UN Volunteer: Immunization Data Analyst specialist – Panama City

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    VOLUNTEER
  • Posted:
    4 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Healthcare, Research and Data
  • Deadline:
    30/01/2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy, and in 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 favouritism. 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

Context

The Survive and Thrive program of UNICEF LACRO (Latin America and the Caribbean) focuses on ensuring the health and survival of children and their mothers across Latin America and the Caribbean. Its primary goal is to promote equitable access to quality health services, including immunization, with a focus on addressing disparities and reaching marginalized communities

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Immunization Specialist and in close coordination with the Cold Chain Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Review and analyze immunization data and findings from various sources (WUENIC -WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage reports, immunization portals, census and surveys from National Statistics Institutes, and others), synthesize regional immunization evidence on zero-dose children, immunization coverage, and prioritized topics, and package the information for various internal and external uses and events, including for UNICEF country offices. • Lead the development of the online and offline zero-dose children atlas of the LAC (Latin American and Caribbean) region, including sub-national analysis and visualization. • Support the regional offices and selected countries to consolidate, collect, analyze, and visualize immunization programme performance data (immunization coverage, cold chain information, reduction of zero-dose children) of priority countries of the region (Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and others) . • Develop and implement immunization related tools and knowledge management for immunization areas lead by UNICEF (vaccines and immunization supply chain strengthening, demand for immunization, and gender programming). • Review, consolidate and package UNICEF inputs for presentations, webinars and engagements • Contribute with data analysis and visuals to advocacy briefings, newsletters, lessons learn, technical notes for updates of LACRO Immunization Portal. • Support UNICEF country offices to review, design, administer, analyze and package rapid surveys to understand UNICEF’s view/position, approaches, challenges, insights on selected priority issues. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their understanding and knowledge of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute with articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/Expected Outputs: • The regional zero dose children Atlas dashboard developed and functional, with key indicators and country immunization data trends decks. • Infographics and key insights messages for communications from WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), and immunization data portals elaborated. • At least two countries supported with their subnational immunization data analysis and visualization process. • Technical guides elaborated, with statistics packages such as R, or on data visualization tools such as PowerBi or others to develop subnational immunization analysis • Operational supply chain data analysis and tools supported • Quarterly updates of the LACRO Immunization portal and promote regional use developed. • Regional immunization dashboards developed: a) programme and b) regional vaccination scheme schedule and vaccine consumption. • Tools for supply chain strengthening, studies, and monitoring and evaluation developed and implemented.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with UN and UNICEF’s organizational rules and regulations. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Panama is a family duty station, is classified “A” Duty Station and considered to be a safe place to live. Has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that it is said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%. In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level ‘1 minimal’ whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level ‘2 low’. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. UNICEF offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called ‘Ciudad del Saber’ where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighbouring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common weekend activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities. Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, ‘you’ll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements