National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (nitag) Technical Officer (SSA-NO-B)

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Ethiopia supports the Ministry of Health in strengthening its National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (ENITAG). Established in 2016, ENITAG provides evidence-based recommendations for the national immunization program. Recent reviews highlighted a need to strengthen the ENITAG Secretariat's capacity, leading to this role focused on enhancing its technical, administrative, and operational support.

Job Purpose

This role serves to bolster the functionality and effectiveness of the Ethiopian National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (ENITAG) and its Secretariat. The primary objective is to ensure ENITAG can provide robust, evidence-based guidance to the Ministry of Health (MoH) for critical immunization decisions, including vaccine selection, resource allocation, and schedule development. By facilitating informed decision-making, the position contributes to strengthening the national immunization program, promoting public trust through transparency and scientific rigor, and ultimately improving child survival and disease prevention in Ethiopia. The role also supports the broader Immunization Service Desk (ISD) and Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Services.

Responsibilities

The NITAG Technical Officer will support programmatic and technical activities, including developing annual work plans, coordinating working groups, and organizing/facilitating NITAG meetings. Responsibilities include preparing agendas, background documents, and evidence summaries for deliberations, and synthesizing relevant local, regional, and global data. The role involves facilitating communication between the NITAG Chair, Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders, acting as a liaison while respecting NITAG independence. Additionally, the officer will engage with global NITAG networks, support local evidence generation, and coordinate capacity-building training for immunization staff. Other duties include monitoring the implementation of NITAG recommendations and any other tasks assigned by supervisors.

Work Experience

Requires at least two years of experience in vaccine and immunization programs, with experience working within the Ministry of Health and involvement in vaccine planning and resource mobilization. Familiarity with the Ethiopian health system is necessary. Desirable experience includes over five years coordinating national immunization programs, working with UN agencies, formulating policy questions, facilitating NITAG activities, and policy/strategy development.

Skills

Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and manage priorities; flexibility and adaptability in complex environments; excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills; understanding of independent advisory bodies; proficiency in standard office and data analysis software; proven ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders; excellent written and spoken English and Amharic.

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