Immunization Coordinator (Expert)

Immunization Coordinator (Expert) UNV

Assignment country: Nepal
Expected start date: 01/01/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Expert
Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Birendranagar

Details
Mission and objectives

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

In all of its work, UNICEF takes a life-cycle based approach, recognizing the particular importance of early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF programmes focus on the most disadvantaged children, including those living in fragile contexts, those with disabilities, those who are affected by rapid urbanization and those affected by environmental degradation.

UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future.

We promote girls’ education – ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum – because it benefits all children, both girls and boys. Girls who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens, and better parents to their own children. We act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished: no child should suffer or die from a preventable illness. We work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people because it is right to keep them from harm and enable them to protect others. We help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity.

We are UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Context

UNICEF initiated co-operation with Nepal in 1964. UNICEF/Nepal’s country programme seeks to advance the respect, protection, and fulfilment of the human rights of children and women in Nepal. UNICEF develops a country strategy to address the key priority issues based on the organization’s mandate. Subsequently, the programme of cooperation is jointly drafted and signed with the Host Government with indicative resource allocations which are submitted for approval to the UNICEF Executive Board. Based on these plans, sectoral programmes and projects are developed for the whole cycle (usually five years) and are further dis-aggregated into Annual Work Plans. Programmes and projects are developed within the framework of the national development plans plan and implemented in close collaboration with the Host Government.

The National Immunization Programme (NIP) is categorized as a Priority 1 programme of the Government of Nepal and has significantly contributed to the reduction of under-five mortality. The Ministry of Health and Population and WHO/UNICEF JRF reports 2022 outline increasing trends in full immunization coverage as compared to previous years. There is a significant increase in full immunization coverage (MR 2nd dose) from 77% in 2020/21 to 92% in 2021/22. To support the subnational governments in improving its immunization programme performance, UNICEF through support from Gavi has established technical support Units (TSU) in four low-performing provinces since 2019. The Immunization Coordinator ‘UNV’s have been based in these units to support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the immunization programme activities at the provincial, district, and local levels. Moreover, incremental support is to be provided in the introduction and roll-out of new vaccines.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Health Officers in UNICEF’s Field Offices and technical supervision from Child Health/Immunization Specialist in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Immunization Coordinator will:

• Provide technical support in evidence-based planning and budgeting:
  – Work at each level to improve capacity for evidence-based planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of immunization/RMNCAH
  – Improve capacity of implementing partners in planning and resource allocation and resources leveraging for immunization/RMNCAH program.
  – Support to integrate and make linkages between the microplanning and full immunization guideline as well as with the local level planning and budgeting process
• Strengthening Linkage: Work with Provincial Health/Service Directorate/Provincial Health Logistic Management Center, Health/Services Offices and Public Health Offices, and other social development sector units (Nutrition, WASH, ECD, Education, Adolescent Programming) at Province, district and Local level in strengthen and making a) cross-sectoral linkages and create synergies, b) linkages between various levels of health systems in the areas of technical support, referrals, supplies, supportive supervision, and reporting, etc.
• Ensure effective communication, networking and working relationship with EDPs working in immunization /RMNCAH.
• Oversight other health activities: The Immunization Coordinator ‘UNV’ must closely work and oversight other health activities such as RMNCAH and IMNCI being implemented in the provinces and local government units to enhance local capacity in resource mobilization, effective implementation and monitoring of plan activities.
• Provide technical support in Advocacy and Social Mobilization: Provide technical support in designing and applying a strong contextual communication for social change strategy based on community dialogue with clear and substantive participation of various community groups, including increased participation of community volunteers and leaders and ensuring their commitment.
• Provide technical support immunization quality mechanisms by:
  – Strengthening defaulter tracing mechanism and significantly reduce immunization dropout rate and zero dose cases.
  – Identify training needs and provide on job as well as well-organized training on vaccine and cold chain management, immunization in practice, injection safety and waste disposal and others.
  – Support provincial/district level training for health workers and other stakeholders
• Efficient Use of Resources: Provide technical support to the manager and health workers on effective and efficient use of resource like cold chain, vaccine and other logistics, consumables, and non-consumable supplies and on how to control stock and timely distribution of supplies and equipment to end beneficiaries
• Reporting: Provide technical support at all levels to improve recording and reporting of monthly, quarterly, and annual NIP performance and provide strong support for the improved HMIS reports at the primary health care centre and health post levels.
• Compiles immunization related training and orientation materials and share useful and appropriate information to promote knowledge sharing with Provincial and Local Government.
• Evidence Generation: Collect, compile, document and sharing case study, successful approaches, innovative work relevant to immunization program and sharing with supervisors, government partner and stakeholders.
• Support monitoring by conducting regular monitoring focusing on:
  – Routine immunization and new vaccine introduction,
  – Intensification of Routine Immunization (IRI) Activities,
  – Monitor the timely and quality immunization sessions
  – UNICEF-supported other Child health and Primary Health Care related activities.
• The Immunization Coordinator ‘UNV’ will closely work and need to coordinate with stakeholders within the Government (province and local government), relevant formal immunization committees and partners (WHO and Others) at central and field levels working on immunization program including the immunization supply chain management system at their level to complete the assignment.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
  Submission of a situation analysis brief report including a final report on all activities (micro-planning and budgeting; social mobilization, advocacy, and communication; routine immunization quality service provision; immunization data trend analysis; and cold chain system performance and bottlenecks) which includes lesson learnt and best practices
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Eligibility criteria
Age: 35 – 80
Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

15 years of experience in Child Health Programmes at the national and/or international level is required, with additional preference given to candidates who possess experience in child health program especially on immunization and have worked in the UN or other international development organizations; Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) ; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF core value (care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability) volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise: Health
Driving license: –

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required
Nepalese, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in relevant area, e.g. Public Health

Other Areas of expertise: child health, immunization

Competencies and values

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information
Living conditions and remarks

The Immunization Coordinator (Expert) UNV will be based in Provincial Health Directorate in Janakpur (Madhesh Pradesh); Bhalubang/Dang (Lumbini Pradesh); Surkhet (Karnali Pradesh); and Dhangadi (Sudurpaschim Province) with frequent visits to the field within provinces. The security situation in all locations is normal and have both road and air access. Moreover, all basic services/facilities are also available in all locations.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Fluency in local language is an advantage.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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