Health Specialist - COVID-19 Vaccine Support

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

UNICEF Zambia Country Office works to uphold the rights and wellbeing of all children in the country. As part of the Health and HIV/Aids Section, this UN Volunteer Specialist assignment will contribute to UNICEFs response to the increasingly critical COVID-19 situation in the country. This includes supporting the Government in the realisation of The National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (NVP), addressing the key pillars: planning and coordination, regulatory, prioritisation, service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, vaccines, cold chain and logistics, safety surveillance, demand generation and communication. Against the context of supply constraints, prioritisation is made for specific target populations with a final COVID-19 vaccination coverage target at 46% of the total Zambian population (8.4 million) by December 2022. UNICEF supports the Government in addressing pillars highlighted in the NVP with support from various Cooperation Partners (CPs), in collaboration with the Government and other stakeholders.

Under the direct supervision of the Immunisation Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Ensure the availability of accurate, complete, and up-to-date information on COVID-19 public health emergencies (PHEs) responses; 


Ensure the availability of accurate, complete, and up-to-date information on the introduction and rollout of COVID-19 vaccination exercise; 


Compile and provide updated data and information on the coverage, continuity, and equity of key/tracer indicators for COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and essential routine immunisation (RI) service continuity; 


Maintain and coordinate inventory of COVID-19 vaccines and supplies; 


Draft sections of donor, annual and other COVID-19 PHEs responses, Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and essential RMNCAH especially RI services continuity response project documentations; 









Support compilation of monthly/weekly reports of COVID-19 response related activities and progress; 


Participate in Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and stakeholder meetings for COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and RI service continuity; 


Analyse collected data and information, prepare progress reports and draft changes in COVID-19 response programme work plans on improving coverage, continuity and equity.  

, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

Demonstrated experience in Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), immunization and public health emergencies (PHEs) programming; 


Experience in planning and monitoring the impact of emergencies in a humanitarian context, continuity of essential health services, including programme planning, capacity building, procurement, and supply chain management for health in a developing country context; 


Experience and or exposure in health sector programming; 









Understanding of the concept of equity and coverage in the health system would be an asset; 


Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. 

Zambia is a landlocked, middle-income country with a population estimated at 18 million. Lusaka became the capital city of Zambia in May 1935. Lusaka’s central position in Zambia and its pleasant climate were two of the main reasons for its selection as the capital. It is a metropolis, which provides a home to about two and nine million (2.9m) inhabitants of different nationalities. It has grown to become the seat of the Government of the Republic of Zambia and as such all diplomatic missions, international organizations, industrial and commercial entities are based there. Its political, social, economic, and cultural significance has also increased through the years.

Public transport is provided by private operators using minibuses and taxis. The bus routes are not mapped, and roads are less congested. Good modern housing for rent is available on the open market. The official language is English, which is widely spoken. The country is generally food secure, with sufficient local fresh fruits and vegetables available in the markets, as well as various dairy, poultry, and meat products. There are several international schools using the Cambridge GCSE or IGCSE syllabi, from key stage one through to A levels. Health conditions are generally good, although malaria is prevalent. Zambia is generally a safe place to live in, although not free of crime. Some prudence is required. For more info, visit: http://www.zambiatourism.com.