Senior Research Assistant

Aga Khan University, Pakistan’s first private international university established in 1983, is dedicated to delivering education, research, and healthcare services that meet international standards and address regional needs. The University’s Department of Community Health Sciences (CHS) is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in public health, focusing on areas such as epidemiology, health policy, population health, environmental health, and non-communicable diseases. This position is based in Larkana, Pakistan, and is a grant-funded contractual role within the CHS department. The Senior Research Assistant will play a vital role in supporting immunization efforts through planning, community engagement, and coordination with health workers to improve vaccine coverage in designated areas.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop quarterly Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) micro-plans and monthly outreach vaccination schedules to ensure evidence-based implementation targeting zero-dose, defaulter, and due-dose children.
- Identify and map potential outreach vaccination sites within the assigned Union Council catchment area.
- Maintain and update monthly lists of defaulter and zero-dose children to facilitate timely immunization coverage.
- Conduct follow-up phone calls to parents and caregivers to encourage defaulter retrieval and ensure completion of vaccination schedules.
- Collaborate closely with Lady Health Workers (LHWs), Community Health Workers (CHWs), and Community-Based Vaccinators (CBVs) to raise awareness about routine immunization and support outreach sessions.
- Organize awareness sessions for caregivers, mothers, and community members on vaccine safety, the importance of immunization, and schedule adherence.
- Ensure proper vaccination procedures, accurate record-keeping, and vaccine waste management in compliance with EPI standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Utilize the SEIR system daily and maintain all EPI recording and reporting tools with accuracy.
- Manage vaccine cold chain logistics, including daily temperature monitoring and proper vaccine storage in Ice-Lined Refrigerators (ILRs) and standard vaccine carriers (SVCs) during outreach activities.
- Report vaccine usage and coverage data through the Vaccine Logistics Management Information System (VLMIS) and submit monthly antigen-wise coverage reports to the District Health Office for logistics forecasting.
- Coordinate with supervisors, including the Tehsil and District Supervisors of Vaccination (TSV, DSV) and the District EPI Focal Person, to ensure smooth program implementation.
- Facilitate monitoring visits by district EPI monitors and perform any additional tasks assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications

- Matriculation or Intermediate education; a Diploma in Dispensary is preferred.
- Ownership of a motorbike and possession of a valid motorcycle driving license.
- A minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in vaccination programs, preferably with Government EPI, COVID-19 vaccination initiatives, or private healthcare settings.
- Proficiency in maintaining and updating EPI recording and reporting tools.
- Experience with daily use of the SEIR system.
- Knowledge of proper vaccination techniques, vaccine waste disposal, and adherence to EPI SOPs.
- Understanding of vaccine cold chain management and temperature monitoring protocols.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with communities and caregivers.
- Ability to coordinate with LHWs, CHWs, community volunteers, and district EPI staff.
- Willingness to travel within the assigned Union Council(s) of District Jacobabad.

Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted to ensure candidate suitability. This role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to public health initiatives in a supportive and dynamic environment.