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Qualifications
Terms of Reference (ToR)
Support to the strengthening of National Immunization Program in Lesotho
Duty station: Maseru/WCO
Level: NOC
Duration: Three months
Supervision: Immunization manager, Ministry of Health
Rationale
Lesotho is one of the sub-Saharan countries with a high burden of infectious diseases, including pneumonia and diarrhea, along with pre-term birth, birth asphyxia, and trauma. Congenital anomalies remain the leading causes of death for children under five. Access to lifesaving interventions such as vaccination and treatment of common childhood diseases can save many young lives.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2.1 is a global response to end preventable deaths of newborns and under-5 children by 2030. There are two targets: reduce stillbirth and newborn mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1000 live births in every country and reduce under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1000 live births in every country. Though Lesotho is among the countries that have met the SDG targets for under-5 mortality, the country is still lagging in reaching the target for stillbirths and newborns.
While immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions, in Lesotho, disparities in access to and coverage of quality vaccines persist. Major gaps exist in reaching out to children with zero doses, low coverage of a third dose of vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DPT3), high dropout rates between DPT3 and the proportion of children receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine. The overage for the first dose of HPV in girls is a priority agenda item for action.
The immunization service, which is at the heart of the national health policy and strategic plan for Lesotho, is one of the most cost-effective investments in the national health agenda and reaching every child with immunization is a major strategic goal. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and WHO/Lesotho are working to enhance the management of Lesotho's EPI program to solve challenges with vaccination equity and coverage. An effective and efficient TA is considered in this regard.
ย The Objectives of the SSA
Under the supervision of the immunization program manager, the EPI officer will expect to provide professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance related to the vaccination services through the programming processes for the EPI. The scope is from development planning to delivery of results by preparing, executing, managing, and implementing a variety of technical and administrative program tasks.
Main tasks and responsibilities
1.Support for program development and planning
โขConduct and update the situation analysis for the development, design, and management of immunization-related programs.
โขContribute to the development and establishment of sectoral program goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning through analysis of immunization needs and areas for intervention and submission of recommendations for priority and goal setting.
โขProvide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing and administering a variety of technical inputs in support to program planning, results-based planning (RBM), and monitoring and evaluation of results.
2.Program management, monitoring, and delivery of results
โขWork closely and collaboratively with colleagues, field offices, and partners to discuss operational and implementation issues, provide solutions and recommendations, and/or alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and decisions.
โขKeep records of reports and assessments for easy reference and to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
โขParticipate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews, and annual sectoral reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess programs and report on required action or interventions at the higher level of program management.
โขMonitor and report on the use of sectoral program resources (financial, administrative, and other assets) and verify compliance with approved allocation and goals, organizational rules, regulations, and procedures, as well as donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
โขPrepare regular and mandated sectoral program and project reports for management, donors, and partners to keep them informed of program progress.
3.Technical and operational support for program implementation
โขConduct regular program field visits and surveys and share information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress, provide technical support, and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks, and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
โขProvide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other country office partners and donors on the application and understanding of MINISTRY OF HEALTH policies, strategies, processes, and best practices on health-related issues to support program implementation, operations, and delivery of results.
4.Networking and partnership building
โขBuild and sustain effective close working partnerships with health sector government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to enhance program implementation and build the capacity of stakeholders to deliver concrete and sustainable results.
โขDraft communication and information materials for CO program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and alliances, and support fundraising for health programs.
โขParticipate in the EPI coordination meetings to collaborate with inter-agency partners and colleagues on the operational planning and preparation of health programs and projects and to integrate and harmonize activities.
โขResearch information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fundraising and partnership development purposes.
5.Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building
โขIdentify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
โขApply innovative approaches and promote good practices to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results.
โขAssist with the oversight of research and ensure results are available for use in knowledge products.
โขParticipate as a resource person in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders.
Expected deliverables
1.Program performance monitoring and coordination
โขEstablished an active monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for both routine immunization program and surveillance
โขCoordinated and facilitated joint annual work plan (AWP) development, review, and program monitoring visits with the Ministry of Health.
โขCoordinated well partners, and the health section regularly to monitor the progress and document all the meeting minutes, including best practices.
โขEstablished and maintained the activity and meeting tracking system for the immunization team in Jakarta.
2.Routine Immunization Program, including Supplementary Immunization Activities
โขEstablished a well-performing working group for the immunization supply chain (iSCM) at the national level.
โขSupported the EVM assessment in the private sector and at sub-national (targeted) levels and assisted in developing reports and an improvement plan.
โขLed and coordinated several studies, including identifying research areas, developing ToRs, conducting studies, and disseminating results for policy advocacy and program performance.
โขAssisted in the finalization and digitalization of the training and orientation modules for community volunteers and religious leaders and rolled them out at various locations.
โขIdentified the best practices and coordinated with FOs, health, and communication sections for documentation and publication.
Knowledge, expertise, or skills required
โขA university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, medical science, or related relevantย medical or nursing field.
โขA minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: immunization programs, social development program planning, communication for development, public advocacy, or another related area. Additional professional experience in one of the above areas is desired.
โขExperience in designing and managing immunization program performance monitoring systems is desirable.
โขGood facilitation, analytical, and conflict resolution skills are required.
โขSelf-starter and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
โขFamiliarity with the country, government structures, and MOH partners is desirable.
โขRelevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is desirable.
โขFluency in English and Sesotho is required.
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