Country: Haiti
Closing date: 17 May 2016
Background
Vaccination coverage is chronically very low in Haiti, despite huge technical and financial efforts made by MSPP and partners. Furthermore, in the last two year (2014-2015) there was a decreasing tendency. Worst yet, access to vaccination is inequitable and unevenly distributed.
Explanations of that negative scenario include shortage of vaccination/health services and deficient vaccine storage and transport to the health facilities (cold chain). Moreover, managing of Vaccination Program is a real challenge at central and local level due to shortage of personnel and weak monitoring and supervision capabilities. Haitian health workers policy is still at theoretical level rooting chronic weakness of overall health system, including, financing, organization, supply chain and information management. This context, not only affects vaccination access and coverage, it also explains deficient coverage of overall essential health services.
MoH (MSPP) has developed since 2011 A New Model of Health Care with PAHO/WHO technical support. This Health Services Organization is based on Primary health Care Strategy with communitarian and health networking approach. The Pilot implementation at Carrefour municipality has demonstrated positive effects on access and coverage to health services, including vaccination coverage, which increased two and three folds between 2011-2015, even though the Model did not apply specific focus on vaccination but comprehensive approach.
Including vaccination as part of extension of Community Based Health Services Organization at national level, targeting achievement of specific vaccination coverage goals, will increase exponentially the likely attainment of those goals.
Objective
To provide management, oversight, and support for the implementation of GAVI HSS grant in Haiti. Establishing a virtuous circle and catalyzing effect with implementation of New Model of Care at national level to achieve vaccination coverage goals.
Tasks Description:
Under the direct supervision of the person in charge of Health Sytem and Services (HSS), in close coordination with vaccination program at PAHO / WHO and the MSPP, the Project Officer will have the following tasks:
To identify effective strategies to improve vaccination coverage in Haiti through the proper organization of health services while being in alignment with MSPP health and vaccination Policy, GAVI strategic plan, and PAHO/WHO standards.
To Work in close collaboration with MSPP/DPEV and with all partners involved in vaccination related project implementation.
To support project strategic and operational planning, programming, budgeting, implementation and resource coordination.
To include HSS/Systemic approach in all project activities.
Support in leading the coordination of the performance monitoring and assessment of the grant including the preparation of reports; advising on setting realistic targets and milestones and ensuring up-to-date information to monitor progress on project implementation;
Maintain effective partnership with stakeholders to exchange critical and technical information and resolve program/project implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned;
To ensure timely and reliable reports of project implementation to highlight and clarify changes in resource utilization plans; recommend alternate plans/funding strategies and discuss potential problems that could arise from programming changes and/or budget constraints. Prepare and/or complement financial (periodic/ad-hoc) reports as required;
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications
Hold a university degree in Public Health or related studies.
Excellent knowledge of French and good knowledge of English and Creole.
Good communication and Inter-institutional action.
Desirable qualifications:
Training in immunization and health system development programs.
Experience
Have at least five (5) years of international professional experience, including at least two years in public health or vaccination or other operational public health programs.
Duration
The contract will run for 12 months (renewable based on available resources.)
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit no later than 17 May 2016 a dossier including CV, copies of diplomas and a cover letter to the office of the Organization Pan American Health / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO), 295 Ave John Brown, Port-au-Prince , Haiti or address haitivacancy@paho.org .