Regional Immunization Officer, Mekelle, Tigray Region (SSA, NOA)

Job Description

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme):

Ethiopia has achieved notable progress in expanding routine immunization services; however, significant immunity gaps remain across many regions. Large numbers of children continue to be missed or remain zero-dose due to high population mobility, recurrent humanitarian emergencies, internal displacement, insecurity, and the challenges of reaching hard-to-reach and pastoralist communities. These gaps leave the country vulnerable to recurrent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), including measles and polio, threatening national public health gains and slowing progress toward regional and global elimination and eradication targets.

To effectively address these challenges, it is imperative to strengthen routine immunization activities, with particular emphasis on expanding the use of underutilized and newly introduced vaccines. Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs), catch-up campaigns, and accelerated vaccination strategies—implemented through integrated, multi-antigen approaches—remain essential for closing immunity gaps, restoring population-level protection, and reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children, especially in underserved and fragile settings.

Purpose of the Post:

The Regional Immunization Officer position has been established to reinforce immunization efforts at the sub-national level. The officer will provide comprehensive technical and operational support to regional and zonal health departments and selected district health offices in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of integrated vaccination interventions. The position ensures that all activities are aligned with national priorities for routine immunization strengthening, the delivery of primary health care, and the objectives of the Immunization Agenda 2030, thereby advancing equitable access to life-saving vaccines across Ethiopia.

Organizational Context

Under the overall supervision of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Officer at the Regional Health Bureau (RHB), and with strategic guidance from the Immunization Service Desk Lead at the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, the Immunization Officer will work as part of the WCO-Ethiopia DPC team.

GRADE

NO-A

1. Program Planning and Implementation

• Establish and strengthen regional & zonal technical working groups (TWGs) and subcommittees, to guide immunization program planning and execution.
• Strengthen the RED/REC microplanning processes to ensure the systematic identification and effective outreach to zero-dose and under-immunized children.
• Facilitate the implementation of PIRI, catch-up campaigns, and “Hit-and-Run” strategies to expand coverage and equity.
• Plan and oversee the management of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) surveillance, and response activities, ensuring reporting tools, forms, and supplies are available and properly utilized.
• Support the introduction and transition of new vaccines across public and private health facilities, ensuring readiness and sustainability.

2. Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Deliver training to health workers and stakeholders on IIP, MLM, zero-dose strategies, and institutionalization of catch-up vaccination.
• Provide mentoring, on-the-job training, and supportive supervision to zonal and district health offices.
• Ensure zero-dose registration, defaulter tracing, and linkage to nearby health facilities for timely vaccination.

3. Coordination and Advocacy

• Conduct partner and resource mapping to facilitate integration of immunization into Primary Health Care (PHC).
• Actively participate in technical working group meetings and contribute to regional, zonal, and woreda-level immunization efforts.
• Assist EPI managers in preparing advocacy materials and engage private facilities and community leaders to strengthen demand generation and community ownership.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Use

• Provide guidance to regional, zonal, district health offices and health facilities on routine immunization, campaigns, disease surveillance and response and overall service delivery through regular supportive supervision and onsite orientation.
• Establish robust monitoring systems to track progress in reducing zero-dose and under-immunized children.
• Ensure timely reporting, data verification, and quality assurance of immunization coverage data.
• Document meetings, capture best practices, and disseminate lessons learned with partners for national and international learning.
• Submit monthly progress reports, technical reports and a comprehensive final technical assistance report at the end of the mission.

5. Quality Improvement and System Strengthening

• Ensure availability of vaccines, cold chain functionality, and monitoring tools at regional, zonal, woreda & facility levels.
• Support immunization quality improvement, digitalization, standardization, and integration with other health services.
• Contribute to outbreak assessment, vaccine safety monitoring, and surveillance activities.
• Strengthen health management information systems and build sustainable capacity through policy development and system support.

Expected outputs and deliverables

The incumbent is expected to deliver the following within the contract period:

• Result contribution: Contribute to a measurable reduction in the number of zero-dose and under‑vaccinated children (target: ≥ 85% reduction).
• Monthly progress reports: Summarizing key achievements, challenges, and mitigation actions related to SIAs and catch-up vaccination planning and implementation.
• Supervision and field visit reports: Findings and recommendations from supportive supervision visits, post‑campaign coverage assessments, and after-action reviews.
• Campaign reports: periodic progress updates and a final report on planned and conducted preventive SIAs and catch-up vaccination activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

First-level university degree in a health-related field.

Desirable:

Advanced degree (Master’s) in Public Health or related discipline.

Experience

Essential:

Minimum of one (1) year professional experience in coordination, planning, and monitoring of vaccination campaigns, catch-up vaccination initiatives, and immunization program operations at the national level.

Desirable:

Demonstrated experience (at least 5 years) coordinating SIAs, training, and immunization program planning, coordination & supervision; experience working with WHO, other UN agencies.

FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Comprehensive understanding of national EPI policies and strategies.
• Proficiency in project planning, monitoring, and documentation.
• Proficiency in standard office and data analysis software.

WHO COMPETENCIES

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication

USE OF LANGUAGE SKILLS

Essential: Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and knowledge of Amharic.

REMUNERATION

This is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract at NO-A, with a monthly remuneration of $2,972.50 paid in local currency equivalent.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1)    The duty station for this position is Tigray, Mekelle.

2)      This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

3)      Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

4)      A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

5)      In the event your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

6)      According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

7)      Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and E-Manual.

8)      The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

9)      The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce . Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

10)   Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

11)   An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice.

12)   WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.

13)   WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

14)   For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int

15)   This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.