International Immunization Technical Consultant

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a US-based not-for-profit organization that specializes in public health. For the past 30 years, JSI has been providing technical assistance to health programs in more than 106 countries across a wide-range of technical areas.

The CHOICES (Choice Optimization for Immunization: Country Exercises in Sustainability) project aims to engage countries currently or formerly eligible for Gavi support who may be interested in conducting optimization and prioritization exercises. CHOICES provides evidence-based decision-making support to countries in navigating the expanding vaccine options and optimizing products, schedules, and vial sizes for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV), rotavirus vaccines, HPV vaccines, measles-containing vaccines (MCV, MR, MMR), and others. CHOICES provides technical guidance to identify and address key barriers to successful vaccine switches or introductions. CHOICES supports redefining tools and guidance to support decision-making in countries currently or previously eligible for Gavi support, in partnership with the WHO CAPACITI initiative.

 

At the start of 2023, CHOICES and Gavi have been working with country health teams that are interested in introducing or switching PCV and/or rotavirus vaccines by the end of the year. CHOICES is accepting applicants from immunization technical experts with either double introduction or double switch experience to engage with these country teams. Countries of support are yet to be determined and the selection of successful applicants are subject to availability of funding.

 

Responsibilities

The Immunization Technical Consultant (ITC) will provide part-time remote and in-country expertise in the design, implementation, evaluation and documentation of interventions leading to sustainable and high quality routine immunization coverage. This may include remote technical assistance, international and regional travel, the provision of guidance to review existing and planned immunization and communicable disease prevention and control programs, and providing technical input to improve planning, data analysis and use, management, coordination, training, monitoring, and/or evaluation of immunization services (linked also with product selection and introduction, primary health care, universal health coverage, and broader health systems, as appropriate).  The ITC will work with country experts (MOH/EPIs and multi-agency partners) to support vaccine selection and introduction planning and immunization system strengthening as part of routine delivery systems as well as within the broader context of disease prevention and control. In all activities, the ITA will be called upon to work with technical staff from other international partner organizations in the country to collaborate on key policies and program strategies.

The primary responsibilities during the consultancy will be:

• Provide technical assistance for preparedness, implementation, analyses and/or monitoring/evaluation of immunization programs and new vaccine introductions;
• Serve as a technical expert and key team member/lead for country support related to routine immunization and system strengthening, introduction of new vaccines, accelerated disease control, and other aspects of quality immunization service delivery and equity approaches;
• Provide remote technical assistance to country programs and potential opportunities for support to other countries in the Africa region.
• Attend an in-person meeting in Chad with the EPI and partners for the PCV/Rota double introduction/switches on September 15-17,  2023. (Tentative)
• Lead country teams in the development and monitoring of annual work plans, review and updates to budgets, development of reports and technical deliverables, and performance reviews for country staff;
• Participate in and train others in use of data at national and sub-national levels to strengthen planning, management and monitoring of progress towards achievement of new vaccine and/or routine immunization results.

Qualifications

Below are the required qualifications for this consultancy:

• Graduate degree in public health or equivalent and a minimum 8 years working as a public health practitioner (this should not include clinical work);
• At least five years direct experience providing technical assistance on routine immunization at national or sub-national level in country;
• Experience as an advisor to ministries of health, international agencies and/or NGO public health programs;
• Proven ability to assess routine immunization needs and to develop and implement successful program interventions, including prior experience with;
• Proven ability to support national or sub-national immunization planning and direct experience with new vaccine introduction;
• Experience, realization and understanding of general government health policy directions, good understanding of traditional and religious structures and the ability to work within these structures as they relate to immunization services;
• Strong organizational and communication skills for coordinating and influencing partners and decision makers at all levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills–demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally and linguistically diverse staff, clients, and consultants;
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality;
• English language professional experience is preferred;
• Excellent written and oral communication and computer skills (including with various electronic platforms); technical writing experience (guidelines, publications)

How to Apply: Email your CV and cover letter to imm_recruitment@jsi.com in advance of the application deadline. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Date Issued: May 17, 2023 12:00 am
Due Date: June 2, 2023 9:09 pm

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