Regional Immunisation Programme Strategy Consultant

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Job Description

The Regional Strategy and Strategic Plan for Immunization (RSPI) for 2024-2030 is the strategic framework to translate and implement the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) in the WHO African region. This strategic document will serve as an imperative roadmap for the prevention and control of VPDs in the WHO African Region.

The Immunisation constitutes a cornerstone of primary health care (PHC) and universal health coverage (UHC) that can save millions of lives from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). However, in Africa, millions of children under five years of age still suffer from VPDs every year due to inadequate access to and uptake of immunisation services. Despite the significant efforts made in the last decade, the WHO African Region did not achieve the immunisation coverage and disease elimination targets set in the Regional Strategic Plan for Immunization (RSPI) 2014-2020. Except for the certification of the region as being wild polio-free, the disease elimination goals still need to be achieved. The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted the delivery of essential immunisation services and delayed the introduction of new vaccines and conduct of planned immunisation campaigns.

The incumbent is expected to lead strategic interventions to fortify immunisation efforts, align with the Regional Framework for the Implementation of IA2030, and contribute to strengthening PHC in the Region

The major deliverables and components include the following:
Regional Strategy for Immunisation, 2024 – 2030:

A situational analysis of the status and challenges of immunisation and VPDs in Africa, which provides an overview of the epidemiology, coverage, gaps, and opportunities for improving immunisation outcomes in the WHO African Region.
A vision and goal statement for the VPD programme in the WHO African Region, which defines the desired future goals and the expected impact of the programme on reducing the burden of VPDs and achieving UHC in the region.
A set of strategic initiatives, strategic focus areas, and key performance targets for the VPD programme in the WHO African Region, which specifies the measurable outcomes and targets that will be used to monitor and evaluate the progress and performance of the programme.
Regional Strategic Plan for Immunisation, 2024 – 2030
A strategy implementation framework for the VPD programme in Africa, which outlines the implementation priorities, interventions, and activities that will be implemented to achieve the strategic goals and indicators of the programme.
A stakeholder engagement plan for the VPD programme in the WHO African Region, which identifies the key actors and partners involved in the programme at the regional and country levels and defines their roles, responsibilities, interests, and capacities.
A risk management plan for the VPD programme in the WHO African Region, which assesses the potential threats and challenges and their likelihood and impact on the implementation of the RSPI 2024 – 2030 programme, and proposes mitigation approaches and contingency plans.
A budget estimate (high-level) and resource mobilisation plan for the VPD programme in the WHO Africa Region, which estimates the costs, sources, and allocation of funds and human resources for implementing the programme.
A communication and advocacy plan for the dissemination and promotion of the regional strategy and strategic plan for immunisation, 2024-2030, which defines the key messages, audiences, channels, and activities for raising awareness and mobilising support for the programme.

Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Framework:
The Regional Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework is a critical component of the regional strategy and strategic plan, particularly in the VPD programme, where outcomes and impact are vital.
It will be comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with the overarching goals and objectives.
The key elements and deliverables include the following:

Performance Tracking Key Indicators: Establishes clear, measurable indicators aligned with strategic goals, and implements robust data collection and management systems.
This will ensures continuous monitoring of activities, outcomes, and impacts, including baseline assessments and regular reporting.
Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building: Actively involving key stakeholders in the M&E process, fostering transparency, and building local capacity through training and mentoring.
Adhers to ethical guidelines and ensures cultural sensitivity.
Adaptive Learning & Continuous Improvement: defines the mechanisms for feedback, learning, and continuous refinement of the programme’s implementation.
Utilises evaluations and findings to guide evidence-based decision-making, steering the VPD strategy toward success and sustainability.
Performing other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages:
Éducation (Qualifications):
Essential:

Degree in medicine with post-graduate training in public health, health systems, health policy, or epidemiology with specialisation in communicable diseases.

Desirable:

Training in health programme strategy development, policy formulation and results-based management.

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years’ progressive experience in developing, designing, and implementing public health programmes, especially planning, implementation, and/or M&E of immunisation programmes, with a minimum of 5 years inclusive at the international level in low and/or middle-income countries.
Experience in overseeing programme implementation, review, and updating of existing policies, strategies, and guidelines.

Desirable:

Experience in strategy development, policy formulation, quality management, strategic and policy planning as well as facilitating consultations.
Experience in implementation of national immunisation programmes would be an asset.
Languages and level required
Excellent knowledge of English and/or French with a good working knowledge of the other.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2400800

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