EPI Vaccinator

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established over 60 years ago, Relief International has evolved through mergers and alliances between four organizations, currently operating in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization employs more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers, focusing on critical health needs and wellbeing programming that helps communities recover and thrive. Their work encompasses Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming, all designed to be safe, local, conflict-sensitive, climate-smart, and evidence-based, reaching those most in need.

Job Overview:
The EPI Vaccinator will play a crucial role in carrying out routine immunization activities within communities, focusing on identifying un-immunized children and women of childbearing age. This position also involves supporting national immunization campaigns. The vaccinator will be responsible for managing vaccines and ensuring proper cold chain management. The role requires adherence to formal protocols and schedules for immunizations, participation in national vaccination campaigns, and conducting routine vaccination sessions in primary healthcare settings. The vaccinator will also engage in outreach activities, ensuring that vaccines are administered correctly and that strict aseptic techniques are maintained. Additionally, the vaccinator will be responsible for reporting and recording cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, liaising with health workers to avoid missed immunization opportunities, and maintaining accurate records of vaccination coverage and EPI records.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The EPI Vaccinator will be tasked with providing immunizations to infants, children, and adults according to established protocols and schedules. Responsibilities include participating in national vaccination campaigns, conducting routine vaccination sessions in primary healthcare facilities, and holding outreach activities in the field. The vaccinator must administer vaccines in accordance with guidelines while maintaining strict aseptic techniques. They will report and record any cases of vaccine-preventable diseases and work closely with health workers to ensure no missed opportunities for immunization. The vaccinator will maintain accurate records of monitoring coverage of the target population, including daily and permanent registers, and will prepare and update lists of defaulters on a monthly basis. They will provide counseling to caregivers regarding the preventive and promotional health aspects of vaccines and vaccination schedules. The vaccinator will receive vaccines from the EPI department, ensuring that the cold chain is maintained until the point of immunization. Monthly statistical reports on vaccine consumption and wastage rates must be prepared and submitted in a timely manner. The vaccinator will ensure proper disposal of used syringes, needles, and vaccination vials, maintain cleanliness around vaccination areas, and participate in meetings with community representatives to discuss EPI activities. Coordination with health promoters for defaulter tracing and participation in health education sessions are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants should possess a certificate or diploma in nursing, midwifery, or community health. An EPI training certificate (immunization training) is essential. Candidates must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills and have at least 1-2 years of experience in immunization programs and primary health care services. The ability to administer vaccines safely, maintain accurate records, and report effectively is crucial. Additionally, candidates should be capable of working in rural or challenging conditions.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a certificate or diploma in nursing, midwifery, or community health. An EPI training certificate is mandatory, indicating specialized training in immunization practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in immunization programs and primary health care services. This experience should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in community health settings and manage vaccination processes.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the organization. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for effective communication within the community.

Additional Notes:
This is a national position, and applicants must not have criminal records or convictions related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Sexual Harassment, or Child Abuse. The organization values inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, agility, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. The application process requires submission of a motivational letter, national ID, CV, and academic documents through the specified platform. The position is urgent, and shortlisting will occur on a rolling basis, with only shortlisted applicants contacted within two weeks of the closing date.