Health Officer, NOB (Temporary Appointment), Gandhingar [This vacancy is open for Indian Nationals only]

Under supervision of Health Specialist, Health Officer contributes to the overall effort of Country Programme implementation at state level within the framework of National Health Mission. The incumbent will be accountable for providing technical assistance in strengthening routine immunization Programme/Village Health and Nutrition Days in the state, with focus on the low coverage districts and Aspirational Districts, in line with government guidelines.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 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. And we never give up!

Click here to learn more about UNICEF:   https://youtube/E1xkXZs0cAQ

For Every Child, AN ADVOCATE:

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. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, nutrition, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children in the world's thereby ensuring a better future for every child, this is the chance to make a difference.  Under supervision of Health Specialist, Health Officer contributes to the overall effort of Country Programme implementation at state level within the framework of National Health Mission. The incumbent will be accountable for providing technical assistance in strengthening routine immunization Programme/Village Health and Nutrition Days in the state, with focus on the low coverage districts and Aspirational Districts, in line with government guidelines.

Major duties and responsibilities:

1.   Influencing Policy

• Contributes to situational and programme policy analysis and recommendation for shifts in management, risk allocation and coordination of service delivery related to Immunization service delivery with special focus on capacity building initiative.
• Establishes and maintains regular contact with government officials, project/Programme implementing institutions at state and district levels; staff of training, academic and research institutions through joint visits, consultations, travel.
• Supports Government in defining the roadmap for improving routine immunization coverage levels and implementation of other RMNCH+A interventions

 2.   Building Partnerships

• Collaborates with the state government, academic institutions,  NGO Sector, private sector and other new partners to identify essential interventions and effective approaches necessary for improved planning, implementation, tracking and monitoring of Immunization Programme, with special focus on cold chain management, immunization on demand, out-reach services that effectively reach the  unreached children, and effectiveness of Mamta Diwas/VHND sessions and maternal health interventions in selected districts.
• Provides technical assistance and evidence-based support to implementing partners including private sector.

 3.   Programme Implementation

• Supports the establishment/adaptation/refinement of measures for system strengthening and quality improvement to ensure continuity, effectiveness and sustainability of Immunization Programme and RMNCH+A programs with special focus in the low coverage and high priority/Aspirational districts including urban slums.
• Facilitates timely preparation of results based annual sector-and-project-specific work plans and activities. In the focus districts, support planning, monitoring implementation and review of the main thrusts of health sector programme related to Immunization.
• Reviews and compiles quarterly and annual progress reports and input-output-outcome statistics and data analysis with specific reference to Immunization services.

 4.   Monitoring and Evaluation

• Coordinates with government in conducting routine monitoring, and in strengthening and using MIS in planning and review meetings.
• Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes inputs (including cash and supply assistance, activities and outputs aiming at increased and more equitable coverage of routine immunization, as well as conducting periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.
• Contributes to the preparation of the situation analysis, by compiling data, analyzing and evaluating information on RI.
• Technical assistance to state and districts for monitoring and assessment of cold chain and vaccine logistics including EVM assessment and developing follow-up plans.

 5.   Capacity Building

• Promotes intensive focus and innovative programming in select districts to bring about evidence for decision-making, improvements in coverage and quality of Immunization and VHND sessions.
• Supports community involvement in health care; promotes operations research. Offers assessment of supply needs and management support to Routine immunization services.
• Provides technical assistance to build capacity of state and districts in planning and implementing quality immunization services and MCH services.
• Assists government authorities and training institutions, to plan and organize capacity building programmes in Immunization services and launch of newer vaccines.
• Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of Programme/projects. Provides technical expertise as required, facilitates learning exchanges as well as policy influencing.
• Planning for the immunization and health services in Aspirational Districts
• Supports/undertakes research that provides tracking on social inclusion in immunization service interventions.

 6.   Coordination and convergence

• Acts as a resource person on maternal child health care services, especially immunization to colleagues and also optimize alternative opportunities for promotion of Immunization services.
• Assists in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate development of Immunization services to enable more effective change in key care behaviors related to logistics, maintenance of cold chain and Vaccine Management.

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

Requirements of the position (QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES):-

Education:

• A University Degree in medicine (M.B.B.S), public health, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, epidemiology or other health related sciences is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in public health planning and management and/or in relevant areas of maternal, neonatal, child health and immunization, health emergency/humanitarian preparedness, at the international level and/or in a developing country is required.
• Experience in health/nutrition program/project development in UN system agency/government is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

 For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values (Required)

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Competency Areas

• Builds and Maintains Partnerships [ I ] 
• Demonstrates Self and Ethical Awareness [ I ] 
• Drive to Achieve Impactful Results [ I ]
• Innovates and Embraces Changes [ I ]
• Works Collaboratively with Others [ I ]
• Thinks and Acts Strategically [ I ]
• Manages Ambiguity and Complexity [ I ]

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all national, religious, gender and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

UNICEF has recently become the first United Nations agency to be awarded the EDGE certification – the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace. UNICEF’s commitment to EDGE reaffirms our pledge to gender equality and inclusion all UNICEF staff worldwide.

This certification recognizes UNICEF’s commitment to achieving significant milestones in gender equality for all its staff, including strong gender balance at all levels of the organization, pay equity, a solid framework of policies and practices, and an inclusive workplace culture.

“UNICEF’s most important asset is our staff — all of our staff. Gender diversity and equal opportunities for men and women is not only a matter of rights. It makes us more effective as an organization.” Henrietta H. Fore, UNICEF Executive Director.

We are the first United Nations agency to be awarded the EDGE certification – the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace.

For more information on UNICEF EDGE Certification, kindly view the video here.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:  

• This position is based in Gandhinagar (India).
• Selected applicant will have a 364 days Temporary Appointment contract.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. 

 For more information about UNICEF India, please refer to the link below: http://unicef.in

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