Purpose of the Post:

WHO recommends pilot implementation of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine prior to wide scale use. The purpose of the pilot implementation programme is to answer critical questions related to programmatic feasibility, impact and safety of RTS,S/AS01. This position is established to provide technical support to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for the planning and implementation of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP). The Technical officer will serve as the MVIP focal point at the GHS. He/she will work in the EPI Office at the GHS and collaborate with the MOH, PATH, IST, AFRO and HQ colleagues to fulfil the joint Immunization/Global Malaria Programme objectives in facilitating pilot implementation of RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine as described in the WHO position paper.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity:

The Goal of the MVIP is to provide an updated WHO policy recommendation on the use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The strategic objective is to provide timely availability of pilot implementation evidence on RTS,S feasibility, impact, and safety for submission to the WHO‘s SAGE/MPAC aiming for final data submission in 2022. To accomplish this, WHO will work closely with PATH in collaboration with the MOH and other partners, to support the introduction of the RTS,S vaccine sub-nationally through EPI programs in 3 countries (Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana), and will work with evaluation partners to collect data to answer questions on the feasibility, impact and safety of RTS,S to support the goal.

Organizational Context:

Under the supervision of the WR, the Technical Officer will serve as the MOH focal point for the MVIP working closely with the WHO focal point and the EPI Programme in Ghana. The Technical Officer will coordinate with the MVIP Focal Point at the WHO Country Office to ensure successful implementation of the RTS,S vaccine through the national EPI programme. The Technical Officer will support the MOH, including the EPI Programme and National Malaria Control Programme to implement the MVIP, and to reach and report on targets and milestones according to the agreed upon timelines. He/she will routinely update the WHO Country Office and notify them if timelines are at risk or if issues arise, while participating in finding solutions. Likewise, the officer will be responsible for reporting to the country office on relevant findings from the pilot implementation.

The Medical/Technical Officer will have a key role in the In-country Malaria Vaccine Technical Working Group (MVTWG) providing support to and ensuring regular meetings of the MVTWG and facilitating frequent interactions between the MVTWG and the MVIP National Safety Committee. The incumbent will assist with coordination of efforts between the Evaluation Partners and the EPI programme. He/she will support the activities of the MVIP work streams: regulatory, ethics, vaccine implementation, pharmacovigilance, evaluation, supplies and communications.

The Technical Officer will maintain good communications with the MVIP team at WCO, HQ, AFRO, and PATH, with the MOH, especially the EPI and NMCP, with Evaluation Partners and other partners in country.

Summary of Assigned Duties:

The incumbent supports the WHO Representative in the following areas:

• supports the EPI programme to effectively engage with the MVIP; assisting with follow-through on activities and actions required for successful RTS,S vaccine launch and implementation
• Collaborates closely with WHO MVIP focal point, and country coordination group, attending all MVIP country coordination group meetings and facilitating MoH team members to attend
• Collaborates effectively with all stakeholders to ensure the timelines for implementation of the MVIP are strictly adhered to
• Support the implementation of the Introduction Plan for the RTS,S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine
• Participate actively in the development and adaptation of reference materials, data collection tools and the MVIP field guide
• Review monthly administrative data and report on coverage for each antigen. Conduct periodic analysis of RTS,S vaccination performance against other existing antigens on schedule and provide recommendations for improvement or otherwise
• Monitor the implementation and programmatic performance of the RTSS introduction to ensure corrective action is taken when needed
• Develop and share monthly bulletin of RTS,S Malaria Vaccine activities with the EPI Programme and the MVIP/EPI Focal Points
• Participate in meetings of the various arms of the MVIP (evaluation & safety)
• Maintains a professional positive atmosphere in the country team.
• Updates the WR/MVIP Focal Point and, as requested, in-country partners on the progress of the MVIP.

Competencies:

• Producing results
• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Knowing and managing yourself

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, practices, methodology and techniques of RTS,S MVIP programme.
• Excellent capacity in programme management, coordination, and organization.
• Excellent understanding of malaria and EPI programme, and child health.
• Ability to work as a team member, and sensitivity to working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Outstanding communication and team building skills.

Qualification Required & Experience

Essential: First university degree in Public Health or health related courses.

Desirable: Post graduate training of Masters’ Degree in public health

Experience

Essential:

• At least 2 years’ experience of relevant work experience at the national and international levels in malaria and/or immunization programmes in low-resource environments.
• Demonstrated experience in working with MOH and partners on the development, planning, implementation or monitoring and evaluation of health strategies and programmes.
• Proven experience to work to deadlines and budgets, in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience using data for decision making.

Desirable:

• Experience in immunization or EPI programmes;
• Additional experience in malaria control.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English is required.
• Other Skills (e.g. IT):
• Proficiency in all MS Office applications, spreadsheets and data analysis.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

To submit your application, click on the link below and complete all relevant fields on the online application form.

Click Here To Apply Online

Closing Date: 14 August, 2018