Health Specialist, (P-3), Temporary Appointment, #00137464, Mogadishu, Somalia

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate and inclusive culture.

Job Purpose

The Health Specialist will provide professional leadership and contribute to the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Immunisation programme within the country. This role is crucial for achieving UNICEF's Immunisation plus goals and objectives, particularly in supporting polio eradication and general immunisation efforts in linkage with Primary Health Care (PHC) and the overall child survival agenda. The specialist will work to integrate polio emergency action plans and global procedures into the broader immunisation programme, aligning with GPEI and IA2030 objectives, and addressing the zero-dose agenda in Somalia.

Responsibilities

The Health Specialist is responsible for leading and contributing to the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Immunisation programme, focusing on child survival and development, maternal and child health, and nutrition components. This includes providing support for polio eradication and general immunisation, integrating PHC and child survival strategies. The role involves planning and implementing the polio programme and the Somalia Polio Emergency Action Plan (SEAP), adhering to global emergency procedures and integrating them with the broader immunisation programme in the context of GPEI and IA2030. The specialist will collaborate with in-country partners, Centre of Excellence (CoE), HQ, GPEI partners, regional working groups, and donors to plan and implement polio eradication strategies, introduce new vaccines, and conduct MNTE activities. Integration with other programmes like PEI, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition, and WASH is key to achieving equitable immunisation services, controlling VPDs, integrating COVID-19 vaccination, and stopping polio transmission. The role also involves supporting the Country Office in planning, implementing, and monitoring strategic interventions in SEAP to interrupt cVDPV2 transmission, boost immunity, reach high-risk populations, and strengthen coordination and cross-border collaboration.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in health programming, with a focus on immunisation, child survival, and/or maternal and child health. Experience in emergency settings and polio eradication efforts is highly desirable.

Skills

Immunisation programme planning and management, Polio eradication strategies, Child Survival and Development, Maternal and Child Health, Health Systems Strengthening (HSS), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Partnership building and coordination, Emergency response, Data analysis and reporting, Capacity building, Project management, Communication and interpersonal skills

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