Vaccine Preventable Disease VPD surveillance Officer – LICA 9 UNOPS

1. Background and Justification

* Purpose of the Position

To strengthen immunization programmes in Somalia, including routine immunization, supplementary immunization activities and introduction of new vaccines, in order to achieve the national and regional targets.

2. Job Description

* Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

To reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to vaccine preventable diseases by implementing routine immunization and supplemental immunization activities in accordance with established technical guidelines and in line with the regional and Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP).

* Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on work environment within and outside the organization)

Under the direct supervision of Medical Officer EPI/Polio and the overall guidance of Deputy HWCO in Somalia, the incumbent will work in full coordination with relevant units of the Ministry of Health, UN agencies and NGOs to provide technical input for strengthening the immunization programme.

* Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected)

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Provide technical input to the development /update of national plan of action for vaccine preventable diseases and immunization programmers to achieve the national immunization programme targets.
2. Work with the technical staff to review, analyze and update of locality micro plans for improving the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) routine coverage in designated areas.
3. Collect and analyze data and information required to reflect activities conducted, progress made, constraints faced and monitoring data for identifying low coverage areas and reasons for low coverage in different population groups.
4. Follow-up on implementation of planned activities, campaigns and field activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other health sectors.
5. Support implementation of Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessment, Data Quality Self-Assessment (DQS) and cold chain assessment as required.
6. Collaborate with the MOH in building capacity for field investigation, surveillance vaccine preventable diseases, and response to outbreaks and preparation of training materials.
7. Contribute effectively in developing appropriate tools and indicators for monitoring implementation of programmes on surveillance and response to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Liaise with the national health authorities for dissemination of technical documents, guidelines and protocols on prevention and control of vaccine preventable diseases.

3. Recruitment Profile

Competencies: Generic

Select up to two additional core, management and leadership competencies. See the Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model Guidelines.

* 1. Teamwork

* 2. Respecting and promoting cultural differences

* 3. Communication

1. Producing results
2. Moving forward in a changing environment

Functional Knowledge and Skills

* Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position

• Excellent knowledge of expanded programme on immunization, disease burden and surveillance for vaccine preventable diseases.
• Ability to analyse polio and immunization program data, to identify issues and make evidence-based conclusions and recommendation.
• Sound knowledge in vaccine managment

Education Qualifications

* Essential

University degree in epidemiology, or medicine and/or public health.

Desirable

Training in epidemiology.

Experience

* Essential

At least 2 years of relevant experience in immunization programme, vaccine preventable diseases surveillance and data management.

Desirable

4. Use of Language Skills

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and local language

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications to surveillance and monitoring. Excellent presentation skills