Provincial Polio Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Provincial Polio Officer
Location: Bāmyān, Kabul
Country: Afghanistan
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CTG (Contextualized Training Group) is an organization that supports humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries globally. Established in 2006, CTG has placed over 20,000 staff across 17 countries, including regions in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The organization specializes in rapid deployment of skilled personnel for development and humanitarian missions, ensuring efficient and agile HR, logistical, and operational services that save time and money for multilateral organizations. Their mission is to provide a cost-effective service for humanitarian and development missions, allowing clients to focus on their core services. More information can be found at www.ctg.org.

Job Overview:
The Provincial Polio Officer will coordinate Provincial Polio Eradication activities, including Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs), maintain quality Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, and support the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) through Polio Eradication Initiatives (PEI). This role requires a proactive approach to managing polio eradication efforts in the assigned province, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including health workers, volunteers, and local authorities. The officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring polio eradication strategies, ensuring that all activities align with national and international health standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Provincial Polio Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Serving as the primary contact for AFP case notifications in the assigned area.
• Developing monthly plans for AFP surveillance activities.
• Investigating all AFP cases in accordance with standard operating procedures, ensuring timely and accurate data collection.
• Regularly reviewing the reporting network and incorporating new health facilities and reporting volunteers.
• Facilitating training for AFP focal points and reporting volunteers.
• Supervising and monitoring the performance of AFP focal points through field visits.
• Producing reports on active surveillance and zero reporting with quality indicators.
• Assisting the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) with Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance.
• Updating micro-plans for SIAs and participating in the selection of vaccinators and supervisors. 1
• Coordinating social mobilization activities related to vaccination campaigns. 1
• Conducting training for frontline workers and intra-campaign monitors. 1
• Implementing post-campaign activities and facilitating regular coordination meetings with PEI partners. 1
• Assisting the District Polio Officer in preparing monthly plans and providing supportive supervision to District Polio Officers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of Afghanistan with a compulsory Medical Degree (MD or equivalent). A minimum of 5 years of relevant technical and managerial experience with the PEI program is required, along with experience in international agencies being an asset. Candidates should possess good working knowledge of English and local languages, and must be residents of the area of assignment or have proven familiarity with it. Computer literacy is mandatory, with skills in drafting correspondence and reports, as well as maintaining an AFP surveillance database. The ability to work harmoniously in a team and adapt to diverse social and cultural backgrounds is essential, along with a commitment to high standards of personal conduct and integrity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Medical Doctor (MD) degree. A Master’s Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is considered an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires essential experience of 5-10 years in Polio Surveillance, with at least 5 years of relevant technical and managerial experience, preferably with national or international agencies. Experience in PEI/EPI is specifically required to ensure the candidate is well-versed in the necessary protocols and practices.

Languages:
Candidates must have a very good working knowledge of English and local languages. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with various stakeholders involved in polio eradication efforts.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to involve long hours and weekends, particularly during critical activities such as vaccination campaigns and conferences. WHO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified women to apply, with a preference for equally qualified female candidates. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. Additionally, WHO has a zero tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.