Technical Officer (Response)

Under the overall guidance of the Polio Eradication Programme Coordinator and technical guidance of the Rapid Response Team Lead, the Polio Rapid Response Technical Officer will provide technical support and guidance to Country Offices and Global Polio Eradication (GPE) partners to strengthen quality of outbreak responses and SIAs activities in countries. The incumbent will mainly focus on adequate preparations for polio outbreak responses and SIAs to stop any polioviruses circulation and boost population immunity. While the incumbent is expected to work with minimal supervision, he/she will liaise with and report directly to the Rapid Response Team lead. The incumbent is expected to perform specific tasks which include:

• a. Represent the GPEI in-country and liaise between the GPEI and partners at county and regional level; provide direct feedback to the GPEI about outbreak response progress, challenges and potential solutions.
• b. Technically support heads of WHO/UNICEF country offices with strategic and operational oversight of polio outbreak response operations, ensuring that they address the needs of the population and are aligned with the government/Ministry of Health (MOH) plans and strategies and the polio outbreak response SOPs.
• c. Foster close coordination with MOH, in-country health and other partners, and regional offices and HQs and assist in the organization of regular coordination meetings, teleconferences, and updates.
• d. Work with MOH/WHO/UNICEF teams to develop a national outbreak response plan, including a budget, chronogram of activities, and human resources (HR) surge plan, periodically adjusting and adapting the plan, as needed.
• e. Collaborate with MOH/WHO/UNICEF teams to establish outbreak response structures that include the four components of outbreak response: outbreak investigation, outbreak response immunization, strengthening AFP surveillance, and strengthening routine immunization.
• f. Collaborate with MOH/WHO/UNICEF teams to produce updates of outbreak response activities (e.g., SITREPS, bulletins, and newsletters) for distribution to relevant partners.
• g. Collaborate with the communications team to ensure the preparation of an overall outbreak response communication plan and the appropriate content of advocacy and messaging strategies.
• h. Collaborate with the Outbreak Operations Manager to ensure that the logistical aspects of the outbreak response, especially financing and HR, are managed with optimal efficiency.
• i. Undertake other assignments and responsibilities as requested by heads of country offices, regional directors, and other partners to support the successful response to the outbreak.