National Advisor 35 views0 applications

The Ministry of Health in Ethiopia (MoH-Ethiopia) has recently undertaken two important initiatives to improve immunization performance, reduce the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases, and improve equity. A second dose of measles (MCV2) was introduced nationwide in February 2019, and in 2018, MoH-Ethiopia initiated periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) in priority equity zones, including every woreda in the four Developing Regional States (DRS) (i.e Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella and Somali regions). Over the past year, MoH-Ethiopia has acknowledged the need to reinforce the technical, leadership, and coordination capacity of the regional health bureaus (RHBs) – as well as provide overarching coordinating support at national level – in order to effectively implement PIRI, fully integrate MCV2 into the routine system, and strengthen immunization service delivery in these regions. There is also a need for technical support to operationalize PIRI at the regional level, particularly in Afar and Somali where expanded services are needed to reach large segments of the population.

JSI, through Gavi funding, will address these needs by providing targeted country assistance to MoH-Ethiopia with two main objectives:

• Strengthen collaboration/linkages between national and sub-national levels and improve coordination/collaboration among partners to strengthen PIRI/MCV2
• Strengthen RHB capacity to plan, implement, and monitor immunization services, with a focus on strengthening implementation of PIRI and the scale out of MCV2.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

JSI is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the National Advisor (NA) to support MoH-Ethiopia and RHBs towards improved PIRI implementation and MCV2 uptake. The NA will have outstanding technical capability in immunization, strong managerial skills, and will provide technical input and support. The NA will support MoH-Ethiopia efforts in PIRI equity zones and DRS with planning, implementation and monitoring of PIRI and MCV2, including strengthening links between MoH and DRS RHBs and developing guidance documents as needed.

The NA will be supervised by the Senior Immunization Program Advisor (based in Addis) and will provide technical oversight and guidance to two Regional Specialists. The NA will provide day-to-day support to the MoH EPI team for the responsibilities described below, with the aim of improving PIRI implementation and MCV2 uptake.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support MoH efforts in PIRI equity zones and DRS with planning, implementation and monitoring of PIRI and MCV2, including strengthening links between MoH and DRS RHBs (e.g. communication/coordination, information/data, etc). This may include establishing routine processes of communication between DRS RHBs and MoH to discuss implementation and performance of PIRI activities and/or coordinating routine reviews of data with EPI teams.
• Review national PIRI/MCV2 performance status and conduct overall situational analysis to identify ongoing gaps and key technical assistance needs.
• Provide regular technical guidance and support to the work of two regionally-based PIRI/MCV2 staff (in Afar and Somali regions), ensuring technical quality, coordination with national efforts, and timely completion of workplan activities.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the MoH/EPI and other key players to coordinate JSI’s support with the priorities of the MoH/EPI and the activities/inputs of other partners for PIRI and MCV2, particularly those funded by Gavi Targeted Country Assistance.
• Participate in key technical meetings at national level, such as the EPI task force, M&E team meetings, or other working groups related to providing technical support for PIRI and MCV2.
• Provide technical input to MoH guidelines, tools, and plans for PIRI or for improving coverage for both doses of measles vaccine.
• Conceptualize and produce guidance documents on an as-needed basis for managers or health workers that will address gaps and challenges to effective PIRI implementation/monitoring or MCV2 uptake.
• Coordinate on a regular basis with Addis and US-based JSI staff to facilitate implementation of project efforts. Provide regular updates on progress and new developments pertaining to PIRI/MCV2 activities.
• Utilize peer learning processes among MoH health personnel at different levels, including sharing lessons learned and best practices adopted, to continually bridge performance gaps
• Contribute to donor- or MoH-required project reports or other information requests
• Other assignments and responsibilities as assigned

SUPERVISOR:                     Senior Immunization Program Advisor

REQUIRED NUMBER:      1

• A Master’s degree in Public Health or a related field. MD or other advanced degree a plus.
• At least 10 years of experience, with at least 3 years working on immunization, especially working directly on routine immunization program operations, at all levels of Ethiopia’s health system.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise productively with senior officials from the MoH/EPI and development partners as well as to interact effectively with health personnel at woreda, PHCU, and health post levels.
• Experience and full understanding of government health policies and guidelines for immunization and how to make them operational at field level.
• Proven experience in applying principles of adult education and behavior change in training, supervision and overall technical capacity-building of frontline health personnel and their supervisors; this includes development of training and supervision tools.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills in both Amharic and English.  Able to assemble, analyze, and present evidence to make a compelling case. Energetic, forward-thinking and creative with intellectual flexibility and depth and strong ethical reasoning.
• Strong organizational and management skills, ability to multi-task, and ability to communicate and negotiate competing demands on time from managers and work effectively with distributed teams.
• Ability to travel up to 30% time