EPI Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to vaccine preventable diseases by implementing routine immunization, supplemental immunization activities and introduction of new vaccines in accordance with established technical guidelines and in line with the Global and regional VaccineAction Plans

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Contribute to the development and follow up on the progress of comprehensive EPI Multi Year plan for Syria

2. Availing Gavi support (through submitting specific applications to Gavi) and implementation the related activities necessitate significant amount of technical support that's always provided by Gavi alliance partners.

3. Participate in the development and follow up on the Health System Strengthening HSS under the Gavi through the Program Support Rational (PSR) proposal.

4. To coordinate with, and support WHO regional office and country office counterparts, and partners to ensure transition plans are developed and implemented in ways that strengthen the sustainability of immunization programmes. This includes supporting the monitoring of transition plans and participation in the development of the Annual GAVI Joint Appraisal

5. Follow-up plans of action for supplemental immunization including, Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT)campaigns, measles SIAs and surge activities including localized campaigns to boost routine immunization (RI).

6. Monitor the implementation of planned activities and ensure the availability of potent vaccines as well as the required equipment and injection materials. Support technical investigations and response to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases.

7. Co-develop the Expanded Programme on Immunization plan in Syria through the provision of technically sound advice to strengthen the evaluation and monitoring of immunization activities.

8. Analyze data and information on Expanded Programme on Immunization and provide feedback to stakeholders. Contribute to the development and dissemination of guidelines for evaluation of the impact of newly introduced vaccines in the national immunization schedule of the country and submit project proposals for the extension of existing health-care networks and the strengthening the existing systems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First university degree in Public Health or equivalent with specialization in immunization - or vaccine relevantareas
Desirable: NA

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of immunization and vaccine development programmes
Desirable: Firsthand working experience in a developing nation.

Skills

• Sound knowledge WHO's policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting

.• Excellent knowledge of disease burden and surveillance for vaccine preventable diseases.

• Sound knowledge of immunization programmes, disease burden and surveillance for vaccine preventable diseases and in-depth knowledge of measles control, new vaccines introduction as immunization agenda 2030

• Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

.• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Expert knowledge of Arabic.

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 62,120 (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 1491 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's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.