UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future
The purpose of this position is fourfold:
This involves integrating COVID-19 measures into national immunization programs, and other pertinent PHC services.
Additionally, 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.
This includes facilitating the preparation, introduction, and rollout of the HPV vaccine in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Pakistan.
The Health Specialist — Immunization/COVID-19 will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Health Specialist – Immunization/HSS or her/his designate, and in close collaboration with the Immunization Specialist.
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To maintain momentum for COVID-19 vaccination of high-priority populations, staff member will:
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To provide overall coordination and follow up of the RWGs for immunization, staff member will:
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:
a) Foster joint strategic and technical leadership and participate actively in RWG events,
b) Liaise between ROSA and the WHO & UNICEF regional technical hubs and chairs of the RWGs,
c) Liaise between the RWG and Gavi and coordinate frequent monthly follow-up meetings between RWGs and Gavi,
d) Support coordinated advocacy conducted by the RWG with governments to allocate appropriate funding for immunization and HSS, including the follow-up of recommendations from the Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (RITAG) and Technical Working Groups,
e) Support the development of countries’ National Immunization Strategies.
2.
Take on functions of the RWG secretariat:
a) Organize, facilitate, and chair weekly coordination calls among key partners,
b) Organize, prepare, and facilitate meetings / conference calls of the RWG,
c) Provide technical support for the dissemination and implementation of RWG recommendations,
d) Monitor the implementation of meeting/conference call RWG recommendations with report back,
3.
Support the Knowledge Management function of the health section:
a) Coordinate monitoring and documentation of common successes, challenges, constraints, and opportunities in strengthening national immunization programmes, including the implementation of Gavi processes, and writing reports and scientific articles as appropriate,
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To drive the life course approach to vaccination and Integrated Service Delivery within PHC, the staff member will:
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Coordinate and participate in technical support to South Asian countries for the implementation of the life course approach in close collaboration with SBC and gender sections.
2. Support planning and implementation of Gavi’s Vaccine Investment Strategy (VIS) including Cholera, Dengue, Hepatitis A, Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Malaria, Rabies in close collaboration with RWGs.
3. Support countries for the preparation (support applications), introduction, and rollout of new vaccines including HPV in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Pakistan, in close collaboration with SBC and gender sections.
4.
Support the Knowledge Management function of the health section:
a) Support documenting country experiences with life course approach to vaccination, the introduction of HPV, and Integrated Service Delivery and disseminate good practices and lessons learned through regional and global mechanisms,
b) Organize events to share knowledge and experiences on life course approach, HPV introduction and Integrated Service Delivery to facilitate south-south cooperation and cross-country learning.
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Other duties staff member will be expected to perform include, but are not limited to:
1.
Contribute to the development of the ROSA annual work plan, monitor its implementation, and provide support to ensure expected results are obtained.
2. Participate in the preparation of all reports related primarily to immunization required by management and donors.
3. Participate in budget reviews, programme analysis and annual reports.
Language:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of another official UN language Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish is an asset.
REQUIRED EDUCATION: Advanced Degree
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 96