Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Promoting good health at key stages of life, taking into account the need to address health equity, social determinants of health and human rights, with a focus on preventing morbidity, mortality and disability from vaccine-preventable diseases through the optimum use of currently available and new vaccines.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of the WHO Representative and the direct supervision of the EPI Team Lead, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda:

• To provide guidance and technical support to the Government for the development and implementation of national policies and strategies, harmonized cost multi-year plans and protocols for routine immunization as related to implementation and surveillance at the national level, in close cooperation with the national public health networks, to ensure forecasting and maintenance of vaccine stockpiles, particularly in case of emergency.
• To contribute to the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the EPI programme performance (surveillance and immunizations);
• To contribute to the development of effective mechanisms for regular and in-depth analysis of routine immunization and surveillance data with technical feedback and proposed actions;
• To contribute to the capacity building of EPI field officers based on the identified weaknesses and provide supportive supervision to empower the operational level to monitor and evaluate the performance of the immunization programme;
• To provide support and participate in field assessment of the quality of data being routinely submitted (DQS, Peer Reviews, Surveys, External Surveillance Reviews, etc.);
• To participate in the planning and implementation of monitoring and evaluation of supplemental immunization activities, including independent monitoring;
• Working with the Federal Ministry of Health, provide support to ensure timely and complete reporting of immunization data;
• To contribute to capacity building for operational research for evidence-based decision making and fundamental research in the area of immunization and related fields for evidence-based decision making in the area of immunization;
• Coordinate and share monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and end-of-year activity reports with WCO, IST and AFRO as per stipulated requirements from each level;
• To develop and update norms and standards related to routine immunization, providing expertise and developing/revising guidelines; proactively facilitate the implementation of norms and standards to facilitate M&E; the development and implementation of capacity building for routine immunization through the identification and implementation of operational policies to expand strategies; and provide technical expertise
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Essential: Medical degree with a Post-graduate degree in public health, Epidemiology or related field

Experience

• Essential: At least 7 years of experience in planning, monitoring and evaluating immunization programme operations at the national level.
• Desirable: Previous experience in immunization systems, EPI, including poliomyelitis eradication, measles control and surveillance, and other VPDs. Experience in policy formulation, quality management, strategic and policy planning as well as facilitating consultations.

Skills

• Technical expertise in immunization, public health and epidemiology.Ability to work effectively with colleagues in a multi-cultural environment and to train others.Ability to review and analyze data, design studies, monitor progress and to present results including the writing of concise reports.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 75,602 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3459 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero-tolerance toward sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.