Project Officer – Immunisation Program

Background 

In partnership with the Ministry of Health and other Civil Society Organisations, RAHU will create demand and engage communities on reducing zero-dose and under-immunization through mapping of zero-dose and under-immunized specific sub-counties in the districts of Rakai, Kyotera, Sembabule, Lwengo, and Mpigi. Working with VHTs and Peer Educators as the lead community health mobilizers will link the under-immunized/zero-dose to service delivery points within their communities. We will work with local community leaders, community-based organizations to increase awareness, mapping of households, and accountability.

Job Summary:  RAHU seeks to recruit  Program Officers who will provide technical expertise to improve immunization service delivery in Rakai, Kyotera, Sembabule, Lwengo, and Mpigi.  S/he will manage specific activities and support the Senior Program Officer with strengthening partner district vaccine and immunization capabilities to help achieve a greater positive impact on immunization coverage, to improve accessibility and uptake of immunization services. Monitor Key MoH priorities for CSOs intervention include: Improving uptake of Measles Rubella vaccine, Malaria vaccine, Tetanus Diphtheria, Hep B, Yellow fever, IPV, and Rota.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will work as part of a dynamic team in delivering immunisation campaigns that will contribute to zero doses and reduced under-immunised children in the districts of coverage.

Follow up on defaulters, district coordination – performance reviews, data & evidence at district – HMIS

• Collaborate with district-level stakeholders, including the DHT, Community Development, Education, and other departments, to strengthen the zero-dose and under-immunized service delivery in the partner districts.
• Spearhead the mapping of communities with zero dose and underimmunised children in the partner districts
• Actively engage the community health structures and other known players and gatekeepers in communities to address vaccine hesitancy
• Participate in routine monitoring visits with the district team and track practices leading to low uptake of vaccines
• Participate in the data quality assessments and improvement sessions with the district Biostatisticians and share/use data for decision making
• Reach Every District / Reach Every Child to reduce the Zero dose and under-immunization. An emphasis on reaching the under-immunized populations, prioritizing coverage and equity, and ensuring implementation.
• Leverage community engagements to integrate immunisation campaigns, particularly targeting vaccines whose uptake is lowest
• Engaging health and non-health stakeholders to enhance immunization mobilization and awareness within communities.
• Conduct regular immunization data analysis to identify challenges/bottlenecks that will inform planning, facilitate activity implementation, and monitor progress.
• Support preparation for and implementation of program activities, maintaining timelines, and documentation of program activities.
• Support work planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Participate in progress monitoring meetings.
• Provide Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual progress reports

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Registered Nurse or Public Health Practitioner
• A Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery, Clinical Medicine, and any other relevant field of Study.
• At least one year of experience working with immunization programs at the national and sub-national levels.
• Knowledge of the Uganda public health context, including MoH structure, policies, and procedures, particularly immunization
• Experience of interaction with the District Local Governments and community structures
• Ability to manage and coordinate diverse tasks and facilitate relationships among multiple parties
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner, set priorities, work independently, and maintain a high level of accountability.
• Expertise in preparing thorough, well-written, and concise documents
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Evidence-based practice
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures, and implications for practice as well as the national acts governing immunisation
• Understanding of the Confidentiality and Data Protection Act.

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