National PAHO Consultant - Strengthening ESAVI Surveillance and Finalization of Immunization Programme Documents

Organizational Context

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). PAHO Country Offices are responsible for ensuring that the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) country program of technical cooperation and its country presence provides adequate support to the national health development process and, at the same time, enables countries to shape the sub-regional, regional, and global health agendas.

Job Purpose

Provide technical support to PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health to strengthen the national immunization programme and ESAVI surveillance system in Trinidad and Tobago, in line with the PAHO Elimination Initiative. This includes updating and finalizing key immunization programme documents, supporting the implementation of priority ESAVI system improvements, and enhancing coordination, data use, and capacity building among stakeholders. Facilitate stakeholder engagement, contribute to the development of a roadmap for ESAVI system strengthening, and support the operationalization of surveillance processes to improve service quality, safety, and public confidence.

Responsibilities

Update and finalize the National Immunization Manual and guidelines for Immunization for Healthcare Workers. Update and finalize associated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance, sample collection, safe injection practices, and infection prevention. Update and finalize the Measles Response Plan. Finalize the National ESAVI Manual and associated SOPs for detection, notification, reporting, investigation, causality assessment, data management, and risk communication. Support the implementation of agreed short- and medium-term ESAVI system strengthening actions, including standardization of reporting tools, strengthening coordination mechanisms, and establishing/operationalizing ESAVI investigation teams. Develop a practical implementation roadmap for strengthening the national ESAVI surveillance system. Lay the foundation for longer-term ESAVI system development, including legislative and policy frameworks, digital reporting and information systems, and establishment of a national vaccine safety committee.

Work Experience

Essential: Five years' experience in immunization in the Caribbean Region. Evidence of experience with health data management tools. Desirable: Demonstrable knowledge on Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccines or Immunizations (ESAVI). Experience working in the Caribbean context. Strong technical expertise in immunization programme management and vaccine safety surveillance, including experience with ESAVI systems and the development and operationalization of guidelines, manuals, and SOPs. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and support coordination across multiple levels of the health system. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook) and health information systems such as DHIS2 and STRATA. Demonstrated analytical skills, initiative, and ability to translate technical standards into practical, context-appropriate solutions. Ability to work independently. Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical documents.

Skills

Immunization programme management, Vaccine safety surveillance, ESAVI systems, Guideline and SOP development, Stakeholder engagement, Health data management, Microsoft Office Suite, DHIS2, STRATA, Analytical skills, Report writing, Oral presentations.

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