Job Detail

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objectives of the Polio Eradication Initiative are to lead the global eradication efforts of national governments and the global polio eradication partnership to interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, help integrate polio eradication with broader immunization and emergency efforts and certify eradication and eventually stop the use of all oral poliovirus vaccines. The immediate strategic objective is to implement WHO's contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategy 2019-2023 in collaboration with GPEI partners and in support of national eradication efforts.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Leads the strategy development processes and strategic analysis providing oversight and technical support in the development of program and technical guidelines and Standard operating procedures. 


• Coordinates HQ Support in the development of operational plans for stopping poliovirus transmission in the endemic countries as well as mitigating risks of outbreaks due to wild or vaccine-derived polioviruses in high risk areas.


• Leads the work on SIAs quality assessment and assist in the development of global risk assessment. 


• Coordinates Programme continuity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as and any emergency situations in future, while maintaining close liaise with WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE), Department of Immunization Vaccines & Biologics and partner agencies.


• Coordinates with Regional and Country Offices on development of National Emergency Action plans, strategies on humanitarian access dialogues and access analysis as well as leads the strategies on gaining access for vaccination in security compromised areas.


• Collaborates with the Department of Immunization Vaccines & Biologics, relevant regional and country offices and partner agencies in facilitating the support of polio eradication processes and assets to increase routine immunization coverage in specific areas of focus countries.  


• Assists Detection & Interruption (DAI) coordinator on political advocacy and coordinates with resource mobilization and communication teams within the department and partnership.


• Coordinates with the relevant Regional Offices, and partner agencies, on in-depth and targeted analyses of surveillance and programme performance data in persistently infected and high-risk areas to guide problem-solving, inputs into strategic planning in priority countries, including supplementary immunization plans, and tailored strategies to reach special populations.


• Provides field support to endemic, outbreak and high-risk countries, as required and advised by DAI Coordinator. 


• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree (ideally at MD level) in Medicine.
 

Desirable: Masters level degree in epidemiology, public health or related discipline.

Experience

Essential: Ten years of experience in public health and infectious disease control programmes at the national and international levels, particularly in developing countries; at least five years of which were at the international level, with coordination or management responsibilities. Substantial experience in disease control and/or vaccines and immunization programmes, particularly in developing country settings, and disease surveillance. Experience in collaboration and negotiations with external agencies.
 

Desirable: Experience in the development, implementation and assessment of polio eradication strategies and policies at both the national and international levels is highly desirable. Knowledge of GPEI partners and WHO Regions. Experience with international organizations and/or nongovernmental organizations would be an advantage.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of public health and epidemiology, with broad practical knowledge of public health, infectious disease surveillance and control, and vaccine science, immunization and disease eradication policies and strategies and their application in developing and developed countries. Proven managerial competence, with capacity to work and communicate effectively with staff and in complex organizational cultures; demonstrated ability in multi-disciplinary teams and servicing needs of different partners. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with governments, partner agencies, and in field conditions. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to guide, support and encourage colleagues to work towards common goals. Excellent writing and presentation skills. Knowledge of the UN system, intergovernmental bodies is an asset.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork


• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences


• Communication


• Driving the Organization to a Successful Future


• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

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 88,162 (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 6575 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: 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: 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: 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.

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