National Migration Health Officer (Vaccination and Health Security)
Nairobi
- Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
- Location: Nairobi
- Grade: Mid level - NO-C, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Public Health and Health Service
- Social Affairs
- Security and Safety
- Migration
- Closing Date:
Job Description
Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
Context
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Migration Health Assessment Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, and in close coordination and technical supervision of MHD HQ Programme Coordinator (Global Health Assessment) and in coordination with other Regional Health Assessment Programme Coordinators and respective country Chief Migration Health Officers, the successful candidate will be responsible for effective coordination of the Vaccination and Health Security and public health activities majorly in African region with providing advisory support to other regions as well. The role focuses on identifying programme gaps, aligning interventions with current epidemiological trends, and enhancing data-driven decision-making. It also involves strengthening digital tools, partnerships, and quality assurance mechanisms. The successful candidate will also work on the capacity building efforts, contribute to technical guidance and knowledge, and engage in global dialogue to advance resilient vaccination systems that support the health and resettlement of migrants and refugees. |
Responsibilities
- Provide technical guidance and advice to the regional and global migration health staff in vaccination and health security activities in migrant and refugee health assessment programmes (HAP), identify gaps based on the available data, suggest improvements and provide recommendations in coordination with relevant colleagues.
- Support setting vaccination fees and global vaccine procurement for immigrant and refugee programmes globally (in coordination with MHD MAC team), ensuring proper vaccine availability and reducing barriers related to not available or too expensive vaccines.
- Maintain up-to-date records and data on vaccination coverage, current global outbreaks and advise regional MHD teams on the most recent epidemiological/surveillance data that impacts health assessment or resettlement activities for timely implementation of appropriate interventions.
- Guide HAP teams in reviewing and following up on the global SOPs related to vaccination, surveillance, and outbreaks, providing clinical advisory and assisting country operations in preparing mission specific evidence-based technical instruction in the area of Vaccination
- Closely monitor epidemiological situation in the region and assist in coordination of IOM response activities in respect to outbreaks that occur in the areas hosting vulnerable populations under IOM care, facilitating creation and approval of receiving country specific outbreak response plans and budgets.
- Analyze the global data from the different countries to assess coverage of vaccines and prepare quarterly reports on vaccine availability, AEFIs, Cold chain status, vaccine costs, vaccine coverage in addition to conducting regular meetings with regional focal points.
- Assess, compile, and share effective practices and lessons learned from the vaccination project, including providing expert support for project-related data collection, research, analysis, and report writing, such as for monitoring and evaluation indicators, as well as for publications and the production of information sheets.
- Strengthen risk communication and community engagement through developing relevant health education materials related to vaccination, surveillance and outbreak prevention, preparedness, and response
- Strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and international organizations to represent the organization in global health security discussions and prepare reports on such events.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of Outbreak reporting and monitoring portal/module and support in training and rollout in all the regions with regular updates shared to the relevant stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Migration Health Informatics team in the development, trainings and rollout of IOM vaccine app and be the focal point for addressing challenges related to its implementation and updating of existing tools as well as development of new Quality Control tools related to vaccination, presumptive treatment, outbreaks, and Pre-departure surveillance
- Provide expert technical support to regional MHD teams in the procurement of appropriate resources related to prevention, preparedness and response to outbreaks affecting resettlement of refugees and migrants
- Monitor cold chain supply and management systems globally and liaise with the companies of the electronic monitoring devices currently being used by IOM on regular basis to ensure timely sharing of updates and technological advancement with the aim of ensuring vaccines procured for refugees and migrants are safe, effective with minimal wastages.
- Assist in the development of framework for vaccine demand and confidence by incorporating the lessons learnt from the concluded IOM VDC projects and establish surveillance for infodemics to assist regional MHD teams in addressing vaccination hesitancy in their respective regions
- Provide support and guidance to IOM MHD staff with developing and presenting of abstracts related to vaccination, surveillance, outbreaks, and presumptive treatment in international conferences
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- University degree in Medicine or related field from an accredited academic institution with preferred specializations in public health, epidemiology, immunization infectious disease control and health security with seven (7) years of relevant professional experience of which at least three (3) years managerial responsibilities,
OR
- University degree in Medicine or related field from an accredited academic institution with preferred specializations in public health, epidemiology, immunization infectious disease control and health security plus Master’s Degree in Community or Public Health, Medical Specialization in Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine or other related fields from an accredited academic institution with five (5) years of relevant professional experience of which at least three (3) years managerial responsibilities.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
- Extensive knowledge of vaccination and outbreak response technical instructions of the receiving countries within the IOM-assisted regular migration pathways
- Progressive experience in immunization programs, public health emergencies, or health systems
- Experience working with international organizations, ministries of health, or INGOs.
- Proven track record in project management, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of health interventions.
Skills
- Proven technical expertise in vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization strategies;
- Strong understanding of health emergency preparedness and International Health Regulations (IHR).
- Proven Data analysis and interpretation skills, especially related to disease surveillance and vaccine coverage.
- Proven Communication and advocacy skills to engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and communities.
- Proven Training and mentoring capabilities for building capacity among health workers.
- Proven Familiarity with global health security frameworks and risk communication.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)
- Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
- Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
- Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
- Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
- This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
- National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, 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.
- IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
- IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)Initial Contract Duration: One Year
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: National Officer
Grade: NO-C
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.