, Addis Ababa
John Snow Inc.( JSI )
The FMOH of Ethiopia is committed to protecting its citizens against measles.  As one step toward doing so, it is introducing a second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) into the national routine immunization schedule starting in 2018.  To help ensure high quality introduction and achieve high immunization coverage for both a second and first dose of measles vaccine, the FMOH requested that Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provide targeted county assistance support from JSI to support these efforts.  The FMOH is planning for a high-quality introduction of MCV2 in 2018 and wishes to use it as an opportunity to strengthen performance for both doses of measles vaccine as well as to catch children up on other vaccinations that they have missed earlier in life.  The FMOH, with support from JSI, will follow up the MCV2 launch with active monitoring, supervision, and further orientation as needed to address obstacles to high coverage for both doses of measles vaccine.  This may include mop-up vaccination in low-performing areas. Overview: JSI is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Immunization Technical Officer (ITO) to support measles second dose introduction and follow-up.  The ITO will have outstanding technical capability in immunization and strong managerial skills and will provide technical input and support for achieving high levels of performance for measles vaccination through routine immunization.  The ITO will contribute to preparations for the introduction of MCV2 plus post-introduction support to achieve high levels of coverage for both MCV1 and MCV2 and, as guided by FMOH plans, catch children up on other vaccinations for which they are eligible. The ITO will provide day-to-day support to the FMOH/EPI for the responsibilities described below with the aim of achieving high levels of coverage for both first and second doses of measles vaccine (MCV1 and MCV2). Responsibilities: Review the MCV2 vaccine introduction plan to provide additional inputs, including learning and experience from other countries, as appropriate.Coordinate on a regular basis with Addis and Washington-based technical staff to facilitate implementation of project efforts. Provide regular updates on progress and new developments pertaining to measles-related activities.Maintain ongoing communication with the FMOH/EPI and other key players to coordinate JSI’s support with the priorities of the FMOH/EPI and activities/inputs of other partners for MCV2 introduction.  Support the introduction of facility-based microplanning process to identify and reach children in their second year of life (2YL) with MCV2 and other vaccinations for which they are eligible; build the capacity of other national staff and partners to use the process. Participate in training and microplanning in support of MCV2 introduction. Develop, pre-test, and produce a job aid to reinforce proper practices for measles vaccination by health workers.   Incorporate appropriate questions on MCV2 into supervision tools and develop a problem-solving tool to help supervisors address common problems.Prepare a brief refresher training module for reinforcing proper practices by health workers and supervisors on MCV2 vaccination. Coordinate with the FMOH/EPI and JSI staff in Washington and a third country to organize a study tour to another country (possibly Tanzania) that has already introduced MCV2 and taken steps to improve MCV2 coverage.  Conduct post-launch field visits to identify problems, take corrective actions, and provide on-the-job training and skill reinforcement.Provide technical input to FMOH guidelines, tools, and plans for improving coverage for both doses of measles vaccine.If indicated by the FMOH, provide technical support to identify low-performing areas that require mop-up vaccination and input into planning and implementation of mop-upParticipate in various technical meetings such as the EPI task force and M&E team meetings as well as in working groups which provide technical support.  Reinforce the peer learning process among MOH health personnel at different levels, including sharing lessons learned and best practices adopted, to continually bridge performance gapsOther assignments and responsibilities as assigned SUPERVISOR: Technical DirectorRequired Number: 1 (One)