Country: Madagascar
Closing date: 04 Jan 2017
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On 20 June five cases of polio (VDPV1) were confirmed following testing of samples taken during the national polio vaccination campaign in April. This follows a case in October 2014 and another case at the end of January 2015. The confirmation of the earlier cases suggested a risk of a prolonged circulation of the virus in Madagascar, and warranted an immediate response to the outbreak. A social profile of the affected family and community members provided important insights for development of an intensified C4D emergency response plan to create an enabling environment for repeated polio campaigns.
With confirmation of the new cases the virus has now been found in the north, south, east and west of Madagascar and detailed laboratory investigations of the second case indicated that the virus had been circulating in the country without detection for over 3 years.
The unprecedented scale of this emergency has been a major challenge for Madagascar which has very limited health infrastructure and services and limited experience and capacity to respond to polio outbreaks. Its emergency response so far has included one round of SNIDs in December 2014 and another round of NIDs in April 2015. In May inactivated polio vaccine (IPV - injectable) was introduced during the biannual mother and child health week. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has now advised that there should be further rounds in addition to the 9 rounds organized from 2014 to 2016:
As part of the emergency response plan the communication and social mobilization strategy was developed for the past rounds of vaccinations has been adapted for each subsequent round to meet the evolving needs. It aims to increase community understanding of polio and the importance of immunization, to explain the need for repeated campaigns and use of both OPV and IPV and to increase uptake and demand for polio vaccines during routine immunization. So far, efforts have been two-fold: 1) to support interruption of the outbreak; and 2) to support outbreak prevention and preparedness. This is being done through:
Due to the increasing number of polio cases and the subsequent need for a large scale, rapid and effective response the C4D section is experiencing greatly increased demands for support for repeated rounds of vaccination campaigns. The consultant will support the C4D section in strengthening the sub-national C4D response plans.
The C4D Specialist will report directly to the Chief of Section, C4D
From 9 January to 12 Mai 2017.
Interested candidates are requested to apply only online via the link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job= and attach a cover letter, detailed CV, a copy of the national identity card or passport, a copy of the highest accredited diploma and financial proposal in US Dollar
Incomplete or late submission after the deadline (4 January 2017) will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will receive an official response to their application. Our job applications are also available on the site http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/
* See the list of accredited institutions on the link: www.whed.net
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=502171