Immunization Officer, P2, Temporary Appointment, Sao Tome &Principe 364 Days

Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, the immunization officer is accountable for professional technical contribution to project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration of Immunization (EPI) programme/project activities, including data analysis, programme support, delivery, progress reporting, and commitment for expansion of immunization coverage, as well as enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals, objectives and strategy.

 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. 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 personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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

For every child, [insert tagline]

Sao Tome and Principe (STP) is a lower middle-income small island developing state with a fragile economy and a significant dependence on international aid. The population includes a high percentage of children and adolescents. The country's economy has experienced moderate growth over the past decade, supported by international aid, but growth slowed down in recent years. Despite progress in social development, resulting in an improved Human Development Index score, the country faces challenges such as high unemployment and widespread extreme poverty.

UNICEF STP is levering partnerships with Government, civil society, donors, UN and private sector, to scale up country’s key results for children. In this sense and to expedite progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, NICEF STP implements a strategic approach focused on improving access to quality social services, promoting behavioral change, and advocating for gender and child-sensitive policies to enable children, including adolescents, to realize their rights.

The programme integrates early childhood development interventions across health, education, and protection services to promote nurturing caregiving. It also focuses on adolescent programming, emphasizing relevant learning, life skills, health services, violence prevention, and climate action. UNICEF leverages its presence and expertise to advance children's rights, working closely with the Government to improve service quality and equity.

Key priorities include strengthening systems to improve access and quality in health, education, child protection, and social protection; professionalizing the social service workforce; establishing multisectoral case management for violence prevention and response; building capacities in data-driven approaches; modeling innovative interventions; generating demand among adolescents; and enhancing public spending efficiency.

How can you make a difference? 

1.Accurate, complete, and up-to-date programme/project management information is available for effective budget preparation, programme/project design, implementation, management and evaluation.

2. Project efficiency, effectiveness and vaccination coverage are enhanced through effective implementation follow-on.

 3. Progress reports and project work plans are timely prepared, and effective technical support is provided in the drafting of donor, annual and other reports/project documentation related to EPI.

4. Appropriateness and completeness of financial and supply documentation as well as adherence to established allotments are ensured.

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

6. Knowledge sharing with donors and media is promoted.

7. Effective communication, networking and collaboration are achieved with internal and external partners.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Immunization Officer Level 2.doc

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:  University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Social Sciences, Medicine, Health, Public

Health, Family Health, Child Development, Nursing, or a field relevant to international development assistance in

Immunization and Child Survival & Health Care. Background/familiarity with Emergency.

• Work Experience:  Two years (2) of relevant professional work experience. Experience working in the UN or other international

development organization (for IP). Field work experience (for NO). Experience in knowledge management. Training

and experience in social welfare, or Immunization/health care.

• Skills

   Technical Knowledge               

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

Knowledge of the latest theories, technology and practices in:

 •  Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 

 •  Child and Maternal Health

 •  Public Health                                            

 •  Behaviour Change Communication

 •  Environmental Health                              

 • Health Education

 •  Educational Interventions in Health Care

General knowledge of:

•  Methodology of programme/project management

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

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

• Policies and strategy to address Immunization issues, including those relating to emergency, conflicts, disasters, and recovery.

• Emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.

• Financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.

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

•  Mid-Term Strategic Plan

• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.

•  UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers and agency-wide programmes impacting on Immunization results

•  Knowledge and proficiency in the use of corporate office computer system applications and software, including LAN, email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.

 b) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

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

•  Professional technical Knowledge of theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas: Health, Public Health, Maternal and Child Health, Nursing, Family Health, Immunization, Social Work, Behaviour Change, or a discipline relevant to international development assistance in Immunization.   

•  Gender equality and diversity awareness

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

•  National Government development plans and policies

•  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 English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese/French is an asset

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 

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…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. 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’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable qualified candidates 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.

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.