EpiC Uganda Senior Technical Advisor, Vaccine Service Delivery 219 views0 applications

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of EpiC Uganda Senior Technical Advisor, Vaccine Service Delivery.

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), a five-year global project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is dedicated to achieving and maintaining HIV epidemic control and preventing, preparing for, responding to, and bolstering health systems to address COVID-19. While originally designed as a HIV program, EpiC has been modified to accept COVID-19 funding and is currently are implementing COVID-19 activities in 45 countries.

In Uganda, EpiC activities will focus primarily on supporting the Ministry of Health (MOH) to improve vaccine uptake across the country to reach 70% vaccine coverage of the eligible population.  Activities include COVID-19 vaccine service delivery, demand generation, surveillance and data collection, social and behavioral change activities, private sector engagement and human resource capacity development and technical assistance.

Job Summary/Responsibilities:

The EpiC Uganda Senior Technical Advisor (STA), Vaccine Service Delivery is primarily responsible for leading the technical response of the EpiC Uganda project under the guidance of the EpiC Uganda Project Director with a dotted line to the EpiC Africa Regional Technical Advisor, Vaccine Service Delivery. The STA will lead the technical team and partners to, 1) improve delivery and enhance uptake of COVID-19 vaccines by introducing innovative approaches and service delivery models, 2) Develop or adapt appropriate tools, guidelines, and job aides for the EpiC Uganda COVID-19 vaccination program, 3) lead the design and support implementation of surge strategies to get more people vaccinated quickly, 4) build capacity of staff, partners and consultant(s) on the COVID-19 vaccination service delivery models. The position is based in Kampala, Uganda.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic advice to the project team and partners to reduce barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccines and improve availability, equity, and coverage
• Lead the design and advise the implementation of appropriate surge strategies at national and subnational levels to improve access to and availability of COVID-19 vaccines
• Provide technical advice on re-designing service delivery models, processes, and approaches at national, regional, and local levels with the aim to get more vaccines safely into the arms of target populations
• Understand how inequality, discrimination and exclusion can impact an individual’s or group’s access to services and support in Uganda, and devise different strategies that can address these barriers
• Identify capacity building needs of public and private sector vaccinators, the EpiC Uganda project team and partners, and develop appropriate tools, strategies and implementation plans to enhance local capacity
• Lead assessment of current vaccine service delivery models and work with relevant stakeholders to adapt the models based on needs and support their implementation
• Provide technical support to the country team in macro and micro planning to enhance coverage of COVID-19 vaccination program based on evidence.
• Support development of guidelines, job aides and other tools for prevention, identification and management of rare adverse events caused by vaccines.
• Provide technical advice to partners and key stakeholders on best practices in improving coordination and collaboration with key stakeholders, including ministries of health.
• Collaborate in the development of applied research projects that allow the evaluation of vaccine rollout strategies, approaches, effects, and adverse events.
• Support the development of workplans, budgets, case studies, success stories, reports and other documents required by the client or FHI 360 HQ.
• Provide necessary advice on quality assurance and quality improvement approaches to improve service delivery at vaccination sites.
• Continuously scan the vaccination coverage, strategies, approaches, indicators, and service delivery models in Uganda; anticipate pain points and proactively engage in identifying solutions to support the MOH in achieving their COVID-19 vaccination targets.
• Work collaboratively and dependably with colleagues and in a way that encourages learning, sharing and teamwork.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Health Sciences or related field (MPH preferred).  Clinical degree preferred.
• At least 8 years’ experience in providing senior level technical advice to large scale vaccination program (s).
• At least 3 years’ experience in providing technical advice in the design of vaccine service delivery programs and its implementation at the national, subnational, and local levels, and experience adjusting approaches based on data required.
• Demonstrated experience in both macro and microplanning for improving coverage of vaccination programs in Uganda or sub-Saharan Africa.
• Professional background demonstrating strong experience working in health care systems and services.
• Demonstrated experience in building capacity of country staff on various aspects of vaccination program. Experience in vaccine pharmacovigilance, coordination of training, development of guidelines, training materials and tools highly desirable
• Experience in strengthening supportive supervision, quality assurance and quality improvement desirable
• Ability to conduct and deliver thorough analysis, report writing and dissemination of information to a broad range of audiences
• Experience with working on a donor-funded project preferred
• Project management certification preferred
• English fluency required.
• Position open to Ugandan nationals or individuals who have the legal authority to work in Uganda

Travel Requirements:

• 10-25% within Uganda

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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