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Immunization Specialist, NO-3, Fixe Term, Brazzaville-Congo, #00021757 (Effectif à partir du 1er janvier 2026)

Apply now Job no: 584109
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: NO-3
Location: Congo
Categories: Health

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

 

For every child, a champion

How can you make a difference? 

Descriptif de poste en français:Download File Immunization Specialist Level 3_May25.en.fr.docx

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Immunization (EPI) Specialist is accountable for professional leadership in and contribution to the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and administration of the Immunization programme in conjunction with Child Survival and Development, Maternal and Child Health, Health and Nutrition components within the country programme, to achieve the UNICEF's immunization plus goals and objectives for the country.

Accountable for ensuring the UNICEF Immunization programme promotes gender equality, with an emphasis on gender disaggregation, gender disparity identification and gender mainstreaming

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primary, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

 1. Timely sectoral analysis, input, support and coordination contribute to the Situation Analysis with consistent integration of sex disaggregated data and its periodic update for effective project planning, development and management.

     Contributes towards the preparation of the Situation Analysis by compiling, analysing and evaluating information and providing the technical input. Ensures the preparation of the Situation Analysis relative to Immunization (EPI) interventions in the country and its periodic update. Prepares sectoral input to the Country Programme Document, and all related documents (e.g., Plan of Operations, Project Plans of Action, Country Programme Summary Sheet, Programme Summary Sheet) of the immunization programme.    

2. Quality contributions are made to the development and implementation of the immunization strategies and approaches through participation and collaboration with internal and external partners.

Collaborates with other UNICEF sectors, particularly Health, Nutrition, HIV and programme communication to ensure integration of the immunization programme with other sectors.

Participates with UNICEF, Government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other partners in the development of the immunization strategies and approaches.  Ensures achievement of strategic results in line with agreed Annual and Country Programme objectives and adopts corrective action to meet programme/project objectives.

Contributes to the identification of new approaches for improving programme delivery with emphasis on project management, evaluation, sustainability of intervention and community participation based on Human Rights framework and cross sector approach to programming and Community Capacity Development.    

3. Work plan and objectives are strategically established, technical support is effectively provided, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong technical leadership.

As Immunization Specialist, exercises technical leadership for, and participates in, the development of the results-based sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for administration, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of sectoral project activity, consistent with the defined project strategies and approaches. Ensures objectives and targets are timely met and achieved, through full coordination between activities, by leading and supporting a team of professional and support staff.

Meets with national and international agencies overseeing the management of programmes/projects. Participates in meetings with ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements, and integration of gender mainstreaming across sectors.

4. Project implementation progress is monitored and evaluated for adjustment, acceleration and improvement of program delivery and sustainability.

Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as participates in periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Identifies necessary action for programme adjustments. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and implementing partners in the planning and management of the immunization programme and ensure sustainability of interventions.  Support maintenance of information system for monitoring gender/sex disaggregated data.

5. Technical support is provided to government and NGOs at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries.

 Provides technical support to government and NGOs at the national and departmental levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the programmes/projects. Identifies training needs; plans, organizes and conducts training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building, sustainability of programme/projects and promotion/expansion of coverage of services.

The capacities of Country Office staff are strengthened through effective capacity building programme in the development, implementation and management of the Immunization Programme.

     Plans and organizes a staff training/development programme to upgrade the capacity of the Country Office staff in the programme development, implementation and management of the Immunization Programme. Conducts relevant orientation, workshop, training and staff learning/development activities.

7. UNICEF and Government accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector.

Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring UNICEF and Government partner accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, ensuring those activities are within established plans of action and programme budget allotments.  Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

8. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking.

Coordinates activities and exchanges information and knowledge with other programmes to contribute to achievement of overall country programme objectives. Participates in establishing effective monitoring, knowledge database/network and reporting systems to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme information/data and contributes to the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation for the Immunization Programme.

Maintains close working relationships to establish partnership and collaboration with external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, to improve the ability to collect and disseminate relevant data, exchange information on programme/project development and implementation. Ensures exchange of knowledge, information, experience and lessons learned.

