The World Health Organization (WHO) is the technical and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership in global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical and implementation support and monitoring and assessing health trends. In Afghanistan, WHO works to improve the health and well-being of all Afghans by preventing and reducing mortality, morbidity and disability and strengthening health services in close coordination with national and international partners.

To coordinate Provincial Polio Eradication activities including Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs), maintain quality AFP surveillance and support EPI through PEI

Objectives of the Programme and the immediate Strategic Objective (Overview of the program):

To provide technical assistance for polio eradication activities in Nuristan province for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative: Planning, implementation, supervision and evaluation of supplementary immunization campaigns, AFP surveillance and for RI. Priority is specifically to focus on improving the quality of polio supplementary immunization activities and AFP surveillance activities in assigned area.

Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on the intricacy and difficulty of working environment):

-         In charge of the province allocated in PEI

-         Conduct AFP Surveillance activities

-         Supervise DPOs under his/her jurisdiction

-         Training health workers and FLWs

-         Conducting NIDs and SIAs

-         Supervision of routine immunization activities

-         Supervision of PTTs

-         Supervise District Coordinators

-         Supervision of Cluster supervisors

-         Selection of volunteers

-         Compiling Micro Plans for the Province

-         Coordination of all AFP activities in the province

Duties & Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Assistant Regional Polio Officer/Regional Polio Officer/Medical Officer, Regional TL, Polio TL/AFG, and under the overall supervision of the WHO Representative. Provincial Polio Officer will undertake the following duties:

1.     Assist MoPH/PEI stakeholders in updating the micro-plans for SIAs, selection of vaccinators and supervisors, supervision, and monitoring of SIAs.

2.     Negotiate access through local channels and ensure all under targeted population is reached for SIA/PEI activities in the assigned area.

3.     Strengthen coordination on PEI activities through regular meetings with various partners at district level.

4.     Ensure regular briefing of community leaders and elders about polio related activities and what support is needed from their side. 

5.     Participate in social mobilization activities in the assigned area before and during the campaign, where applicable.

6.     Assist in the training and implementation of post-campaign related activities such as PCM, LQAS and Out-of-House Finger Mark surveys. 

7.     Facilitate post-campaign review and other regular PEI coordination meetings with all PEI partners in your assigned area.

8.     Provide supportive supervision, monitoring and regular feedback to District Polio Officers in your area, where applicable.

9.     Investigate all AFP cases and carry out surveillance related duties, including active surveillance visits, submission of zero reports, facilitation of surveillance training for AFP Focal Points, and surveillance orientation for reporting volunteers.

10. Assist MoPH/implementing partners on Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance and reporting AEFI.

Ensure timely and accurate stool specimens’ collection, management, and shipment.

11. Assist PEI/EPI implementing partners in training, micro-planning, supervision, and monitoring of routine EPI in their assigned area.

12. Assist the Assistant Regional Polio Officer under the direct supervision of the WHO Assistant Regional Polio Officer/Regional Polio Officer/Medical Officer on any other related tasks assigned.

13. Collect, compile, analyze data, and prepare reports. Submit monthly plan and report to Assistant Regional Polio Officer.

14. Collecting from field, checking, compiling, certifying and proper management of the financial documents and timely submitting to regional office. 

Educations:

• Medical Doctor (MD)
• Master’s Degree in Public health or Epidemiology will be an added advantage    

Experience:

• Essential: 5-10 years in Polio Surveillance
• At least 5 years of relevant Technical and Managerial experiences, preferably with National or international agencies.
• PEI/EPI experience required

Languages:

• Very good working knowledge of English and the local languages.

IT Skills:

• Good working knowledge on word, excel and power point and able to use internet browsers 

Competencies:

1) Producing results

2) Fostering Integration and Teamwork

3) Communicating in a credible and effective way

4) Moving forward in a changing environment.

5) Effective use of resources

6) Team Player

7) Able to work in harsh conditions and under pressure

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

-      Training skill to be able to train health workers and FLWS

-      High Knowledge on AFP surveillance

-      Excellent Knowledge of PEI and EPI

Required Travels to Provinces.

Interested applicants (Afghan National) meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit their applications quoting this Vacancy Announcement Number (WHOAFG-2023-04-12) along with their curriculum vitae, copy of National ID (Tazkira) to below mentioned email: emacoafgvacancies@who.int