Coordinator Polio, P4 at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

In consultation with the Regional Health Adviser and in close collaboration with the EPI team and global Polio team, undertake the following:

• Support the overall coordination of Polio outbreak preparedness and response activities in Polio affected and/or high-risk countries in ESA region. This includes management and oversight function of polio eradication activities in accordance with UNICEF Global Polio Eradication Compact.
• Manage and supervise the regional Polio Rapid Response team including the SBC, vaccine management, and budget specialists, and the data analysis consultant
• In coordination with the EPI team actively contribute to multilateral Global Polio Eradication initiative partnership in the region, advancing UNICEF agenda and reporting on organization accountabilities in polio eradication. Represent polio programme in ESAR in various technical forums and decision-making platforms including Outbreak Preparedness and response group and other bodies.
• In coordination with country offices and HQ Polio team, oversee polio programme-related financial resource requirements, annual work planning, human resources and staffing needs, Rotary Polio Plus Committee fundraising efforts, donor reporting, and other management aspects of the programme to enable implementation of Polio SIA as per GPEI calendar and relevant response in accordance with SOP in case of a new polio outbreak. Regular coordinate and monitor polio-related grants, ensuring timely and quality
• Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

The main tasks to be performed by the incumbent are as follows:

•  Production of donor reports, regular programme updates, annual reports, and other programme documents.
• Oversee the day-to-day work of the polio Programme data Analyst, and Polio SBC and Vaccine management Consultants, providing relevant support and guidance, and ensuring integration of programme components. Maintain close links with the routine immunization (EPI) team, contributing to polio legacy work and using polio assets to strengthen routine immunization services.
• Lead and provide technical oversight in the development, testing, and implementation of polio SBC, vaccine management, and mobile population strategies by using or organizing evidence through studies needed, including community-based participatory approaches that integrate innovations for demand creation and active community engagement in the ESA region.
• Provide technical support to COs and their government counterparts to enhance their capacity to generate and use social data (on reasons for missing children,       social norms, bottlenecks, etc.) for the planning of SBC interventions, aimed at both collective actions by communities and individual behavior change for creating enabling environment for polio eradication.
• Facilitate documentation and dissemination of best practices on all aspects of the polio program, including working through different communication channels (including traditional media and face-to-face communication as well as new technologies).
  • Monitor and evaluate polio outbreak preparedness & response as per SOPs, applied research, and frequent visits to project sites. Disseminate research findings; ensure exchanges of experience and new methods to CO staff, government officials, and other UNICEF partners.
  • Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing, and knowledge networking.
  • The most relevant and strategic information is provided to support the  Immunization Programme through the effective implementation of the monitoring system. Drawing on monitoring and analysis of key program performance and management indicators provides expert input to management reports, including relevant sections of the annual reports. Provides technical advice to programme staff, government counterparts, and other partners on planning and management of integrated monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
  • All required programme reports are timely prepared in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.
  • Emergency preparedness is maintained,  and in emergencies,  emergency responses with effective coordination are provided.
  • Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Medicine, Public Health, Paediatric Health, Global/International Health, Health Policy and Management, Family Health, Socio-medical Sciences, Health Education, Epidemiology, Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences, and research or other fields relevant to immunization.
• Eight years of professional work experience at the national and international levels in development, planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and managing of health/Immunization and SBC programmes. Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in child survival & health care or immunization. Developing country work experience (for IP) or field work experience (for NO) Background/familiarity with Polio Emergency.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.