High-Risk Population Focal Person (HRP) – 1 Position – (dhusamareeb), Somalia

The High-Risk Population FP works under the direct supervision of the International Focal Person. S/he receives training and technical guidance from international WHO specialists in the respective field of work. The incumbent coordinates Polio eradication activities targeting the inaccessible population in the assigned states in close collaboration with IFP; State, Regional and District polio eradication officers as per admin and geographical location.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical supervision and participate in training and capacity building activities of the national staff and other health care workers in the target catchment areas
• Regularly monitor the quality of the activities in their states of responsibility.
• EPI site supervision checklist: at least 5% of all facilities in the catchment area are monthly conducted
• VPV supervision checklist: at least 5% of all VPVs in the catchment area are monthly conducted
• DFA supervision checklist: at least 10% of all DFAs in the catchment area are monthly conducted
• DPO supervision checklist: 100% of all DPOs in the catchment area are monthly conducted
• Work as the liaison between the field teams and national/ international specialists
• Support the establishment/strengthening of an integrated VPD surveillance system
• Liaise with ZPEO to ensure TVP (Transit Vaccination Point) are located at crucial border crossing points or IOM IDP registration areas.
• Community activities:
• Support ZPEO to identify and recruit DFAs and VPVs in the catchment area
• Supporting in mapping VPV and TPV ensuring that High risk populations are covered by this network of community field workers.
• Train the DPOs on community engagement, Polio plus activities
• Support and join the DPOs to train the DFAs and VPVs on community engagement, Polio plus activities
• Conduct frequent field visits to monitor the community activities and organize on the job trainings on identified needs.
• Routine Immunization:
• Work closely with DPO and support them to decide EPI sites in coordination with the district EPI focal point
• Monitoring of the EPI services are provided as per WHO recommended standards by using standard Monitoring and Supervision check list:
  • Spot checks on data recording (Immunization card, registration book)
  • Active and passive cold chains are well maintained, VVM of the vaccines are acceptable to use
  • Enquire the team has the capacity to manage AEFI; and the events are recorded, reported routinely
  • Waste management: Safety boxes are in use
• SIA and NIDs (OPV):
• Micro-planning: train and support DPO in preparation, updating and ensuring all inaccessible population are included in the micro-plan
• Identify and include missed opportunity child/ underserved areas in the micro-planning
• Support DPO in planning, coordination and training of the vaccination teams
• Liaise with UNICEF colleagues to coordinate Nomadic population presence in the catchment area and include them in the micro-plan.
• Monitor the implementation process is as per WHO recommended standard; intervene if within his/her capacity and feedback to DPO on identified gaps/ challenges
• In the event of suspected outbreak, support and coordinate the activities of the outbreak investigation and response team.
• Surveillance
• Support activities targeting Polio and other VPD Surveillance in high-risk populations.
• Work closely and coordinate with the SSOs, PHEO, zonal, regional and district polio officers as per admin and geographical location to supplement outcomes
• Provide technical supervision and participate in training and orientation activities of the national staff, VPVs and other health care workers in the target catchment areas on Surveillance of Polio and other VPDs
• Perform Supportive supervision and active case search of Polio and other VPDs in Health facilities and in the community focusing on high-risk population
• Ensure health partners operating in high risk and inaccessible areas are aware and report AFP cases and VPD cases and rumors.
• In the event of suspected outbreak, support and coordinate the activities of the outbreak investigation and response team.
• Reporting:
• Regular weekly sitrep on planned activities updates, challenges and proposed way forward
• Regular monthly reporting including the feedbacks from the DPOs
• Meetings:
• Hold bi-weekly review meetings with the DPOs for follow up on the progress and challenges of the implementation and keep the RPEO and ZPEO updated.
• Attend monthly meeting organized by ZPEO, present and discuss brief summary of the activities, challenges and way forwards

Education:

Essential: First level university degree on public health/ Social Sciences or any other Health related qualification

Desirable:

Professional experience and knowledge

• Experience:

Essential: At least 05 years of experience in health sector with emphasis the Expanded Program of Immunization, Primary Health or community outreach activities

Desirable: Knowledge of WHO mandates and goals or experience in UN organizations, international institutions or NGOs is considered an asset

Language Skills

Essential: Fluency in local language and a good knowledge of English.

Good understanding of data analysis and epidemiological software.

Good computer ability, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other programs.

Must be a Somalian national

Competencies

Communicating in a credible way

Transfers skills and knowledge to others and ensures objectives are met; mentors colleagues to achieve results

Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role-and-responsibilities

Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results

Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed

Encourages and motivates colleagues to achieve individual and team’s objectives

Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure

Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed

Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities

Resets priorities in response to unexpected circumstances

Maintains confidentiality and treats sensitive information with discretion