UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, Health and HIV/AIDS
Zambia is a lower-middle-income country and one of the most politically stable democracies in Africa, with an estimated population of 16.4 million in 2017, of which 58 per cent is rural and 42 per cent urban. The population is quite youthful, with children representing 53 per cent – a total of 8.6 million. This large, young population represents an opportunity for economic development, but also presents challenges due to the demand for social services and employment. Despite Zambia’s classification as a lower-middle income country by the World Bank in 2011 and a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $1,300 in 2017, 54.5 per cent of the population still live below the poverty line. Inequality remains high, with three quarters of those in rural areas living in poverty – as compared to one quarter in urban areas.
UNICEF’s Country Programme 2016-2021 focuses on practical ways to realize the rights of children. UNICEF’s work spans seven areas – health & HIV/AIDS; nutrition; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); education; child protection; and social policy. The programme’s aim is that Zambian children, especially the most disadvantaged children and families, have access to and benefit from quality social services, knowledge and opportunities, and thereby have a fair chance in life. https://unicef.sharepoint.com/sites/ZMB/SitePages/About-us(1).aspx
How can you make a difference?
Join our dynamic team in UNICEF Zambia to work with the Health and HIV/AIDS Section. Under the supervision of Health (RMNCH) Specialist (P-3), the incumbent will provide technical, management and coordination support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) to strengthen immunization systems and services towards improving coverage, quality and equity, as well as, supporting the multi-sectoral approach to the introduction and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities :
- Evidence-based planning, designing, budgeting, monitoring, reviewing and reporting of immunization programme : Technical support to MoH on revitalisation and strengthening of immunization systems and services with specific focus on vaccine procurement and management, cold chain and logistics management, communication for development (C4D), local level micro-planning, and monitoring, reviews and reporting. Contributes to the design, development and implementation of national vaccination strategies and approaches, through participation and collaboration with internal and external partners ;
- Technical support to a multisectoral approach on the introduction and roll-out of for the COVID-19 vaccine : Technical support to Ministry of Health and Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) to lead the coordination and management of the introduction, roll-out and monitoring of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. This will be in collaboration with concerned sectors like Education, Water and Sanitation (WASH), Community Development and Social Services (CDSS), and Immigration and Defence Services, with a specific focus on COVID-19 vaccine delivery strategies, advocacy, demand generation, communication and community engagement ;
- Technical support on improving immunization coverage and equity : Assist in channeling UNICEF’s technical and advisory support to MoH, Provincial Health Offices (PHOs) and District Health Offices (DHOs) to design, develop, implement, monitor, review and report on an equity-focused immunization programming with improved coverage and equity ;
- Collaboration with strategic and implementing partners : Assist in collaborating with immunization partners and stakeholders within the country, and at regional and global levels including Gavi, WHO, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), World Bank, USAID, CDC and other strategic and implementing partners in both strengthening routine immunization systems in Zambia and effectively coordinating the management of COVID-19 vaccine introduction and roll-out under various national and sub-national platforms like Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC), COVID-19 National Task Team (NTT), and Zambia Immunization Technical Advisory Group (ZITAG).
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have :
- University degree in Medicine, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, International Development, or a field relevant to technical assistance in immunization ;
- University degree in Public Health, Paediatric Health, Population Health, Child Health and Nutrition, Epidemiology, Community Health, Child Development, Community Development, or related health science field would be an asset. Advanced degree in the areas is an asset ;
- Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience at national and international levels in immunisation, maternal and new-born health (MNH), child health, or directly related technical fields is required ;
- Understanding of development and humanitarian work ;
- Emergency experience is an advantage ;
- Public health management experience is an advantage.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA)
Core Competencies :
- Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1) ;
- Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2) ;
- Works Collaboratively with others (2) ;
- Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2) ;
- Innovates and Embraces Change (2) ;
- Thinks and Acts Strategically (2) ;
- Drives to achieve impactful results (2) ;
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (2).
Functional Competencies :
- Analyzing (2) ;
- Applying technical expertise (2) ;
- Planning and organizing (2) ;
- Following Instructions and Procedures (2).
View our competency framework here; 
Competency Framework – 2020.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks :
UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process