OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To reduce the mortality and morbidity attributable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) by strengthening the routine immunization system in line with the objectives of the Immunization Agenda 2030. 
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.

1. Facilitate the implementation of activities of the National Immunization Program.
2. Technically support: 
-the development and monitoring of high quality workplans and budgets, and follow up on the implementation of planned activities
-the provision of technical advice, strategies and policies for strengthening the country’s immunization and VPD surveillance systems
-the review and analysis of immunization coverage and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance data through health information systems and health research activities and provide recommendations based on the identified risks of VPD outbreaks
3. Support the efficient and effective management, as well as coordination of stakeholders and development partners (e.g., TWG, OWG) in the development and implementation of sustainable, multi-sectoral, and integrated strategies, policies, interventions, and workplans for strengthening the immunization systems 
4. Contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnerships with academic institutions and professional governing bodies for capacity building of the health workforce, and address key gaps in knowledge and skills through supportive supervision visits. 
5. Leverage knowledge of local systems and cultural norms to serve as a technical communication focal point with the public to foster community awareness on VPD and coordinate the development of information, education and communication (IEC) materials to increase demand for vaccines. 
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A university degree (bachelor’s or higher) in medicine, public health, epidemiology, or a similar field.
Desirable: Master’s degree in public health or international health.

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/ 

Experience

Essential: At least two years of relevant work experience in supporting public health immunization program/s at the national level, including experience in VPD surveillance and data management.
Desirable: Experience working with national or provincial Ministry of Health and Medical Services. 

Skills

-Excellent knowledge of essential program on immunization, disease burden, and surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases
-Ability to analyze immunization program data, to identify issues and make evidence-based conclusions and recommendations 
-Sound knowledge in vaccine management 
-Excellent drafting and communication skills 
-Team spirit and time management skills 
 

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
 
Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Strong written and spoken English and the local language.
 

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at SBD 223,740 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
 

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.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. 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.

• 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 may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

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

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• 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.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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