National Islamic Advisory Group Focal Point

Job Summary:

To coordinate National Islamic Advisory Group activities for Polio Eradication in Afghanistan with particular focus on polio priority provinces.

Objectives of the Programme and the immediate Strategic Objective (Overview of the program):

The Islamic Advisory Group for Polio Eradication (IAG) was launched in February 2014 after consultations among Al-Azhar Al Sharif of Egypt, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Its establishment was one of the top recommendations made during discussions with Islamic scholars on polio eradication in Cairo, Egypt, on 6-7 March 2013. In Afghanistan after a national conference of Islamic scholars in 2016, IAG started its support to polio eradication with focus on polio priority provinces in east and southern regions. IAG aims at exploring ways to muster support from Muslim religious scholars and groups, to end polio in Afghanistan.

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for polio eradication program activities and routine vaccination from the Islamic perspective through forging support by religious scholars to ensure that the objectives laid out in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) End Game and Strategic Plan 2018-2023 are met.

Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on the intricacy and difficulty of working environment):

- The incumbent will be based at National Emergency Operation Center for Polio with frequent visits to WHO Country Officer,

- Will oversee the work and activities of provincial focal points,

- Closely liaise with the members of National Islamic Advisory Group, Communication Working Group and Refusal Oversight Committee as well as line ministries,

Duties & Responsibilities:

The National Focal Point will provide support to the PEI program in the engagement of Islamic Ulamas in supporting polio eradication, maternal and child health care including routine immunization. This support will include:

1. Maintain regular contact with members of National Islamic Advisory Group, members of the provincial religious focal points,

2. Will work as a liaison between PEI team and NIAG members,

3. Provides technical support to Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)/ National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) on organizing meeting, seminars, conferences and trainings of religious leaders, 

4. Maintain a data base of religious leaders across the country who are involved in support of polio eradication and maternal and child health care including routine immunization and those who are opposing to the vaccinations,

5. In consultation with the members of National Islamic Advisory Group prepare their monthly activities plans which include visits to the priority provinces, other provinces, their monthly meetings and participation in meetings based on need,

6. Assist the NEOC in organizing meetings and events related to NIAG activities, and prepare budget in line with rules for these events,

7. Regularly attend the Communication Task Force meeting at NEOC,

8. Analyses the data on refusals after each round of SIAs and if needed provide support in converting these refusals with the help of Ulamas and social mobilizers,

9. Provide regions with necessary Islamic references in respect to health issues including immunizations,

10. Prepare and submit monthly performance reports of IAG members and annual reports,

11. Make properly planned visits to the priority provinces for technical support,

12. Prepare and develop public health messages from the Islamic perspective for IEC materials,

13. Liaise with mother and child health, National EPI and Communicable Disease Control and Environmental Health department of MoPH,

14. Liaise with line ministries (Religious Affairs, Education and Higher Education) on mutual health related activities,

15. Liaise with the public universities at the national level on university engagement program and facilitate training of university graduates,

16. Provide feedback on the university engagement program to IAG, NEOC, WHO and partners,

17. Follow up on the monthly plans and activities of provincial focal points and compilation of their monthly reports.

18. Submission of IAG monthly reports to NEOC and WHO Country Office.

19. Prepare draft of annual NIAG report to IAG Secretariat,

20. Undertake any other programmatic activity assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirement:

21. Medical Doctor (MD) and/or university graduate from Sharia faculty,

22. Knowledge of Islamic studies will be an asset in case the applicant is a medical doctor,

23. Master’s degree such as MPH or masters in Islamic studies will be an asset,

24. Knowledge of English and local languages,

25. Ability to travel to the regions and provinces,

26. Skill of Good relations with all relevant stakeholders and line department

WHO Competencies:

27. Communicating in a credible and effective way,

28. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences,

29. Fostering integration and teamwork,

30. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.

 Functional Skills and Knowledge:

- Training skill to be able to train health workers, community, and religious leaders.

- Excellent Knowledge of PEI and EPI

Educations:

Medical Doctor (MD) or Graduate of Sharia faculty

Master’s Degree in one of health disciplines and or Islamic studies will be an added advantage.

Experience:

Essential: At least 3 years working experience in polio eradication, any other public health program or Islamic studies.

Languages: Very good working knowledge of English and the local languages.

IT Skills: 

-Good working knowledge on word, excel and power point and able to use internet browsers 

Criteria 

 Screening of the candidates:

 Long List - The candidates shall be longlisted based on the minimum qualifications and relevant experience to the Vacancy Notice (VN).

 Short List - Further shortlist shall be done based on years of relevant experience, higher education and required skills.

 Assessment method:

 WHO may conduct written/presentation and interview or combination of the mentioned mediums to select the most qualified candidate.

 WHO is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply and equally qualified female candidate will be given preference.

Job Location: