Health Manager, Polio Team Lead, P4, USSC - Nairobi, Post #102428 - Temporary Appointment (364 days) -

The Health section of the UNICEF Somalia Office seeks to recruit a highly qualified polio/routine immunization professional for 364 days period to support the Ministry of Health immunization initiatives to further strengthen the immunization, cold chain & communication to effectively support immunization efforts.  Support UNICEF’s efforts in intensification of activities to develop and implement the Strategic Outbreak Response and Routine Immunizations Improvement Plans. UNICEF requires additional support with high-level coordination of all the various streams of work and efforts in close collaboration with the regional office, MOH, WHO and partners.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism.

Somalia has made some strides toward the eradication of polio. Since the outbreak of polio in Somalia, Banadir region, Jabjab district and polio emergency outbreak was declared. In 2013 a total number of 194 cases were confirmed in Somalia, however in 2014 only 5 cases were confirmed. The last case in August 2014 marked the interruption of Wild Polio Virus transmission in Somalia. Communication for Development which is the UNICEF mandate contributed largely to the positive outbreak response.

The progress made in Somalia towards eradication of polio requires to be sustained and furthermore there is a need to strengthen routine immunisation which is the first pillar of the World Health Organization strategy to end polio.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Endgame Strategic Plan emphasizes the need for polio to strength routine immunisation through the use of polio staff, related GPEI capacities and experience to contribute directly to the improvement of routine immunisation.

Within the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and immunization programmes, UNICEF is leading efforts to coordinate evidence-based, intensive social mobilization and communication activities for immunization (Campaigns & Routine), tailoring them to reach the target population with a focus on under-served and mobile populations.  Technical advisory group has recommended that in addition to Polio, the Surge staff gives 50% of their time to routine immunization strengthening. In this context, and given the increased expectations for communication results from donors and partners to ensure the effective response to the outbreak there is a need to enhance the organization’s technical capacities and skills both at internal and national counterparts’ levels.

For every child, Health               

www.unicef.org/somalia

How can you make a difference?

The Health section of the UNICEF Somalia Office seeks to recruit a highly qualified Polio/Routine Immunization professional for 364 days period to support the Ministry of Health immunization initiatives to further strengthen the immunization, cold chain & communication to effectively support immunization efforts. 

Support UNICEF’s efforts in intensification of activities to develop and implement the Strategic Outbreak Response and Routine Immunizations Improvement Plans. UNICEF requires additional support with high-level coordination of all the various streams of work and efforts in close collaboration with the regional office, MOH, WHO and partners.

Summary of key accountabilities:

• Oversee the UNICEF Polio Program staff in Nairobi
• Review comprehensive budget of UNICEF's Polio components in the program
• Ensure timely budget preparation, sharing with RO, HQ and disbursement of funds to implementing partners.
• Oversee the Polio supply and logistics staff and ensure timely dispatch of vaccines and supplies at the zones.
• Develop briefings for Chief and Representative.
• Represent UNICEF - Somalia Polio program on national, regional and international meetings.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have..

• Advanced University Degree or equivalent background in Public Health, Medical Sciences, or relevant areas.
• 8 years of progressive responsibility in Polio Eradication Initiative, project management, monitoring and evaluation at national level.
• Demonstrated experience working on immunization activities with nomadic and pastoralist communities and routine immunization would be an asset.
• Previous working experience with UN especially UNICEF and polio outbreak response highly desirable.   

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.