The Ministry of Health in Ethiopia (MoH-Ethiopia) has recently undertaken two important initiatives to improve immunization performance, reduce the transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases, and improve equity. A second dose of measles (MCV2) was introduced nationwide in February 2019, and in 2018, MoH-Ethiopia initiated periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) in priority equity zones, including every woreda in the four Developing Regional States (DRS) (i.e Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella and Somali regions). Over the past year, MoH-Ethiopia has acknowledged the need to reinforce the technical, leadership, and coordination capacity of the regional health bureaus (RHBs) – as well as provide overarching coordinating support at national level – in order to effectively implement PIRI, fully integrate MCV2 into the routine system, and strengthen immunization service delivery in these regions. There is also a need for technical support to operationalize PIRI at the regional level, particularly in Afar and Somali where expanded services are needed to reach large segments of the population.
SUPERVISOR: Regional Technical Coordinator
REQUIRED NUMBER: 1
JSI, through Gavi funding, will address these needs by providing targeted country assistance to MoH-Ethiopia with two main objectives:
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:
JSI is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Regional Specialist (RS) to support the Somali RHB towards improved PIRI implementation and MCV2 uptake. The RS will have strong technical capability in immunization, strong managerial skills, and will provide technical input and support. The RS will support RHB efforts in Somali with planning, implementation and monitoring of PIRI and MCV2.
The RS will be supervised by a Regional Technical Advisor (based in Jijiga) but will work closely with Addis-based staff, especially the National Advisor for PIRI/MCV2 and the Senior Immunization Program Advisor, for technical guidance and troubleshooting. The RS will provide day-to-day support to the Somali RHB EPI team for the responsibilities described below.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFICATIONS: