EPI Vaccinator

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater 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 comprising Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe. The organization operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, employing over 7,000 staff and local volunteers. Their mission focuses on addressing the complex crises faced by communities in fragile settings, emphasizing health and nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), education, and livelihoods programming that is safe, local, conflict-sensitive, climate-smart, and evidence-based. Relief International aims to reweave the social fabric of communities to enhance resilience and wellbeing.

Job Overview:
The EPI Vaccinator will be responsible for executing routine immunization activities within communities, focusing on identifying un-immunized children and women of childbearing age. This role also includes providing support for national immunization campaigns. The vaccinator will manage vaccine distribution and ensure proper cold chain management, which is crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy. The position requires active participation in both national vaccination campaigns and routine vaccination sessions at primary healthcare facilities, as well as outreach activities in the field. The vaccinator will administer vaccines according to established protocols, maintain strict aseptic techniques, and document any cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, the vaccinator will work closely with health workers to ensure comprehensive immunization coverage and will provide counseling to caregivers regarding vaccination schedules and health promotion. Accurate record-keeping and reporting are essential components of this role, as is the maintenance of biosafety standards during immunization activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide immunizations to infants, children, and adults according to formal protocols and schedules.
• Participate in national vaccination campaigns and conduct routine vaccination sessions in primary healthcare settings, including outreach activities in the community.
• Administer vaccines correctly in accordance with guidelines while maintaining strict aseptic techniques.
• Report and record any cases of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Collaborate with health workers to avoid missed immunization opportunities, including screening vaccination cards.
• Maintain accurate records of immunization coverage and EPI records, including daily and permanent registers, and update lists of defaulters monthly.
• Counsel caregivers on preventive health aspects of vaccines and vaccination schedules.
• Manage vaccine reception from the EPI department and ensure cold chain maintenance until immunization.
• Prepare and submit monthly statistical reports on vaccine consumption and wastage rates. 1
• Ensure proper disposal of used syringes, needles, and vaccination vials/ampoules according to protocols. 1
• Maintain cleanliness around vaccination areas and adhere to biosafety rules. 1
• Engage with community representatives and volunteers to discuss EPI activities and defaulter tracing. 1
• Coordinate with health promoters for defaulter tracing and participate in health education sessions. 1
• Keep up-to-date records for reporting to supervisors as requested.

Required Qualifications:

• Preferable: Certificate or diploma in nursing, midwifery, or community health.
• Must possess an EPI training certificate (immunization training).
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills are essential.
• A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in immunization programs and primary health care services is required.
• Ability to administer vaccines safely and maintain accurate records and reporting.
• Capability to work in rural or challenging conditions is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a certificate or diploma in nursing, midwifery, or community health. Additionally, an EPI training certificate is mandatory, demonstrating the candidate's qualifications in immunization practices.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in immunization programs and primary health care services. This experience is crucial for ensuring that the vaccinator can effectively manage immunization activities and respond to the needs of the community.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for communication within the organization and with health authorities. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for effective interaction with community members.

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 encourages qualified females to apply. The application process requires submission of a motivational letter, national ID, CV, and academic documents, all of which should be non-returnable. Due to the urgency of filling this position, shortlisting will occur on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.