External Consultancies

29 May 2023

Consultant for strengthening routine immunization programs in Suriname

The Special Program on Comprehensive Immunizations (CIM) of the Pan American Health Organization promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation at the regional, subregional and country levels, emphasizing strong National Immunization Programs that throughout the years have made a significant contribution to reducing infant mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Maintaining the achievements made, as well as addressing existing gaps in coverage, epidemiological surveillance, and roll out of COVID-19 vaccination are key activities that is important to tackle in the Caribbean subregion.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative and the administrative supervision of the PAHO/WHO Administrator, the consultant is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

Provide technical advice and support in programming and evaluating national plans and strategies for COVID-19 and national immunization programs in Suriname, with respect to:

  1. Immunization strategies
    1. cold chain and safety equipment and procedures
    2. delivery of vaccines and related supplies
    3. training of personnel in all aspects of program implementation
    4. monitoring systems for reporting immunizations administered and integration into general reporting systems
    5. the organization of epidemiological surveillance systems to detect, investigate, and control cases of paralytic poliomyelitis and other vaccine‑preventable diseases in Suriname
    6. intra and extra‑sectoral coordination, coordination at institutional level and within the United Nations (UN) system, as well as sub-regional and regional level
    7. mobilization of resources from national and international sources through Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (ICC) partnership; social mobilization for immunization programs
  2. Advise and promote sound immunization practices within extended primary health care systems in close coordination with all related national programs in the country
  3. Work with the Revolving Fund mechanism for the procurement of vaccines within the context of the primary health care systems, at regional and national levels
  4. Prepare and coordinate training programs for the operational and administrative aspects of immunization programs, and surveillance activities for vaccine-preventable diseases
  5. Provide technical advice to Member States in all aspects of program evaluation, including the development of methodologies for process and impact evaluation
  6. Develop and promote research programs related to different operational and epidemiological components of immunization programs and related activities at the country level
  7. Advise and coordinate with national and international organizations in making optimal use of technical, administrative and economic resources available in the Region for the achievement of the overall goals of IM Program and, in particular, the maintenance of polio-free status and the eradication of measles in the Americas
  8. Collaborate in the preparation of the biennial work plan (BWP), programs and budgets, semiannual work plans and periodic evaluations for assigned projects; participate in the annual evaluation of the Unit
  9. When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities
  10. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential:  A university degree in a health-related discipline and a master's degree in epidemiology, public health or in any of the fields related to the functions of the position, from a recognized institution.

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in disease control programs, with emphasis on the design, implementation and evaluation of immunization programs.  Experience should include participation in technical cooperation programs and activities in disease control or in immunization programs in a health-related program or institution.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English.  A working knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook. 

DURATION

6 months from the signature

REMUNERATION

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