Routine Immunization Lead – Siaya: Strengthening Public Health in Kenya

Routine Immunization Lead – Siaya

Full-Time Position | Siaya | 

Job Summary

Join our team as the Routine Immunization (RI) Lead in Siaya, Kenya, and play a vital role in strengthening catch-up vaccination for infants while integrating COVID-19 Vaccination into Routine Immunization in Kisumu County. Reporting directly to the Program Director, your expertise will be crucial in designing, implementing, evaluating, and documenting interventions aimed at improving immunization services, ultimately contributing to Kenya’s public health programs. Be part of the Technical Assistance to Ready and Accelerate Capacities of Public Health Programs in Kenya (TRACK) initiative and make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Roles and Responsibilities

Identify Missed Vaccination Opportunities

• Discover and address missed vaccination opportunities in routine vaccination in identified counties.
• Conduct situational assessments to understand routine vaccination status, using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.
• Implement five key strategies to optimize catch-up vaccination, as outlined in the technical narrative.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop and implement a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan for catch-up vaccination in routine immunization.
• Collaborate with the National Vaccine and Immunization Program (NVIP) to update policies and guidelines based on successful strategies.

Target Setting and Coordination

• Participate in target setting for catch-up vaccination in the assigned counties.
• Ensure seamless coordination of routine immunization at the county, sub-county, and facility levels.
• Provide mentorship to healthcare facilities, promoting routine and catch-up immunization through a health systems approach.

Vaccine Commodity Management

• Work with the county vaccines coordinator to ensure optimal vaccine commodity management.
• Ensure timely collection and distribution of antigen vaccines from regional stores to sub-counties and health facilities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related field.
• Master’s Degree in Public Health or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years of direct experience providing technical assistance in routine immunization at Kenya’s national or sub-national level.
• Experience in qualitative research.

Travel

• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Competencies

• Proven ability to collaborate with national and county governments, international agencies, and NGO public health programs.
• Demonstrated success in assessing routine immunization needs and implementing effective program interventions.
• Excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills, with a track record of building and managing professional relationships.
• Familiarity with USG rules and regulations is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences.
• Capacity to work independently, manage multiple tasks concurrently, and meet deadlines with precision.
• Proficient in written and oral communication, including technical writing.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter and an updated CV with the names of three professional referees, to CIHEBKENYA_Recruitment@cihebkenya.org by September 21, 2023. Ensure that the subject line of your email reads “Routine Immunization Lead.”

The Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb)-Kenya is an equal opportunity employer.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor your application to emphasize your experience in routine immunization, especially at the national or sub-national level.
2. Showcase Research Skills: Highlight your proficiency in qualitative research, as it is a crucial aspect of this role.
3. Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of your successful collaboration with government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs in public health programs.
4. Attention to Detail: Emphasize your ability to work with precision, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
5. Technical Writing: If applicable, mention any experience you have with technical writing, such as creating guidelines or publications.

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