Immunization Specialist (P-3), TA, #137662, Maseru, Lesotho, ESAR, 364 days (open for international candidates only)

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. We offer diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The Immunization (EPI) Specialist provides professional leadership and contributes significantly to the comprehensive development, strategic planning, effective implementation, rigorous monitoring, thorough evaluation, and efficient administration of the Immunization programme. This role operates in close conjunction with Child Survival and Development, Maternal and Child Health, and Health and Nutrition components within the country programme. The ultimate goal is to achieve UNICEF’s immunization-plus objectives, ensuring every child has the right to a chance at a healthy life. Furthermore, the specialist is responsible for integrating gender equality principles throughout the UNICEF Immunization programme, specifically emphasizing the collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data, identifying and addressing disparities, and actively mainstreaming gender considerations to ensure equitable access and outcomes for all children.

Responsibilities

The Immunization Specialist will conduct timely sectoral analysis, providing essential input, support, and coordination for the Situation Analysis, ensuring consistent integration of sex-disaggregated data and its periodic update to facilitate effective project planning, development, and management. This role involves developing and implementing robust immunization strategies in close collaboration with various partners. The specialist will lead work planning, objective setting, and provide technical leadership to ensure the achievement of programme results. Key responsibilities include rigorous monitoring and evaluation of programme implementation to continuously improve delivery efficiency and long-term sustainability. The specialist will offer crucial technical support to government entities and NGOs, encompassing significant capacity-building initiatives. Furthermore, the role involves building the capacity of Country Office staff in programme management and implementation, alongside ensuring sound financial management and accountability for programme funds and resources. Establishing and maintaining strong partnerships, engaging in advocacy, and coordinating effectively with internal and external stakeholders are paramount. The specialist will also manage information and monitoring systems to support optimal programme performance, prepare comprehensive programme reports in line with established guidelines, and coordinate emergency preparedness and response efforts in humanitarian contexts, performing other assigned duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional work experience at the national or international levels in planning, programming, implementation monitoring and evaluation of health/immunization programmes is required. Professional work experience in a technical expert position related to child survival & health care is required. Developing country work experience and background or familiarity with emergencies is required.

Skills

Immunization programmes, Public health, Epidemiological analysis, Programme management, Data analysis, Health systems, Emergency settings experience, UN systems experience, Health financing, Multi-sectoral programmes, Training programmes, Epidemiological modelling

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