Immunization Specialist, P-3, Temporary Appointment (Duration: 6 months), Lilongwe, Malawi, (Open to Non -Malawian Nationals only)

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For every child, empowerment

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi’s 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063; UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.

The Health Programme in Malawi prioritizes strengthening Primary Health Care to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage, with a strong focus on immunization, maternal and child health, and equity for hard-to-reach populations.

The Immunization Programme in Malawi aims to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases by strengthening routine immunization, introducing and scaling up new vaccines, preventing and responding to outbreaks, and closing equity gaps in underserved communities. As Immunization Specialist, you will be at the forefront of advancing high-impact, equitable immunization services, supporting national systems to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children, and contributing directly to improved child survival and health outcomes nationwide.

How can you make a difference?

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Health team where you will be working under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of Health. You will be responsible for providing technical leadership, operational support, and strategic coordination for the UNICEF immunization programme in Malawi. You will guide the planning, implementation, and monitoring of high-impact, equitable immunization interventions within the immunization system, strengthen government and partner capacities, support outbreak preparedness and response, and contribute to GAVI 6.0 transition deliverables including the national GAVI proposal. The role ensures gender-responsive programming, effective team management, and collaboration with global, regional, and country stakeholders to advance immunization coverage, equity, and child health outcomes nationwide.

This temporary position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated and committed individual to profoundly impact and influence the children’s immunization componet within the wider Health programme. By excelling in this role, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:  

• Contribute to the development and implementation of immunization strategies and approaches through participation and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Provide technical support to government and NGOs at all stages of the immunization programme, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries.
• Contribute in strengthening the capacity of the Health team through effective management and supervision of immunization plans.
• Prepare all required programme reports in compliance with the established guidelines and  procedures.

You are encouraged to download the detailed  TOR for TA Immunization Specialist Signed 22 Jan 2026.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

The following minimum requirements:

 Education:

• An advanced university degree from an accredited institution in one of the following fields is required: Public Health, Paediatric Health, Child Development, Child Health, Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public Administration, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines. 

 *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree)

Experience:

A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required in:

• Immunization Programme implementation at national and/or international levels.
• Planning, programming, implementation monitoring and evaluation of health/immunization programmes.
• Experience with proven engagement in GAVI country support, including hands-on involvement in the development and coordination of multi-stakeholder GAVI country proposals, with familiarity with the GAVI 6.0 transition.
• Experience in working with UNICEF immunization programmes.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency.

Technical knowledge and skills:

Knowledge of latest theories, principles, methods and technology in  the following areas is required:

• Immunizations.  
• Rights-based and results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Gender and diversity awareness .

Language:

• Fluency in English, both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others and (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either: a role with direct contact with children, works directly with child, is a safeguarding response role or has been assessed as an elevated risk role for child safeguarding. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from LAC and MENA regions as well as suitable persons living with  disability are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

Visa residence requirements: For National Officer (NO) positions, internal candidates eligible to legally reside and work in a country, independently of UNICEF appointment, are eligible to apply i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

To effectively contribute to the delivery of results for the children of Malawi, the UNICEF Malawi Country Office operates within a dynamic and results-oriented setting. We foster an environment characterized by creativity, innovation, collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to professional growth, and a safe workspace. Consequently, we are actively searching for individuals who are driven to enact tangible change and dedicated to serving Malawi’s children with resourcefulness, resilience, agility, and a commitment to professional excellence.