Technical Officer (Immunization Policy)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals' (IVB) mission is “To promote the health and well-being of all people, in all countries, by advancing the impact of vaccines and immunization programmes through partnership and leadership; policies and guidance; evidence and research”. Our work is aligned with the WHO Global Programme of Work (GPW), with a central focus to drive impact in countries, to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages. The Strategic Objectives of the IVB Department include:1) Establishing global immunization agendas, strategies and policies to build and harness commitment to action.2) Promoting research and innovation to increase impact of vaccines, technologies and immunization practices.3) Advancing evidence-based introduction and access to vaccines and immunization innovations.4) Optimizing immunization delivery to ensure high-impact, sustainable and equitable programmes.5) Harnessing Vaccine Alliances and Partnerships, including collaborations with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and other WHO partners, towards cross-programme coordination and collaboration in pursuit of universal health coverage.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the designated supervisor, the incumbent will be responsible for the following key functionalities:

• For selected topics, serve as technical lead for the development of evidence-based policy recommendations, including the development of work plans and the establishment of suitable advisory groups.
• Support SAGE working groups which are led by technical focal points from within or outside the Department and ensure operations in accordance with WHO's processes and standards.
• To conceptualize, plan and conduct or oversee the execution of adequate evidence reviews, including systematic literature reviews and GRADEing of evidence.
• To coordinate preparation of specific SAGE agenda items that require collaboration among different technical teams, and ensure follow-up as needed.
• To liaise with other immunization advisory groups in particular those on implementation research and vaccine safety to assure optimal technical review on policy matters.
• To contribute to the effective functioning of the SAGE Executive Secretariat (including prioritization of activities, follow-up of working group timelines and deliverables, engagement of technical counterparts within the organization, dissemination and communication of technical contents).
• To represent WHO in technical for a with competency and authority.
• To perform any other duties as requested by management.
  
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in medicine, public health, or related sciences.

Desirable: University degree or other formal training related to infectious diseases, vaccines, immunology or epidemiology.

Experience

Essential:

• At least seven years of relevant combined national and international professional experience in the fields of infectious diseases and public health.
• At least five years of experience in evidence appraisal for decision-making, of which two years should relate to vaccines.
• Experience in conducting and appraising systematic literature reviews, including the GRADE methodology.
• Experience in working with panels of technical experts.

Desirable:

• Work experience in low and middle income countries.
• Experience and knowledge of working with WHO or within UN environment.
  
  

Skills

• Ability to work within a team at HQ and across the Organization and interact with multiple technical partners outside the Organization.
• Ability to work productively with high level technical experts; exert very good interpersonal skills as well as strong capacities to communicate clearly and interact with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work independently under general guidance, to have a problem-solving approach and a creative mindset to propose practical and innovative solutions.
• Carry good judgement on technical matters and when interacting with people.
• Ability to manage processes with attention to detail, quality of work and time management.
• Excellent presentation and drafting skills.
  
  
  

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
  
  
  

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.


Desirable:

Intermediate knowledge of French.
Intermediate knowledge of Other UN Language.

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 77,326 (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 5696 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to 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. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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 towards 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 also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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