The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview: 

The EPI Officer will be part of the health team in Gambella and will be responsible for community-based surveillance of Vaccine preventable diseases and priority zoonotic diseases and other health related activities that IRC is committed to conduct, sector reporting, and the accuracy of reported data and for a cordial and constructive coordination with the other actors in the sector, especially the health facility staff, Woreda Health Office staff, by working with HEWs, HWs and other community level stakeholders such as Community Health Volunteers (CVs) to improve treatment seeking behavior.

Major Responsibilities: 

Technical

• Establish community-based surveillance activities for case detection and reporting, community awareness raising and participation

• Train CVs on AFP, Measles and NNT surveillance.

• Conduct quarterly review meetings with CSVFPs

• Conduct regular health facility assessment to improve immunization coverage and active case searching.

• Provide technical supervision to support CVSFPs on monthly base   

• Conduct Joint supportive supervision with Government staffs

•  Establish linkage between CVs and HEWs 

• Strengthen targeted woredas immunization service to improve routine immunization coverage and achieve polio eradication

• Community sensitization on routine immunization

• Prepare and distribute IEC materials for community mobilization

• Train HEWs & Health workers on Immunization

•  Identify and facilitate maintenance of non-function refrigerators and motor bikes. 

• Support Polio supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs)

• Strengthen effective partnerships between Government, PVOs, NGOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies for information sharing

• Improve documentation, reporting and utilization of immunization data

• Mainstream immunization using structures of main religions to improve immunization coverage

• Represent IRC to local communities, government departments and local partners.

• Report writing and submitting both donor and Government on monthly, quarterly, Bi-annually and annually. 

• Provide technical supervision and support in the IRC health projects area (four woredas of Nuer Zone i.e. Jikow, Makuey, Wanthoa, and Lare)

• Budget monitoring and preparing Activity, Spending and procurement plans.

• Support the target woredas during micro planning, performance monitoring and evaluation of EPI and disease surveillance. 

• Make sure that the polio eradication activities are integrated in the woreda microplanning and provide necessary capacity building training for different levels health workers.

• Provide programmatic update on regular base every week for the Senior Health Officer.

• Design and implementation project implementation strategy for the effective integration of the project with the other IRC project.

• Fill client feedback and submit to MEAL department and Senior Health Officer regularly. 

• Timely submission of effort and timesheet

• Timely submission of log sheet

• Timely requesting supplies needed for the program, e.g. benzene, lubricants, spare parts 

• Timely request for motorbike maintenance incases needed 

• Timely submitting of any report related to the health program eg, emergency health situation and related factors in their local or their operation woredas 

• Assigned activities and jobs by supervisor.

Other program related responsibilities:

Safeguarding Responsibilities: - 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Job Requirements: 

Educational Requirements:

• Public Health/Health Officer/Nursing qualification from a recognized college/University. 

Preferred experience & skills

• 2 Years of experience with first degree, 1 year of experience with postgraduate and 5 years of experience with diploma.

• Work experience in Immunization, and PHEM (surveillance) in NGO is an asset,

• Good project management skills, Ability to plan, organizes, and supervises implementation of Community-Based Surveillance project on Vaccine Preventable Diseases such as Acute Flaccid Paralysis, Measles and NNT, and Prioritized Zoonotic Diseases (Anthrax, Brucellosis, and Rabies).

• Ability to work under pressure, long work hours and high workload

• Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual.

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as to work autonomously when required.

• Ability to constructively address gaps and weaknesses.

• 2+ years of experience managing Expand program of immunization (EPI) and diseases surveillance /PHEM/ program implementation and policy in Ethiopia 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as, an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications

• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time

• Strong analytic problem-solving skills

• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels

• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner. 

Language Skills: 

• Proficient in English writing and speaking skills and the ability to speak the local language is advantageous.

Certificates or Licenses:

• Training on EPI and PHEM are assets.  

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website using THIS LINK

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.