Immunization Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively to address the needs of children and families in various contexts, including emergencies and development settings. UNICEF's work is guided by the principles of the United Nations and focuses on ensuring that every child has access to essential services, protection, and opportunities for growth and development.

Job Overview:
The Immunization Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of immunization programs within the country. This position involves managing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the progress of immunization initiatives, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic goals and performance standards. The specialist will provide technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes, facilitating the achievement of sustainable results. A key aspect of this role is promoting gender equality within the immunization program, emphasizing gender disaggregation and mainstreaming. The specialist will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and other partners, to operationalize financing plans and ensure effective program delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct timely sectoral analysis and contribute to the Situation Analysis by integrating sex-disaggregated data for effective project planning and management.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and implement immunization strategies, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's objectives.
• Establish work plans and objectives, providing technical support and leadership to ensure timely delivery of results.
• Monitor and evaluate project implementation, making necessary adjustments to improve program delivery.
• Provide technical support to government and NGOs, including capacity building and training for personnel and beneficiaries.
• Strengthen the capacities of Country Office staff through training and development programs.
• Ensure accountability for supply and non-supply assistance and manage program funds effectively.
• Maintain effective partnerships for advocacy, technical cooperation, and information sharing.
• Implement a monitoring system to provide relevant information for the Immunization Program. 1
• Prepare all required program reports in compliance with established guidelines. 1
• Maintain emergency preparedness and coordinate responses during emergencies. 1
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Immunology, Epidemiology, Paediatric Health, Child Health, Health Economics, or other relevant disciplines. They should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health/immunization programs. Experience in a technical expert position related to child survival and health care is essential, along with fieldwork experience and familiarity with emergency contexts. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and a drive for results.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Immunology, Epidemiology, Paediatric Health, Child Health, or Health Economics is required for this position. This educational background equips candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and implement immunization programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional work experience at both national and international levels in health/immunization program planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Candidates should have experience in a technical expert role related to child survival and health care, as well as fieldwork experience in emergency situations.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. A working knowledge of English or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and may involve travel within the country for field visits and program monitoring. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards of conduct, including a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.