Senior Social Scientist - Gates Immunization - Department of Community Health Sciences

Job Description

Senior Social Scientist, Gates Immunization, Department of Community Health SciencesEntity: ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿÿMedical Collegeÿ?Introduction:ÿÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿThis position is for an implementation project on improving immunization coverage in the city of Karachi through engagement of private providers. The project focuses on enhancing zero dose and routine immunization coverage in high-risk union councils in Karachi, through different models of private sector engagement to provide quality, accessible and affordable immunization services to low income urban population. It also aims to develop linkages between immunization and basic primary care services to improve the acceptability and uptake of immunization targets. The project will engage with a range of licensed private providers, undertaking private provider identification, training and accreditation support, service agreements for immunization, support to private providers on immunization reporting to the EPI program, and building supportive networks within the community. It will involve extensive networking with local stakeholders/ community as well as close collaborative working with government stakeholders.The project is based in the Aga Khan Universitys (AKU) Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) and delivered through an exciting project brining in multiple entities within the AKU. CHS has played a major role in leading the development of national level primary health care, public health practice, health systems through evidence-based approach. CHS has established successful models in urban and rural settings in Pakistan emphasising empowerment - building on the strengths of communities. As part of an international university, CHS collaborates in a global network of outstanding research and teaching institutions including AKU affiliates in East Africa and the United Kingdom.The person will administratively report to site principal investigator and technically report to senior project manager and will be supported a multi-disciplinary team of study investigators at AKU. ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿÿThis is a grant-funded position.Responsibilities : ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿÿYou will be responsible to:

• develop community profiles for high risk union councils (HRUC) including insights including barriers to vaccine uptake, and decision-making structures.
• counter vaccine hesitancy and provide referrals to designated community centers
• set up a trained network of birth attendants/ frontline providers to provide zero dose and community awareness
• develop a unique community engagement strategy for each HRUC and track its implementation
• develop work plans for community based social mobilisers and supervise their work
• maintain regular contact with stakeholders through community meetings, lane sessions, and informal conversations
• maintain strong liaison with relevant stakeholders at UC, district and provincial stakeholders
• identify lessons learnt and communicating within service provider network
• prepare summaries for presentations, and easy use summaries for project team and external stakeholders.

• a Masters degree in Social Science from an HEC recognised university/institution
• at least four years of community mobilization experience having line managing staff experience will be preferred
• knowledge of immunization delivery and working in high-risk union councils of Karachi is preferredÿ
• proficiency in using Microsoft Office and knowledge of related Office Packages
• ability to prioritize tasks efficiently, be tactful and courteous
• ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• good customer-orientation.

Keyskills :