VAC-14997 National AEFI Surveillance Focal Point

To coordinate the implementation of the AEFI surveillance program in the Afghanistan and work closely with the national VPD surveillance officer. EFI surveillance program in the Afghanistan and work closely with the national VPD surveillance officer.

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):

The incumbent will perform the following duties:
 

• Strengthening AEFI surveillance at the national level as well as improving Vaccine Safety.

• Support all provinces of the country in strengthening the early detection and investigation of AEFIs and reporting to the national surveillance unit.

• Supervise and coordinate the work related to the AEFI at national, province, and health facility levels including development and implementation of analytical tools for AEFI, capacity building and other related activities.

• Support strategic planning and management of AEFI activities in the national, provincial and district levels including M&E for AEFI and functioning of AEFI committees.

• Analyze the AEFI data and strengthen the capacity of provincial Program Managers and service providers to minimize AEFI due to programmatic errors.

• Develop and implement capacity building activities for the provincial AEFI Committees, provincial Immunization officers or PEMT/REMT especially in Causality Assessment.

• Ensure adherence to Quality Management Systems in AEFI surveillance.

• Support the province in risk communication and media management of AEFI cases. Under the guidance of the AEFI committee, coordinate media management workshops at national level for media persons and civil society organizations.

• Undertake field visits within and outside the national level for monitoring of AEFI activities and provide feedback to the National EPI manager.

• Coordinate with Afghanistan Food and Drug Administration (AFDA) to ensure Immunization safety and support field investigation and follow up of AEFI serious and severe cases including sample collection and coordinating with laboratories for analysis of the samples.
  
  

   Functional Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge, competency and professional skills on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response;

• Managerial skills for the development, implementation, monitoring, analysis and report writing of public health programs for infectious diseases

• Knowledge of WHO mandate and goals or experience in UN Organizations, international institutions or NGOs.
  

  Educations:

       Essential: Education MD with at least 3-year experience in immunization program management. Candidate with postgraduate qualification will be preferred
       Desirable: Master of Public Health is preferred. Additional trainings in EPI will be an asset

 Experience:

       Essential: At least 3 years working experience in the field of EPI Knowledge of WHO mandate and goals or experience in UN Organizations, international institutions or NGOs is considered an asset.

       Desirable: Working experience with WHO/ UN or international nongovernmental organization with expertise in training in EPI

 Languages

       Excellent communication and drafting skills in English, Pashto and Dari

 IT Skills

Proficient computer skills in MS Office applications.

Under the direct supervision of the VPI Program Manger overall guidance of the WHO Representative.

N/A

WHO has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, inaction against it and any form of retaliation against victims/survivors or bystanders who disclose, report, or participate in an investigation. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence, thorough background checks and reference check processes. This will ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded from abusers and that abusers are prevented from joining WHO Afghanistan office. Please report any concerning information regarding sexual exploitation and abuse by WHO workforce and partners to WHO office of Internal Oversight services at [email protected]