Note :This position is contingent on securing funding
PATH is an international organization that drives transformative innovation to save lives and improve health, especially among women and children. We accelerate innovation across five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations—that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, we take innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. Together, we deliver measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health.
PATH in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently implementing several high-impact health projects with the aim of saving and improving the lives of the most vulnerable and underserved women and children in the country. PATH’s DRC office, in collaboration with its Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access (CVIA), seeks a Senior Technical Advisor/Immunization who can provide technical assistance and strategic support to the national immunization program in DRC. The Senior Technical Advisor/Immunization will report to the Deputy Country Director of PATH office in DRC and is expected to work closely with the global CVIA team and national immunization team, particularly those supported by Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance. The Senior Technical Advisor will provide technical support to MOH/EPI both at the national and provincial level, in introduction of any new vaccine into the country, in routine immunization activities, and during preparation/implementation/follow up/evaluation of any immunization campaign, and in piloting and scaling up PATH ‘s immunization innovations inthe country to address EPI priorities.
Major Duties of the Senior Technical Advisor
- Provide Technical Assistance to the DRC National Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) on planning, preparation, and implementation of any new vaccine, routine, and campaigns activities;
- Serve as a focal person for PATH’s DRC vaccine-related work in DRC and strengthen the good relationships existing between PATH, Gavi, and the MoH/EPI;
- Coordinate the international and national support provided by PATH to EPI in close consultation with the MOH/EPI, including learning trips and introduction of new approaches in the country;
- Work closely and collaboratively with other in country partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and others in providing support to the EPI Program;
- Provide technical support for PATH in country immunization team, MOH/EPI and for provinces in any new vaccine introduction and related issues;
- Actively engage in internal and external team meetings and teleconferences to provide country update, discuss issues, and identify solutions;
- Stay current with latest technical knowledge/experience regarding new vaccines to be introduced into the immunization calendar in the country according to the EPI multi-year complete Plan 2016-2019 and with the investment portfolio of Gavi;
- Collaborate with PATH advocacy and communication teams (in country and global) and support EPI national and provincial levels in identifying appropriate social mobilization activities and strategies to improve immunization coverage;
- Work in coordination with country leadership, DRC immunization team, and CVIA colleagues on planning, budget, and implementation and ensure regular communication between country and global colleagues;
- Monitor work plans, track activities, and prepare reports for donor on results of technical assistance to EPI;
- Represent the PATH immunization activities in the DRC at international, regional, and national meetings, where appropriate, and present findings and added value of PATH’s technical assistance work;
- Contribute to development and writing of proposals for new projects;
- Provide additional support as necessary to build the portfolio of PATH DRC;
- Travel domestically, regionally, and/or internationally, as required.
Required Skills
Required Skills and Experience
- In-depth knowledge of immunization systems and country immunization programs. Specific knowledge of the structure and operations of the DRC Expanded Program on Immunization desirable.
- In-depth knowledge of vaccine-preventable disease epidemiology, and program planning and evaluation of vaccine delivery.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct support program planning and evaluation in developing country contexts, preferably with vaccination programs.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-country, team-based organizational structure.
- Strong experience in country or community-based field experience with vaccine delivery.
- Demonstrated skills in writing scientific reports for governments, stakeholders, and non-technical audiences.
- Articulate communicator, excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other information processing software.
- Working knowledge of data analysis software such as SPSS, EPI-Info, or others.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and to competent track timelines and deliverables with minimal guidance.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and French.
- Advanced degree (MD or PhD) in medicine highly preferred with public health or epidemiology certificate, or related field experience;
- Ten years of relevant work experience in public health with strong skill and knowledge in the field of immunization particularly in provision of technical assistance to the public sector;
- Demonstrated experience in employing epidemiological and operational skills in planning and programing national rollout of health program with particular emphasis to immunization and new vaccine implementation.
More Information
- Job City Kinshasa