Immunization Specialist (Coordination), P-3, Maseru, Lesotho

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 101,149 USD and 132,447 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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

Lesotho - a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa with 2.1 million people - reported a total of 223,478 positive cases and 665 deaths, through 3 waves: August-September 2020, December 2020-February 2021 and May-August 2021, the latter with community transmission of the Delta variant. By December 2021, Omicron had already outpaced the Delta variant through an increase in caseloads.

Lesotho had developed a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan in early 2020, that focused on eight pillars to guide the national response, which envisaged the establishment of the National Covid-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC). This is a legal entity in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 1997 through the Legal Notice No. 59 of 2020. Under the oversight of the Ministry of Health, NACOSEC is mandated to coordinate development and implementation of the Lesotho National COVID-19 plan.

The National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP), developed in the last quarter of 2020, has guided the COVID19 vaccination roll out initiated in March 2021. The NDVP targeted about 1 415 115 of Basotho’s adult population. The plan has been rolled out in three phases. Currently, the third phase is targeting the population above 12 years old (approximately additional 300,000 people). Approximately 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Sinopharm have been received in-country either through COVAX or AU/AVAT platforms and bilateral/private sector donations. Over 539,800 of J&J and Pfizer doses are on the pipeline for 1st quarter year of 2022. ​ As of 31 December, over 660,000 people were fully vaccinated. This represents approximately 45% of the target population on the NVDP.

Despite the initial success, Lesotho has witnessed a slowdown in the COVID19 vaccination since November due to various reasons, such as fatigue or lack of human resources, operational challenges (logistics/lack of transportation for outreach campaigns) and hesitancy to be vaccinated, including among young and adolescent people. Additionally, routine immunization has also been adversely impacted with Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) focus shifted to COVID19 vaccination campaign. The country witnessed a 5% decrease in MCV1 and stagnation in DTP3 coverage compared to 2020. Stockout of essential vaccines has been reported. The introduction of HPV to immunization calendar and measles-rubeola campaign scheduled for last year have been postponed to 2022.

How can you make a difference?

Immunization is one of the key priority areas for health within UNICEF Lesotho country program 2019-2023. Not only is UNICEF committed to continue to support the Ministry of Health in the response to COVID 19 vaccination rollout, but also to sustain gains achieved on routine immunization. Hence the importance of integrated approaches and leveraging resources from the COVID19 emergency response to strengthening health systems for sustainable immunization results.

For this reason, UNICEF is seeking a suitable candidate for the post of Immunization Specialist to:

• Develop, plan, implement, deliver, monitor and evaluate, as well as provide oversight management of the immunization programme in conjunction with Child Survival and Development, Maternal and Child Health, Health and Nutrition components within the country programme, to achieve the UNICEF's immunization plus goals and objectives for the country.
• Support the Ministry of Health in accelerating COVID19 vaccination rollout, while reaching EPI results and targets.

Key functions and accountabilities:

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief Child Survival and Development, and in consultation with the Ministry of Health designated official to lead COVID19 vaccination rollout, the Immunization Specialist (Coordination) will be responsible for the Lesotho Country Office’s immunization portfolio and provide quality and continuous technical support to the Ministry of Health to accelerate the COVID19 vaccination rollout and to strengthen routine immunization. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible to support the Ministry of Health in its leadership and oversight role of NACOSEC, with particular attention to vaccination pillar, and coordination with partners and country stakeholders supporting COVID19 vaccination rollout. Other important tasks include:

1. Quality contributions are made to the development and implementation of the Immunization strategies and approaches through participation and collaboration with internal and external partners.

1.1. Collaborates with other UNICEF sectors, particularly Health, Nutrition, HIV and programme communication to ensure integration of the Immunization Programme with other interventions.

1.2. Participates with UNICEF, Government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other partners in the development of the immunization strategies and approaches. Ensures achievement of strategic results in line with agreed Annual and Country Programme objectives and adopts corrective action to meet programme/project objectives.

1.3. Contributes to the identification, development and dissemination of new strategies, methodologies, approaches and tools for improving programme delivery with emphasis on project management, evaluation, sustainability of intervention and community participation based on Human Rights framework and cross sector approach, in collaboration with other partners (e.g., WHO).

2. Work plan and objectives are strategically established, technical support is effectively provided, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong leadership.

2.1. As Immunization Specialist, exercises managerial and technical leadership for, and participates in, the development of the results-based sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for administration, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of sectoral project activity, consistent with the defined project strategies and approaches. Ensures objectives and targets are timely met and achieved meeting the requirements and quality standards, through full coordination between activities, by leading and supporting a team of professional and support staff.

