Afghanistan and Pakistan are the world’s remaining polio-endemic countries. In 2024, as of December 2024, Afghanistan reported 25 WPV1 from Nuristan, Kunar, Kandahar, Helmand and Urozgan provinces. Also 113 environmental cases reported in 2024 form SR, SER, ER, WR, CR and NER. Also, program reported 21 WPV1 from Badghis, Paktika, Ghazni, Farah, Faryab, Nuristan, Urozgan, and Helmand provinces in 2025 and reported 94 environmental cases from SR and ER regions in 2025. The circulation of WPV in endemic areas of the country continued and AFP and environmental surveillance network in 2026 reported isolation of WPV1 from Stool Samples of 4 AFP cases in Helmand and Kandahar and 34 environmental samples from Kandahar, Helmand, Badghis, Kunduz, Heart, Zabul , Urozgan and Nangarhar provinces.

These results confirm the need for continuous technical support to NEOC and national rapid response team. especially engagement of Key PEI/EPI field staff with a particular focus on regional, provincial and district lead teams. As previously inaccessible areas, high-risk districts, and areas where children were missed are now accessible and due to high workload current NRRT & ISD officer in NEOC are under pressure of work and repeated SIAs rounds, operational challenges etc, NRRT activities and RI programs activities at all levels. The incumbent will also oversee and support the NRRT missions.

Specific Tasks/Activities:

• Provide technical Guidance on NRRT:

• Providing Support to NRRT and RRRT in field investigation.

• Support NRRT in assessment of PEI and EPI activities in the field. Facilitate areas coverage survey for PEI, EPI and Community awareness.

• Support the NRRT in collection, compilation and analyses of data related to PEI, EPI and awareness.

• Support the team in report writing and keeping file and records.

• Facilitate/Conduct training for surveyors if needed.

• Work closely with the partners including the MOPH,NEOC,NEPI,UNICEF,WHO, communication team, and extenders to strengthening the teamwork spirit and coordination among the partners.

• Support national, regional, provincial, district teams and stakeholders in capacity-building on outbreak response management issues.

• In coordination with NEOC partners, liaise with related offices to strengthening effective PEI /EPI management at all levels.

• Work with institutions, build their knowledge, and engage them in Polio ,routine immunization, community awareness, management and capacity building activities.

• Organize/participate in review and coordination sessions to address issues and find solution for outbreak responses.

• Support the NRRT mission to the field at national, regional, provincial and district levels. and provide feedback in coordination with relevant EOCs.

• Active participation in precampaign, during campaign and post campaign activities in case of needs.

• Work closely with national, regional and provincial PEI focal point, EPI management team and partners to track and respond the issues especially those related to Polio outbreaks matrix.

• Monitoring immunization campaigns and pay visits to clusters with high or low coverages in case of need.

• Prepare monthly plan and report on progress against the plan.

• Undertake any other programmatic activity assigned by supervisor.
  
  

Training and capacity buildings:

• On job training for PEI, EPI and community awareness staff.

• Participation in training of PEI/EPI FLWs and facilitation of outbreak response part.

• Learning new experience and knowledge.

• Support and facilitate the training events for field surveyors.

Deliverables: 

• Weekly updates on NRRT activities and follow up with team.

• Participation in all field assessment. jointly with other NRRT members.

• within 2days after implementation of field assessment data must be collected ,compiled and analyzed.

• within 5th day of the field assessment the report needs to be prepared. And recorded.

• One day before field assessment the surveyors must be trained on how to use the survey check list.

• Before every field assessment a coordination meeting and desk review meeting to be arranged inviting partners including WHO, UNICEF, and partners.

• support the national, regional and provincial teams in training opportunities for outbreak response.

• Support the national, regional and provincial teams in Polio campaigns.

• Participation in all review meetings regarding the Polio and other VPDs outbreaks.

• Support the team in micro planning.
  
  

Coordination and collaboration:

• Team spirit with partners and institution established.

• Ensure access to team for field assessment is granted by local authorities.

• Participation in monthly or quarterly review meetings.

• Participation in EOC meetings

• Participation in pre, during and post campaign coordination meetings.

• Coordination with EPI and PEI teams.

Field visits and supervision:

• Regular follow up on outbreak response activities at provincial regional and national levels.

• Regular participation in internal NRRT and coordination meetings with partners.

• Field visit from HFs and campaign days ensuring the outbreak response activities are on track.

• Monthly plan is shared and reported against it on monthly based

Reports to NEOC ISD & NRRT officer.

Minimum Qualification and Experience:

• University degree in medical science (AMC registered), public health. Bachelor’s degree in technology, MPH is preferable. Experience in the Polio and EPI routine programme is given priority.

• 5 years' experience in mentioned areas – working with VPDs outbreak and immunization program, and health promotion.

• Fluent in English, Pashto, and Dari

• Good computer skills

• Ability to travel to remote and far areas to access areas.

This role has no team management responsibility.

Qualifies female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.