tools, etc)

• Support Catch up planning - of children who missed the first dose of Rotarix due to a delayed switch, as needed

• Identify and support the collection of information for process documentation as appropriate and in coordination with the JSI team.

• Provide technical assistance to  RHBs on different RI initiatives  like ; accelerated catch-up vaccination, monitoring performance of routine immunization and improving quality of data

• Co-facilitate immunization/PHC related trainings such as IIP in consultation with RHBs, JSI and partners, as needed

• Routinely meet with JSI backstopping and technical team (including participation at bi-weekly team meetings) to provide optimal technical support for the development of the Rotavirus vaccine switch application. 

• Regularly provide update and reports on performance 

• Contribution to project/donor reports as requested.

• Perform other assignments and responsibilities as assigned by RHB and/or JSI

Job Requirements

• Master of public health (MPH) or other equivalent qualifications with first degree in health related areas

• Minimum of eight years working experience in immunization and public health. Should have at least five years of experience on routine immunization experience 

• Able to demonstrate in immunization data analysis 

• Demonstrated experience working within the region to be assigned and familiarity with the region

• Proven ability to use adult learning techniques to facilitate trainings, supportive supervision and technical assistance 

• Strong organizational, management and communication skills to influence partners and decision makers at the national, regional, zonal and woreda level

• Demonstrated ability to be a team player, to lead teams, and to organize multiple activities simultaneously; ability to communicate and negotiate competing demands on time from managers and work effectively with distributed teams. 

• Computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and familiarity with DHIS2

• Fluency in English. Familiarity with the regional language is a strong asset 

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time to regions, zones, and woreda

How to Apply:

Interested applicants who met the above minimum requirements should send and apply using THIS LINK.  Please submit Only your application letter and CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post. Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

WOMEN ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline:  November 30, 2024

JSI/WEI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI/WEI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or protected veteran status in any employment decisions.