The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening the capabilities of governments and the private sector in those countries to create and sustain high-quality health systems that can succeed without our assistance. For more information, please visit: http://www.clintonhealthaccess.orgcludes supporting the development of the next national immunization strategy and development of a well‐informed and coordinated new vaccine introduction planning. The subnational work includes generating critical evidence from the ground for policy level decision‐making on outreaches.

Overview of the CHAI vaccines work in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

The immunization program in PNG faces significant challenges such as low and declining national immunization coverage. Coverage varies widely by province and district, with geographically harder-to-reach and more insecure locations consistently achieving lower coverage. National Penta3 coverage, for example, decreased from 70% in 2010 to 50% in 2017. Because of the low and declining coverage, the country has experienced vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, including recent outbreaks of polio (2018), pertussis (2018), and measles (2017). Furthermore, PNG has not adopted new vaccines such as Rota and HPV. With its impending Gavi transition, there is an urgency to address a number of challenges that exist.

In 2017, CHAI launched its vaccines program to support the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) within the PNG Department of Health (DOH). CHAI aims to provide support to increase immunization coverage and equity, and ensure the government is well positioned to successfully transition from Gavi support. CHAI’s approach in PNG comprise complementary work at both national and provincial level. At the national level, CHAI supports the development of guidelines, policies, and overall national strategy, advocating for strategic use of domestic and donor funds to promote improved coverage and equity. At provincial level, CHAI will provide deep support in two focus provinces (Morobe and Central) to strengthen provincial budgeting and financing for immunization, as well as improving the design and implementation of outreaches to reach the unreached and attain high coverage.

Overview of the Vaccines Program Manager role

Reporting to the Country Manager, the Program Manager (PM) will lead efforts to deliver the ambitious objectives of the vaccine program. S/he will provide both strategic and technical direction for the program, overseeing its development and assuming responsibility for high quality delivery. The PM will maintain the relationship and communication with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Unit within DOH, along with relevant Program Officers (POs). In coordination with the Country Manager, the PM will also work closely with relevant CHAI’s Global Vaccine team, other CHAI Country PMs, other international partners, and other national stakeholders.

• Organize and manage technical implementation of CHAI PNG vaccines program to align with DOH national strategic plan
• Drive internal strategic planning and budgeting processes related to the vaccines program to ensure smooth and successful program management development and implementation
• Oversee the implementation of the vaccines program work plans including planning, budgeting, forecasting, identify key barriers and problem solving, monitoring and reporting, and prioritization
  • Support EPI/DOH to design and execute strategy towards impending Gavi transition
  • Support EPI/DOH to support government develop a new vaccine introduction (NVI) roadmap
  • Support provincial budgeting and financing for immunization in two focal provinces
  • Support the development and implementation of mitigation strategies to address problem areas following subnational outreach assessment
• Ensure effective communication with key partners and internal program for better coordination and planning
• Monitor POs team performance to ensure objectives are met, support team members with training and development activities, and provide regular update of team development
• Working closely with the CHAI Global Vaccines Team to enlist support, capture and disseminate emerging best practices and ensure alignment with global standards
• Lead in development of innovative approaches and tools as well as documentation and dissemination of best practices
• Facilitate monitoring, evaluation and analysis for continuous program adaptation and improvement while ensuring the documentation of activities and outcomes
• Hold the team accountable to CHAI policies, procedures, and guidelines, as appropriate and with the program teams, to enhance the smooth running of the programs through standardized procedures and improved support. This may include finance and governance procedures, staff management, fleet management and IT security and infrastructure.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Country Manager as needed

• At least a Master’s degree in a public health or a quantitative discipline
• At least seven years of work experience in a field requiring both advanced analytics and exceptional presentation skills
• Experience in healthcare especially in vaccine, public health and experience working with DOH
• Experience in the planning and execution of large scale projects, including budgeting and activity planning
• Exceptional strategic development skills, able to identify and pursue high-impact strategies in complex, uncertain, and evolving environments
• Experience managing team members with diverse backgrounds and skills
• Proven program management skills, based on several years of experience in strategic, operational, and/or financial management of complex, multi-stakeholder programs/projects
• Ability to navigate complex government processes and influence decision-making in a professional and collaborative manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously whilst mentoring a team to perform consistently
• Advanced analytical skills and problem-solving with proven ability to develop and apply quantitative models using Excel and other tools to address specific challenges and improve working practices with a focus on outcomes
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to create compelling, logical presentations, using PowerPoint and other tools, and a structured and assured oral and written communication style
  The ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
• Experience structuring and leading evidence-based decision making processes
• Proven track record working in challenging multi-stakeholder environments
• Excellent attitude to the work and self-motivated persona
• Experience working in unpredictable environment, willingness to adapt
• Fluency in Tok Pisin and English (oral and written)

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