2.2. Meets with national and international agencies overseeing the management of programmes/projects. Participates in meetings with ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements, and integration of gender mainstreaming across sectors.

3. Project implementation progress is monitored and evaluated for adjustment, acceleration and improvement of program delivery and sustainability.

3.1. Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as participates in periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Identifies necessary action for programme adjustments.

3.2. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and implementing partners in the planning and management of the Immunization programme and ensure sustainability of interventions.

4. The most relevant and strategic information is provided to support the Immunization Programme by the effective implementation of the monitoring system.

4.1. In collaboration with monitoring and evaluation and program communication colleagues, conducts accurate and timely monitoring and data collection, and supports an integrated monitoring system.

4.2. Participates in major evaluation exercises, programme mid-term review, annual sector review and preview meetings. Analyses and evaluates data to ensure achievement of objectives and recommends corrective measures as appropriate.

4.3. Ensures the accurate and timely input of project information in the monitoring system, and issues status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

4.4. Drawing on monitoring and analysis of key program performance and management indicators, provides expert input to management reports, including relevant sections of the annual reports. Provides technical advice to programme staff, government counterparts and other partners on planning and management of integrated monitoring and evaluation of the programme.

5. All required programme reports are timely prepared in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.

5.1. Ensures the timely preparation of annual sector status reports in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.

5.2. Lead in the preparation of all immunization portfolio reports for management, board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, and annual reports.

6. Provide technical support to the oversight of the COVID19 response and vaccination rollout

6.1. Review current situation of COVID19 vaccination rollout and routine immunization to inform the development/update of Ministry of Health/NACOSEC policies and strategies. This will entail conducting a desk-review, participating in consultations with country stakeholders (national and district) and producing a brief situation analysis, with recommendations and inception report for this one-year assignment.

6.2. Map out current available resources for the COVID19 response and identify gaps/needs across sectors (health, education, social affairs etc.); building on existing efforts by country stakeholders and partners to track deployment/administration of vaccines, availability of financial resources (current/on the pipeline), human capacity etc. Report on gaps/needs identified to ensure timely resolution by the Ministry of Health and follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.

6.3. Keep record of maps (1.2), reports and assessments for easy reference and to capture and institutionalize lessons learned. These include NVDP, IAR reports, national response plan and updates, district micro plans, vaccination updates, vaccine management monitoring tools etc.

6.4. Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of country stakeholders and partners.

7. Technical support is provided to COVID19 vaccination rollout and integration with routine immunization.

7.1. Work closely and collaboratively with country stakeholders and partners of the Ministry of Health to discuss operational and implementation issues in the COVID19 vaccination, provide solutions, recommendations, and/or to alert appropriate for higher-level intervention and decisions to accelerate the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

7.2. Participate in COVID19 monitoring and evaluation exercises (formative supervision to district health management teams, Intra-Action Review, NVDP updates etc.), as well as in EPI and immunization sectoral reviews with the Ministry of Health and counterparts.

7.3. Conduct field visits (e.g. vaccination sites, vaccine store etc.) as applicable and share information with the Ministry of Health and partners to assess progress and provide technical support and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution.

7.4. Support the Ministry of Health in developing/monitoring strategies to integrate COVID19 vaccination efforts into ongoing routine immunization in line with the vaccination calendar in 2022 (introduction of HPV, Measles and Rubeola campaign etc.).

8. Coordination of the National Response to COVID19, with focus on immunization, is strengthened.

8.1. Facilitate communication between Ministry of Health designated official to oversee NACOSEC, EPI team and technical groups and other country stakeholders.

8.2. Help manage COVID-19 Response meetings (Health Partners Coordination Meeting, MoH/NACOSEC), including proposing relevant agenda items and assembling presentations, scheduling, and sharing minutes.

8.3. Communicate with country stakeholders and partners to follow up on action items.

8.4. Participate in the EPI TWG meetings to collaborate with partners on operational planning and monitoring of NVDP implementation.

8.5. Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the capacity of country stakeholders to respond to COVID19 and integrate with immunization and other health programmes.

8.6. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

Advanced university degree in Public Health or Health Science, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Immunization/Cold Chain Logistics, Health Systems

Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional work experience at national and international levels in outbreak response, routine immunization, public health and other health/development relevant programs.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance to governments on the implementation of outbreak responses
• Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and playing facilitating/coordination roles in a complex/multi-cultural context.
• Familiarity with the UN system and international response to COVID19 pandemic is desired
• Knowledge of different aspects of Immunization Sector and COVID19 vaccination (WHO guidance, international standards)
• Excellent writing skills and demonstrable experience in qualitative and quantitative epidemiological information analysis, program monitoring and reporting.

Language:

Fluency in English. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA)

Core Competencies

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Remarks

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.