UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, health
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, advocacy, and operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
While the long-term fallout of the pandemic is yet to be determined, one thing is known: the impact of the pandemic on the lives of hundreds of millions of children and women has been severe. The immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services was reflected in a global reduction of immunization coverage and a massive increase in the number of zero-dose children. Immunization coverage in South Asia, as a region, recovered in 2022, yet some countries are still to recover and the number of zero-dose children in the region remains high.
For countries to be able to catch up children lost during the pandemic, to recover their immunization services and return to pre-pandemic coverage levels, to accelerate the reduction of zero-dose children in line with the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) goals, to introduce new vaccines such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and to integrate COVID-19 vaccines in routine primary health care services throughout the life course, coordinated support by the main stakeholders UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and partners is required.
UNICEF ROSA due to its geographical location has a dual task of coordinating and collaborating with two WHO Regional Offices, for the Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) and for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), and therefore also needs to liaise closely with two other UNICEF regions, i.e., Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and East Asia and Pacific (EAPR). In both WHO SEAR and EMR RWGs are currently cochaired by WHO (Coordinator — COVID-19 Program, Immunization and Vaccine Development, Department of Communicable Diseases) and UNICEF (Regional Adviser, Health).
Gavi’s Strategic Plan 5.0 (focusing on Immunization and HSS) evolved to Gavi 5.1 (including pandemic preparedness and response) for the period 2022-2025. To align with global changes, priorities of the RWGs have also been reviewed, and include new tasks and principles of technical and financial assistance to reflect emergency preparedness and response.
Following regional consultations with partners it was reiterated that:
For the RWGs to play a more central role in the coordination, oversight, and troubleshooting of country immunization issues, they need to be revitalized, strengthened, and properly resourced. In addition, UNICEF ROSA needs to provide strong technical leadership in providing technical support to countries, including targeted support with respect to Gavi in-country processes, the zero-dose and missed communities agenda, and the introduction/rollout of HPV vaccine in the region.
How can you make a difference?
The purpose of this position is threefold, i.e., to enhance coordination and technical assistance for South Asian countries, focusing on sustaining momentum for COVID-19 vaccination among high-priority individuals and bolstering the Routine Immunization (RI) / PHC system. The goal is to improve collaboration and coordination both within UNICEF and among UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and other partners to fortify national capabilities in reaching high-priority populations; oversee and harmonize regional partnerships focusing on routine immunization, in collaboration with the Immunization and HSS teams of UNICEF and WHO Regional Offices including assisting in the development of National Immunization Strategies (NIS); and drive the life course approach to vaccination and integrated service delivery within PHC across the region.
Key function, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks
Reporting to the Senior Health Specialist, the Health Specialist- Immunization/COVID-19 and in close collaboration with the Immunization Specialist to:
Maintain momentum for COVID-19 vaccination of high-priority populations, staff members will:
Provide overall coordination and follow-up of the RWGs for immunization:
1. Facilitate effective collaboration and coordination between RWG partners towards achieving IA2030 goals, particularly pertaining to the Big Catch Up, Zero Dose agenda, COVID-19 integration, new vaccine introductions (HPV), and NIS:
2. Take on functions of the RWG secretariat:
3. Support the Knowledge Management:
Drive the life course approach to vaccination and Integrated Service Delivery within PHC:
Perform other duties that may include, but are not limited to:
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others (8) Nurtures, Leads and Manages People
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.
Remarks:
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
To be eligible for the position, nationals should possess two (2) years of international work experience gained outside of the country of nationality.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.