Programme Specialist, (Polio) P-4, Fixed Term Position Peshawar, Pakistan, #00111987
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
Job Purpose
The Programme Specialist – Polio Team Lead, based in Peshawar, provides strategic leadership for UNICEF’s support to Pakistan’s polio eradication programme. Working with the Government and partners, the role advances immunization coverage, strengthens community engagement, addresses vaccine hesitancy, and supports high-quality interventions to reach every child and accelerate progress toward a polio-free Pakistan. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Field Office (CFO) for general guidance and supervision and will work under technical guidance of the Polio Team Lead and works within the provincial polio emergency operations centre framework to support Programme Operations, Management, Risk Assessment and Decision Support, Detection and Response, Communications and Synergy and additional activities Areas of Work (AOW) and related Task Team.
Responsibilities
The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Polio Teams in their day-to-day polio activities and perform the following key functions / accountabilities: Programme management and planning: Develop, manage, and implement polio eradication strategies and work plans in alignment with national and UNICEF goals. Provide technical expertise and guidance on polio surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and outbreak response. Advisory services and technical support: Offer expert advice to government counterparts, partners, and UNICEF country office on polio eradication efforts. Support the development and implementation of innovative approaches to reach vulnerable populations and address barriers to immunization. Programme monitoring and delivery of results: Monitor the progress of polio eradication activities, analyze data, and report on key performance indicators. Identify challenges and risks, and recommend corrective actions to ensure timely achievement of results. Advocacy, networking and partnership building: Engage with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and mobilize resources for polio eradication. Advocate for policies and interventions that support the achievement of a polio-free Pakistan.
Work Experience
Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in programme management, public health, or a related field, with a focus on immunization or disease eradication programmes. Experience working in a developing country context is desirable.
Skills
Programme Management, Public Health, Immunization, Disease Eradication, Strategic Planning, Data Analysis, Risk Assessment, Advocacy, Partnership Building, Community Engagement, Vaccine Hesitancy, Intervention Design