Immunization Officer, NOB, FT Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire #107126 (Ouvert uniquement aux nationaux)

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Chief of Health & HIV, and the technical oversight of Immunization Specialsit, the immunization officer supports the development and preparation of the immunization programme and is accountable for professional technical contribution to project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration of Immunization (EPI) programme/project activities, including data analysis, programme support, delivery, progress reporting, and commitment for expansion of immunization coverage, as well as enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals, objectives and strategy.

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.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND PURPOSE FOR THE JOB

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 fulfil 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.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. Accurate, complete, and up-to-date programme/project management information is available for effective budget preparation, programme/project design, implementation, management and evaluation.

Ensures the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective Immunization programme and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. Drafts sound Immunization programme budgets for review by the supervisor, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of data and coding. Drafts updated project status reports.

Assembles and provides updated data and information on national immunization programme and on financial/administrative status for monitoring, analysis and analysis.  Analyses the programme status and recommends appropriate adjustments as necessary.

2. Project efficiency, effectiveness and vaccination coverage are enhanced through effective implementation follow-on.

Enhances project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation follow-on, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and Immunization project status.

Undertakes field visits to districts and sub-districts for monitoring and supervision of project activities and to improve immunization coverage. Supervises the implementation of the routine EPI activities and the work of the Polio Officer, district field assistants, etc. as required.

Prepares reports on the results of the field visits and progress of vaccination coverage.

3. Progress reports and project work plans are timely prepared, and effective technical support is provided in the drafting of donor, annual and other reports/project documentation related to EPI.

Analyses collected data and information and prepare progress reports, drafts changes in Immunization project work plans and in identification of required supplies and equipment. Drafts sections of donor, annual and other project documentation related to EPI, ensuring accuracy and consistency with established rules, regulations and plans of action.

4. Appropriateness and completeness of financial and supply documentation as well as adherence to established allotments are ensured.

Monitors flow of supply and non-supply assistance to local authorities. Records supply and non-supply inventory and quarterly update on cold chain equipment, distribution and utilization.

Ensures the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verifies that Immunization project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database (e.g., FLS, ProMS). Follows up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies.

5. The capacities of Country Office staff and teamwork are strengthened through effective capacity building activities in the development, implementation and management of the Immunization Programme.

Supports a staff training/development programme to upgrade the capacity of the Country Office staff in the programme development, implementation and management of the Immunization Programme. Conducts relevant orientation, workshop, team work facilitation and staff learning/development activities: ensures that vaccination teams (acceleration) are properly trained on the various aspect of EPI; uses the appropriate training guidelines; participates in the Mid level management training of vaccinators, cold chain managers, mid-level managers; participates in training activities and micro-planning workshops; participates in the training of district field assistants for community sensitization and awareness seminars.

6. Knowledge sharing with donors and media is promoted.

Compiles Immunization project implementation training and orientation materials and shares useful and appropriate information to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media.

7. Effective communication, networking and collaboration are achieved with internal and external partners.

Ensures the effective communication, networking and working relationships are developed and maintained.

•     Collaborates with Operations staff to implement internal controls systems and resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial or supply management.

•     Teams with local government counterparts to exchange detail information on Immunization project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies. Provides technical support in the planning of district EPI micro-plan. Recommends courses of action to supervisor, as necessary.

•     Arranges field visits to project sites for government and other partner, providing necessary information for briefing on the project. Participates in the study of the project status and evaluation as required.

•    Collaborates with members of the development community, including NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to Immunization sector. 

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

• University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Social Sciences, Medicine, Health, Public Health, Family Health, Child Development, Nursing, or a field relevant to international development assistance in Immunization and Child Survival & Health Care. 

• A minimum of 2 of relevant professional experience in Field work experience. Experience in knowledge management. Training and experience in social welfare, or Immunization/health care.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

i)  Core Values

· Care

· Respect

· Integrity

· Trust

· Accountability

· Sustainability

ii)  Core Competencies

. Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness

. Works Collaboratively with others

. Builds and Maintains Partnerships

. Innovates and Embraces Change

. Thinks and Acts Strategically

. Drive to achieve impactful results

. Manages ambiguity and complexity

 

 iii)  Technical Knowledge [ I ]                  

  a) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group) [ I ]

Knowledge of the latest theories, technology and practices in:

•  Health Promotion and Disease Prevention  •  Child and Maternal Health

•  Public Health                                              •  Behaviour Change Communication

•  Environmental Health                                 •  Health Education

•  Educational Interventions in Health Care

General knowledge of:

•  Methodology of programme/project management

•  Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for Immunization programmes

• Knowledge of global Immunization issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current methods and approaches.

• Policies and strategy to address Immunization issues, including those relating to emergency, conflicts, disasters, and recovery.

• Emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.

• Financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.

• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming.

•  Mid-Term Strategic Plan

• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.

•  UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers and agency-wide programmes impacting on Immunization results

•  Knowledge and proficiency in the use of corporate office computer system applications and software, including LAN, email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.

 b) Specific Technical Knowledge Required [ I ]

  (Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

•  Professional technical Knowledge of theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas: Health, Public Health, Maternal and Child Health, Nursing, Family Health, Immunization, Social Work, Behaviour Change, or a discipline relevant to international development assistance in Immunization.   

•  Gender equality and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job) [ I ]

•  National Government development plans and policies

•  Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes

• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.

•  UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions

• UN security operations and guidelines.

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. 

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable without any distinctions are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

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