Immunization Programme Coordinator

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Position Title: Immunization Programme Coordinator
Location: Mogadishu
Country: Somalia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO operates globally to address health challenges, provide leadership on global health matters, shape the health research agenda, and set norms and standards. The organization works in various areas, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, aiming to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The Immunization Programme Coordinator will play a crucial role in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing routine and supplemental immunization activities targeting children and women of childbearing age, in line with established technical guidelines. The position requires a strong focus on increasing routine immunization coverage to at least 90% across all districts and eliminating measles by 201

• The coordinator will also be involved in introducing new and underutilized vaccines in countries with a demonstrated burden of diseases. This role demands a high level of technical coordination and support for Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) activities, ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of immunization coverage and disease surveillance systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical coordination and support for EPI activities to enhance infant routine immunization coverage, including the implementation of the RED/REC approach at the district level, monitoring immunization coverage levels, and conducting supplementary immunization activities.
• Support the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of a Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) surveillance system, including case-based surveillance for measles, development of national guidelines, and training of staff on integrated surveillance.
• Coordinate plans of work and training between the immunization program and the WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) program.
• Prepare and follow up on action plans for supplemental immunization campaigns, including polio National Immunization Days (NIDs), pulse campaigns, Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) campaigns, and measles Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs).
• Conduct field studies to estimate the burden of disease and monitor the impact of program activities.
• Develop and implement case management protocols for common outbreaks.
• Provide technical guidance for outbreak investigations and responses as directed by the WHO Representative for Somalia.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree in medicine and a postgraduate degree in epidemiology or public health. Candidates should possess extensive knowledge of immunization programs and public health principles. Desirable qualifications include experience in research and publication in EPI-related fields, as well as experience in control of communicable diseases and surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. Candidates should also have experience with resource mobilization and policy development, particularly in complex emergency settings.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in medicine, complemented by a postgraduate degree in epidemiology or public health. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of immunization programs and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of extensive and practical experience in applied public health related to immunization programs at both national and international levels. Candidates should have a good understanding of measles elimination and polio eradication programs, as well as experience in EPI disease surveillance and data management. Desirable experience includes working in countries facing complex emergencies and involvement in resource mobilization and policy development.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where the WHO operates.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 77,326, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Mogadishu. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking an assignment, and the organization maintains a smoke-free environment.