Immunization (EPI) Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term Position, #00012514
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. 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. UNICEF is a place where careers are built.
Job Purpose
The Immunization (EPI) Specialist provides technical leadership and support for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of UNICEF-supported immunization interventions in Ethiopia. The role contributes to equitable coverage of routine immunization, reduction of zero-dose and under-immunized children, introduction and scale-up of vaccines, prevention and response to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, strengthening of cold-chain and vaccine management systems, and integration of immunization within primary health care, maternal and child health, nutrition, and emergency response. The specialist ensures that programme design and implementation address geographic, gender, socioeconomic, and humanitarian inequities, uses disaggregated data for decision-making, and prioritizes underserved populations in pastoralist, remote, conflict-affected, internally displaced, and refugee-hosting areas.
Responsibilities
Conduct sectoral analysis and provide technical support to inform evidence-based planning, programme development, implementation, and management, ensuring the use of sex-disaggregated and other relevant data. Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of immunization strategies and approaches in partnership with government counterparts, UNICEF sectors, and development partners. Provide technical leadership in the development and implementation of workplans, ensuring effective technical support, coordination, and timely achievement of planned results. Monitor and evaluate programme implementation to identify gaps, inform corrective actions, and improve programme effectiveness, quality, and sustainability. Provide technical support to government counterparts and implementing partners throughout the programme cycle, including strengthening institutional and individual capacities for effective programme delivery. Strengthen the capacity of Country Office staff through training, coaching, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Ensure effective management and accountability of programme funds, supplies, and resources. Establish and maintain effective partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders. Ensure the availability of strategic programme information through effective monitoring systems, data analysis, and reporting. Ensure the timely preparation and submission of quality programme reports and documentation. Maintain immunization emergency preparedness and support coordinated emergency response efforts.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in immunization programmes, public health, or a related area is required. Experience working in a developing country context is an asset.
Skills
Immunization program planning and management, Vaccine-preventable disease outbreak response, Cold chain and vaccine management systems, Health systems strengthening, Data analysis and reporting, Partnership and stakeholder engagement, Capacity building and training, Programme monitoring and evaluation, Emergency preparedness and response, Public health advocacy, Child health and nutrition integration, UNICEF programme policies and procedures