Immunization officer
Provide technical and administrative support on immunization-related issues.
Overview
Provide technical and administrative support on immunization-related issues.
You have:
- Eight years of professional work experience at the national and international levels in development, planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and managing of health/Immunization programmes.
- Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in child survival and health care.
- Developing country work experience.
- Background/familiarity with Emergency.
- Knowledge of UNICEF, the UN system and NGOs at global and national level would be an asset.
- Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (English Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
- Computer skills: Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), keen use of social media and networks. Use of statistical software such as SPSS is an asset.
- Ability to communicate effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
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 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, UNICEF provides technical, material and financial support to governmental and non-governmental partners to implement the activities set out in its cooperation plan, including the reinforcement of immunization, which is a major priority for the country due to the low immunization coverage of 47% at Penta 3 and Measles 1 (WUENIC 2023), contributing to simultaneous multiple epidemics (polio, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, etc.) that affect the survival and harmonious development of children. The immunization coverage at country level is major concern that why UNICEF is deploying greater support and investment to address the expanded program on immunization (EPI) challenges. This position intended to provide technical and administrative support on immunization-related issues within the office, integration of immunization/nutrition/ birth registration with WASH/Education, and coordination with the UNICEF regional office and other partners (WHO, GAVI, BMGF, USAID, World Bank, NGOs, CSOs) in support of the Ministry of Health's EPI team.
Under the supervision of the Chief health and nutrition, and in close collaboration with the programme as well as operation team, the incumbent will:
• Provide highly technical support on Immunization for sectoral/inter-sectoral programme development, design, planning, implementation, and management. • Provide support to formulation of sectoral programme goals and objectives and the development of strategies and new innovative approaches. • Provide support to strategic recommendations and decisions on situation analysis, programme/project planning, implementation and evaluation as well as administrative decision making on use of funds and human resources that have significant impact on sectoral projects. • Provide technical support to emergency preparedness and response related to vaccine against preventable diseases. • Perform other related tasks as required or instructed, including providing support to other areas of work.
Results/Expected Outputs: • Timely sectoral analysis, input, support and coordination contribute to the Situation Analysis with consistent integration of sex disaggregated data and its periodic update for effective project planning, development and management. • Quality contributions are made to the development and implementation of the immunization strategies and approaches through participation and collaboration with internal and external partnership. • Work plan and objectives are strategically established, technical support is effectively provided, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong technical leadership. • Project implementation progress is monitored and evaluated for adjustment, acceleration and improvement of program delivery and sustainability. • Technical support is provided to government and NGOs at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries. • The capacities of Country Office staff are strengthened through effective capacity building programme in the development, implementation and management of the immunization programme. • UNICEF and Government accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector. • Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking. • The most relevant and strategic information is provided to support the immunization programme by the effective implementation of integrated child survival monitoring system. • All required programme reports are timely prepared in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures. • Emergency preparedness is maintained, and in emergencies, emergency responses with effective coordination are provided. • Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.
• 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. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations.
• Eight years of professional work experience at the national and international levels in development, planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and managing of health/Immunization programmes. • Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in child survival and health care. • Developing country work experience. • Background/familiarity with Emergency. • Knowledge of UNICEF, the UN system and NGOs at global and national level would be an asset. • Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking. • Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment. • Working with people and partners: Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments. • Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly.
• Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (English Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Computer skills: Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), keen use of social media and networks. Use of statistical software such as SPSS is an asset.
Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers
UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: - Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; - Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; - Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; - Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; - Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; - Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; - Leave management; - DSA for official travel, when applicable; - All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with health and immunization programs at both national and international levels? | The interviewer seeks to understand your relevant professional background and capability. | Discuss specific roles you've held, projects you've led, and results achieved. |
| How do you approach collaboration with different stakeholders such as government officials and NGOs? | The interviewer wants to know about your teamwork and relationship management skills. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you propose to improve immunization coverage in areas with low rates? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you had to evaluate a program's effectiveness. What was your approach? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you manage multiple projects with conflicting deadlines? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your understanding of the current global immunization challenges? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague about program priorities? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you've used data to inform decision-making? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |