Regional Specialist – Semera 29 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.

SUPERVISOR:                      Regional Technical Coordinator

REQUIRED NUMBER:        1 

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 Regional Specialist (RS) to support the Afar RHB towards improved PIRI implementation and MCV2 uptake. The RS will have strong technical capability in immunization, strong managerial skills, and will provide technical input and support. The RS will support RHB efforts in Afar with planning, implementation and monitoring of PIRI and MCV2.

The RS will be supervised by a Regional Technical Advisor (based in Semera) but will work closely with Addis-based staff, especially the National Advisor for PIRI/MCV2 and the Senior Immunization Program Advisor, for technical guidance and troubleshooting. The RS will provide day-to-day support to the Afar RHB EPI team for the responsibilities described below.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support RHB efforts with planning, implementation and monitoring of PIRI and MCV2, including strengthening links between MoH and Afar RHB (e.g. enhance communication/coordination, information/data, etc). The RS will coordinate with the National Advisor to establish routine processes of communication between the Afar RHB and the MoH to discuss implementation and performance of PIRI activities. This will include a collective review of data on PIRI implementation and MCV with the MoH and Afar RHB.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the RHB and other key players to coordinate JSI’s support with the priorities of the RHB and the activities/inputs of other partners for PIRI and MCV2-related activities in the region.  This includes working closely with the JSI/UI-FHS project to ensure that technical support provided to the Afar RHB is comprehensive, not duplicative, for PIRI and MCV2 activities.
• Review PIRI/MCV2 performance status and conduct Afar situational analysis to identify ongoing gaps and key technical assistance needs.
• Conduct mapping of partners and harmonization of implementation plans for PIRI/MCV2 activities in Afar
• Provide technical assistance to Afar RHB in developing and monitoring a capacity building plan for woredas/PHCUs on PIRI/MCV2
• Assist Afar RHB in coordination/support regarding preparation and follow-up of review meetings and provide technical assistance to select woredas conducting immunization (including PIRI/MCV2) review meetings
• Participate in key technical meetings at regional level, such as the EPI task force, M&E team meetings, or other working groups related to providing technical support for PIRI and MCV2.
• Utilize peer learning processes among MoH health personnel at different levels, including sharing lessons learned and best practices adopted, to continually bridge performance gaps
• 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.
• Contribute to donor- or MoH-required project reports or other information requests
• Other assignments and responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of public health (MPH) or other equivalent qualifications
• Minimum of eight years working experience in immunization and public health, preferably routine immunization experience
• Demonstrated experience within Afar region.
• Demonstrated experience working with the Regional Health Bureau and involvement in technical working groups (must understand local Afari government structures)
• Proven ability to use adult learning techniques to train health workers
• Strong organizational, management and communication skills to influence partners and decision makers at the national, regional, zonal and woreda level
• Demonstrated ability to be a team player, to lead teams, and to organize multiple activities simultaneously; ability to communicate and negotiate competing demands on time from managers and work effectively with distributed teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of public health issues and challenges in resource poor settings
• Computer skills that include Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
• Ability to produce accurate data and reports
• Fluency in English and Amharic; Fluency in Afar language is a strong asset
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time to regions, zones, and woredas