Contract SPECIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (SSA) FOR 12 MONTHS
Job Description
WHO is inviting applications for
SPECIAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (SSA) FOR 12 MONTHS
TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO EXPANDED PROGRAM ON IMMUNIZATION at SHEFA
The World Health Organization (WHO) as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations system has been providing technical support to the vaccine-preventable disease and Immunization program of the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Vanuatu.
The WHO Country Office is recruiting experienced professionals under Special Service Agreement to provide support in the Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program at Shefa province. respectively.
1. Background
Routine immunization remains the backbone and main element of the primary health care program in Vanuatu. Despite challenges, Vanuatu has been showing impressive improvement in immunization coverage of all the antigens of the national schedule over the last decade. As per 2022 administrative data, pentavalent 3rd coverage was 68% and none of the province achieved coverage ≥ 90%. The country has already introduced four new vaccines namely pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and rotavirus vaccine in 2021 and second dose of measles-containing vaccine and human papillomavirus vaccine in 2022. However, EPI review in early 2020 demonstrated that many children are still missed to vaccinate, and late vaccination is also impacting the program performances.
Furthermore, from 2021 onward the COVID-19 pandemic has affected routine immunization services and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance in Vanuatu like many other countries in the world, resulting in decreased vaccination coverage of the national immunization program. At the same time, staff was repurposed to support COVID-19 response activities including COVID-19 vaccination activities. Data collection, management, and analysis remain challenges. Therefore, continued efforts are needed in achieving and maintaining more than 95% of vaccination coverage of all the vaccines at the national level.
In regard to the above, WHO will provide technical support to NIP (National Immunization Program) and MOH in strengthening routine immunization and VPD (Vaccine-preventable Diseases)surveillance system and program. At the same time, WHO will continue to support COVID-19 vaccination implementation including monitoring.
2. Purpose/specific objectives of the activity
Under the direct supervision of the Country Liaison Officer, World Health Organization, and the guidance from the Ministry of Health, the SSAs will provide technical support to provincial health departments toward strengthening routine immunization, VPD Surveillance, and COVID-19 vaccination program.
3. Job description (activities to be carried out)
The SSAs will assist to strengthen the immunization and VPD surveillance system and program. The SSAs will be based at the province and will have the following responsibilities:
- Technical support for strengthening immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance system and program;
- Develop a work plan for immunization and VPD surveillance activities;
- Monitor and supervise immunization, VPD surveillance, and HBAS (hospital-based active surveillance) activities at national and sub-national levels. Maintain liaison with provincial HBAS focal person;
- Conduct outbreak investigation of vaccine-preventable diseases and response and support to prepare the report;
- Support to develop strategies in reaching the unreached for immunization program;
- Plan, organize and conduct training for immunization and VPD surveillance;
- Any other activities suggested by the National EPI (Extended Program of Immunization) Program manager; and
- Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the WHO Country Liaison Officer
Qualification and experiences
Education
Bachelor qualification in one or more of the following areas: Medicine, Public Health, Clinical Nursing or health related field.
Experiences
Induction training will be provided.
Desirable: Experience and/or experiences in the field of Immunization, surveillance or any other public health programs will be an essence.
Technical skills and knowledge
Good knowledge in the planning, preparation, implementation and monitoring of public health activities. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
6. Medical clearance
The selected SSA will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
Details of the proposed position
- Salary for this position will be equivalent to a Public Service scale PS 4.1 on annual salary of VUV1,423,320)
- Duration of position: 12 months
- The duty station is Shefa Provincial Health Department.
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