9.The  most  relevant  and  strategic information  is  provided  to  support  the  Immunization Programme by the effective implementation of the monitoring system.

In collaboration with monitoring and evaluation and program communication colleagues, conducts accurate and timely monitoring and data collection, and supports an integrated monitoring system.

Participates in major evaluation exercises, programme mid-term review, annual sector review and preview meetings.

Analyses and evaluates data to ensure achievement of objectives and recommends corrective measures as appropriate.

Ensures the accurate and timely input of project information in the monitoring system, and issues status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

10. All required programme reports are timely prepared in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.

Ensures the timely preparation of annual sector status reports in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures. Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, and annual reports.

11. Emergency preparedness is maintained, and in emergencies, emergency responses with effective coordination is provided.

Collaborates in forming emergency preparedness plan relating to the areas of responsibility. In case of emergency, participates in monitoring and assessing the nature and extent of the emergency in the assigned area. Coordinates and provides assistance to the Country Office in identifying where support is required in terms of immediate response as well as long-term strategy and plan.

12. Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed.

Performs and delivers additional duties and services assigned by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

  • Education: Advanced university degree in Public Health, Immunization, Paediatric Health, Child Development, Child Health, Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public Administration, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, and other relevant disciplines. 
  • Work Experience: Five years of professional work experience at the national and international levels in planning, programming, implementation monitoring and evaluation of health/Immunization programmes. Professional work experience in a technical expert position related to child survival & health care.

Developing country work experience and field work experience

Background/familiarity with Emergency.

  • Skills :

Technical Knowledge

                  a) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

              Knowledge of theories and practices in:

•  Childhood Immunizations                             • Child and Maternal Health 

•  Health Promotion and Disease Prevention   • Public Health               

•  Educational Interventions in Health Care     • Health Education    

•  Environmental Health                                    • Health Financing 

 • Knowledge Management

• Computer software application, including word processing, spreadsheet and corporate software packages                                                                  

 General knowledge of:

•  Methodology of programme/project management

•  Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies in Health

•  Knowledge of global health issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current trends, methods and approaches.

•  Policies and strategy to address national and global health issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.

•  Emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.   

 b) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

Knowledge of latest theories, principles, methods and technology in several of the following areas:

•  Child, neonatal or maternal health care

•  Immunizations  

•  Health system planning and management

•  Health Economics and Financing          

•  Global Health

•  Public Health training material development and conduct of training programme

•  Public Health, International Health, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Family Health

•  Health Research, Biostatistics, Socio-medical Sciences, Epidemiology

•  Health Education, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Educational Interventions in Health Care

•  Knowledge Management

•  Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for health programmes

•  Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches

•  Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.

•  UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.

•  Mid-Term Strategic Plan; Millennium Development Goals

  •  Accelerated Child Survival and Development programme

•  Knowledge of one of the technical areas of UNICEF programmes (e.g.,

   primary health care systems, PMTCT, Paediatric AIDS, malaria, WASH).

•  UNICEF policies and strategies promoting and supporting gender equality and diversity

•  Gender and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

•  Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in related fields.

•  Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes

•  UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.

  UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions

•  UN security operations and guidelines.

Language Requirements: Fluency in French and English is required.

Desirables:Knowledge of another UN official language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset as well as relevant country-level experience, particularly in development, fragile and humanitarian contexts. 

Female candidates are highly encouraged. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Core Competencies (For Staff with Supervisory Responsibilities) *

  • Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
  • Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
  • Works Collaboratively with others (2)
  • Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
  • Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
  • Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
  • Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
  • Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

or

Core Competencies (For Staff without Supervisory Responsibilities) *

  • Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
  • Works Collaboratively with others (1)
  • Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
  • Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
  • Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
  • Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
  • Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

*The 7 core competencies are applicable to all employees. However, the competency Nurtures, Leads and Managers people is only applicable to staff who supervise others.

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per 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.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here


[1]    Reference to UNICEF and/or UN in terms of technical knowledge requirements (a and b above) are applicable only to those who are or have been the staff members of UNICEF or the UN common system.

 

Advertised: W. Central Africa Standard Time
Applications close: W. Central Africa Standard Time

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