Health Officer, NOA, Fixed Term, Dhaka, Bangladesh, #127967

Bangladesh Country Office is seeking an experienced Health Officer responsible for providing professional technical, operational and administrative assistance for improving the immunization system through stock and cold chain management system, improving vaccine and supplies availability, urban immunization and new vaccine introduction throughout the programming process through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development and formulation of the Health Programme within the Country Programme.

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For every child, a future

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job: The Health Officer reports to the Health Specialist (Immunization) / Health Manager ( Immunization)  for close guidance and supervision. Level 1 is an entry professional level and should therefore be normally used as a trainee level for the purpose of acquiring organizational knowledge of rules, regulations and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge of the profession for upward mobility to higher responsibilities. Incumbents at this level are not expected to remain for an extended period of time in the post.

The Health Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance for improving the immunization system through stock and cold chain management system, improve vaccine and supplies availability , urban immunization and new vaccine introduction throughout the programming process through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development and formulation of the Health Programme within the Country Programme.

1. Support to programme development and planning, for urban immunization, immunization data analysis, and new vaccines

• Research and analyze regional and national political, social, and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify, and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation.
• Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevancy of information to EPI, HMIS and subnational levels (division, district, City Corporations, municipality) for the implementation of Immunization Supply Chain and Logistics (ISCL) Management using Electronic Logistic Management System (eVLMIS) for real-time monitoring of vaccine use up to last mile, and EVM 2.0
• Facilitate the development and establishment of sectoral programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning through analysis of health needs and areas for intervention and submission of assessments for priority and goal setting.
• Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing and administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials and documentation, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support programme planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation of results.
• Prepare required documentation and materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results , for urban immunization, immunization data analysis, and new vaccines

• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect, analyze and share information on implementation issues; suggest solutions on routine programme implementation and submit reports to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decisions. Keep records of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with governments and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.
• Support urban immunization, , integrate EPI with PHC through coordinating with EPI/DGHS, MIS/ DGHS, WHO, CSO, 12 City Corporations and 53 municipalities and ZHOs for planning, implementation of EPI program
• Develop, implement and monitor immunization action plan using DEPB tool on improving routine immunization coverage in low-performing and vulnerable areas.
• Support EPI HQ, district and city corporation managers in DHIS2/OpenSRP-based EPI E-Tracker capacity building and implementation.
• Support implementation of GIS-based online EPI micro plan using DHIS2/OpenSRP platform, collection of geo location , creation of shape file and creation of dash board in DHIS2
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), and verify compliance with approved allocation and goals, organizational rules, regulations, procedures, as well as donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
• Prepare inputs for sectoral programme donor reporting.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation, for urban immunization, immunization data analysis, and new vaccines

• Undertake field visits and surveys, and share information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks, and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices on health-related issues to support programme implementation, operations, and delivery of results.
• Build capacity in EPI on timely procurement of vaccines and devices and coordinate with supply section for timely procurement and shipment of vaccines EPI/DGHS and CMSD for timely receipt of vaccine to avoid stock out sof vaccines and injection devices.
• Build capacity in EPI on national stock management for vaccines and supplies and ensure timely forecasting of vaccines, budgeting, cost estimate, and distribution to district store for routine immunization and campaign.

4. Networking and partnership building, for urban immunization, immunization data analysis, and new vaccines

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with health sector government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to enhance programme implementation and build the capacity of stakeholders to deliver concrete and sustainable results.
• Draft communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fundraising for health programmes.
• Coordinate with EPI/DGHS and UNICEF supply section to establish national EPI Dry stores, EPI stores and Walk in Cold Rooms (WIC) at subnational levels.
• Participate in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) on health programmes to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of health programmes/projects, and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF’s position and strategies with the UNDAF development and planning process.
• Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fundraising and partnership development purposes.

5. Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

• Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
• Apply innovative approaches and promote good practices to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Assist with oversight of research and ensure results are available for use in knowledge products.
• Participate as a resource person in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders.

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

The following minimum requirements:

• Education:  A university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, health education, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field.

A diploma / degree in ICT or digital technology is desirable.

• Work Experience: 

A minimum of one year of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: immunization program planning and management.

Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset.

Relevant experience in a UN system agency especially the immunization program of UNICEF and WHO or other organization expertise in immunization is considered as an asset.

Hands-on experience in data visualization is desirable.   

Having hands-on experience in EVM assessment using EVMA 2.0 tools is an added advantage.

Experience in new vaccine introduction like HPV and other vaccines is desirable.

Development and implementation of effective and tailor-made SBCC interventions are desirable.

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is: a role with direct contact with children, works directly with children, or is a safeguarding response role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

The selected applicant will have an initial two (2) year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

This post is open for Bangladeshi nationals or internal candidates who are legally permitted to work for UNICEF in Bangladesh, independently of UNICEF appointment, will also be considered.

Visa residence requirements: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions in the national officer category.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.