Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The IVB Department's 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 13th Global Programme of Work (GPW13), 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 key WHO partners, towards cross-programme coordination and collaboration in pursuit of universal health coverage.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will be an active member of the Vaccine Supply Chain and Logistics Team by contributing in particular to the strategic objective on innovative technologies to optimize immunization supply chains and to enhance coverage and equity of coverage. Main responsibilities will consist of: The management and oversight of the innovation agenda in Logistics Management Information System (LMIS); The development of guidance materials for establishing sustainable and resilient supply chain systems to support coverage and equity goals; Provision of related technical support to regions and countries by travelling domestically and or internationally, as required, to provide technical assistance, and meet with project team members off-site. In particular, the incumbent will be tasked to:- Support cold chain inventories and capacity gap analysis for new vaccine introduction and expanded access.- Support Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessments and development of EVM improvement plans.- Support establishment of systems for vaccine forecasting and stock monitoring to meet country needs. Upon delegation, represent the programme area of work at various meetings to contribute to advancing knowledge and practice. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced degree (Masters level or above) in Engineering, Logistics,Public Health or related field relevant to the functions of the position.
Desirable: Specialization in thermal and cold chain systems.

Experience

Essential: - A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in the management of Immunization supply chain, including experience in the development of health policies and strategies. - Seven (7) years' relevant professional exposure in logistics, cold chain or related areas at the international and national level, including developing countries. - Demonstrated professional experience in training and experience presenting to large audiences conferences/large meetings, etc.- Experience supervising and managing staff/consultants.
Desirable: Demonstrated experience in working with local ministries of health on immunization supply chain and logistics issues, as well as vaccine-related implementation research.

Skills

- Knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization systems with particular familiarity with product development issues, vaccine logistics, cold chain, supply chain, and delivery technologies issues.- Excellent oral and written communication skills.- Ability to work as a team member and/or coordinate diverse groups of stakeholders.- Strong interpersonal, networking and diplomacy skills.- Conscientious, with the ability to take the initiative and work independently under general guidance.- Familiarity with the UN system and international public health partners, including knowledge of WHO country, regional and global functions.

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 UN language.
The above language requirements are interchangeable.

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 74,913 (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 5138 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.