Immunization Specialist, P4, Amman, UNICEF Jordan Country Office, #127800, [Temporary Appointment, 364 days] [Non-Jordanians only]

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, a healthy life

The incumbent is accountable for professional leadership and innovation in the development, planning, implementation, delivery, monitoring, evaluation and 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. The incumbent is accountable for ensuring the UNICEF Immunization programme promotes gender equality, with an emphasis on gender disaggregation, gender disparity identification, and gender mainstreaming.

How can you make a difference?

KEY END-RESULTS that can be expected:

1. As a technical expert, support the modernization of the vaccine procurement system in Jordan and the introduction of new vaccines, specifically pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)
2. Contribute to timely sectoral analysis, input, support and coordination to the Situation Analysis with consistent integration of sex disaggregated data and its periodic update for effective project planning, development and management.
3. Quality contributions are made to the development and implementation of evidence-based Immunization strategies and approaches for reaching target populations through participation and collaboration with internal and external partnership.
4. Work plan and objectives are strategically established, technical support is effectively provided, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong leadership and excellent communication skills.
5. Project implementation progress is monitored and evaluated for adjustment, acceleration and improvement of program delivery and sustainability.
6. Technical support is provided to government and NGOs at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries.
7. The capacities of Country Office staff are strengthened through effective capacity building programme in the development, implementation and management of the Immunization programme.
8. UNICEF and Government accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector.
9. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking.
10. The most relevant and strategic information is provided to support the Immunization Programme by the effective implementation of integrated child survival monitoring system.
11. All required programme reports are prepared in a timely manner and in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.
12. Emergency preparedness is maintained, and in emergencies, emergency responses with effective coordination are provided.
13. Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

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

1. The action plan for vaccine procurement modernization in Jordan is implemented

Coordinates with all stakeholders, particularly USAID, the Ministry of Health, Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and Jordan Procurement Department to support the modernization process of vaccine procurement and the introduction of new vaccines to the routine immunization program in Jordan, particularly technical support to the introduction of PCV.

2. 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.

     Contributes towards preparation of Situation Analysis by overseeing collection, analysis and evaluation of information, and providing the technical guidance and input. Ensures the timely preparation of the Situation Analysis relative to Immunization (EPI) interventions in the country and its periodic update. Coordinates to make quality contributions to other related interventions (e.g., Measles. health and nutrition) as part of the integrated immunization activities.

    Ensures the quality sectoral input to the Country Programme Document, and all related documents (e.g., Plan of Operations, Project Plans of Action, Country Programme Summary Sheet, Programme Summary Sheet) of the Immunization Programme.    

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

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

     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.

     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).

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

As Immunization Manager and 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.

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.

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

   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. 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.

6. Technical support is provided to government and NGOs at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries.

Provides expert guidance and technical support to government and NGOs at the national and provincial levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the programmes/projects. Identifies training needs; coordinates, develops, organizes and oversees training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building, sustainability of programme/projects and promotion/expansion of coverage of services.

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

     Guides, coordinates and organizes a staff training/development programme with Regional and HQ Advisers to upgrade the capacity of UNICEF Country Office staff enabling them to progressively engage in and lead in the programme development, implementation and management of Immunization programme.  Oversees the conduct of relevant orientation, workshop, training and staff learning/development activities.      

 8. UNICEF and Government accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector.

    Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring UNICEF and Government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, ensuring those activities are within established plans of action and programme budget allotments.  Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds.

     Ensures programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation. Submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

9. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking.

  Coordinates activities and exchanges information and knowledge with other programmes to contribute to achievement of overall country programme objectives. Participates in establishing effective monitoring, knowledge database/network and reporting systems to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme information/data, and contributes to the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation for the Immunization Programme.

Maintains close working relationships to establish partnership and collaboration with external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, in order to improve the ability to collect and disseminate relevant data, exchange information on programme/project development and implementation. Ensures a significant exchange of knowledge, information, experience and lessons learned.

Advises the Ministry of Health about current best practices in awareness and communication campaigns for informing target populations about new vaccines, such as PCV. 

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

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

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.

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

   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.

Conducts periodic site visits and other forms of monitoring to ensure that UNICF-provided vaccines are stored, handled, distributed, and administered to patients in alignment with international and national norms.  Advises the Ministry of Health about best practices in supply chain management for vaccines, especially for PCV.    

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

    Ensures the timely preparation of annual sector status reports in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures. Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, and annual reports.

12. Emergency  preparedness  is  maintained,  and  in  emergencies,  emergency  responses  with effective  coordination  are  provided.

Collaborates in forming emergency preparedness plan relating to the areas of responsibility. In case of emergency, participates in monitoring and assessing the nature and extent of the emergency in the assigned area. Coordinates and provides assistance to the Country Office in identifying where support is required in terms of immediate response as well as long-term strategy and plan.

13. Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

Performs and delivers additional duties and services assigned by the supervisor.

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

• Advanced degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Medicine, Public Health, Paediatric Health, Global/International Health, Health Policy and Management, Family Health, Socio-medical Sciences, Health Education, Epidemiology, or other fields relevant to immunization. A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

• 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.

• Expert knowledge of UNICEF vaccine procurement modalities
• Experience with new vaccine introduction
• Experience guiding countries to transition to international vaccine procurement
• Demonstrated experience working with developing or middle-income country immunization programs.
• Experience with vaccine registration and vaccine quality testing
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English 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

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, all eligible and suitable candidates 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.