Polio Program Technical Facilitator (Extender)

Afghanistan and Pakistan are the world’s remaining polio-endemic countries. In 2022, as of November 30, Afghanistan reported 02 WPV1 reported in Kunar and Paktika provinces and 13 environmental cases in Eastern Region, Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. These results confirm the need for continues community engagement efforts, especially engagement of influencers with a particular focus on previously inaccessible areas, high-risk districts, and areas where children are still missed mainly those refusing uptake of vaccine due to many aspects such as low awareness, misconception, operational challenges etc., and proper management of vaccines and cold chain systems.

The incumbents will also oversee the training of influencers, agents on change on polio, polio vaccines and the need for routine immunization.

• Map out, maintain and update list of vaccine pro-religious leaders and other community   influencers   and   those opposing polio vaccines and routine vaccination 

··Conduct training need assessment and training of key influencers including religious leaders, and members of the IAG on polio misinformation and ways to encountering it.

··Work closely with the communication team and programme extenders to assist and test audience-specific messages aimed at responding to reason of refusals such as religion-based misperceptions and distrust in polio vaccines.

·Support regional teams and stakeholders in the preparation of capacity-building materials and key messages to address misperceptions on polio.

·In coordination with PEI partners, liaise with the Directorate of Hajj and Religious Affairs and other line departments to plan activities to convince family with religion-based misperception and refusals.

·Work with institutions, build their knowledge, and engage them in Polio and routine immunization awareness raising activities.

·Organize community engagement sessions to address misperception and promote positive practices towards vaccine at the community

·Co-lead the misinformation management taskforce, collect rumors, misinformation and provide feedback in coordination with relevant EOCs.

·In coordination with the Directorate of Hajj and Religious Affairs and the IAG focal point, engage female Madrasas in polio eradication efforts.

·Work closely with provincial IAG focal point and Misinformation Management and Crisis Communication Committee to track and respond to rumors especially those with religious misperception.

·Monitoring immunization campaigns and pay visits to clusters with high refusal rate.

·Support in mapping of influencers exercise for cross border corridor plan.

·Prepare monthly plan and report on progress against the plan.

·Undertake any other programmatic activity assigned by supervisor.

··Community engagement and social mobilization plan and mapping of influencers developed.

··Coordination and collaboration with partners and institution established

··   Misinformation management taskforce activated

··   Training need assessment conducted, and key influencers trained  

··     Details of polio vaccine refusals including the cause of refusal, geographical location, target groups and their influencers developed

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▪University degree in social science, medical science, public health, midwifery, or nursing.

Bachelor’s degree in Sharia/Law/Theology, philosophy, anthropology, and/or behavior communication is preferable. Experience in the Polio programme is given priority.

▪3-5 years' experience in mentioned areas – working with community-based structures, advocacy, and health promotion

▪Fluent in English, Pashto, and Dari

▪Good computer skills

▪Ability to travel to remote and far to access areas

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