Technical Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

DIVISION MANDATE: To achieve in a manner that is both timely and high impact, the control of communicable diseases throughout the Region, through the delivery of programme and technical support that targets the reduction of the morbidity and mortality of such diseases. The programme will respond to the needs of the Region through ground level surveillance, monitoring and evaluation; consistent efforts to provide access to the highest levels of prevention, treatment and care; and a comprehensive approach to advocacy, communication and involvement that results in the committed partnership of all stakeholders. Unit Mandates Vaccine Preventable Disease and Immunization (VDI) To expand the scope of immunization, maximize the benefits of vaccines and immunization programmes, and accelerate control, and achieve and sustain elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases aiming to make the Region free from vaccine-preventable morbidity, mortality and disability in the Western Pacific through implementing the Regional Strategic Framework for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization in the Western Pacific 2021-2030, endorsed by the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in October 2020 (WPR/RC71.R1).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of Team Coordinator, VDI, and the guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office in Papua New Guinea, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Support national and subnational health teams in all aspects of routine immunization programme (e.g. implementation, monitoring and evaluation).
2. Support national and subnational health teams in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination strategies, their implementation, monitoring and impact evaluation.
3. Organize midyear review of routine immunization programme and VPD surveillance performance for subnational Expanded Programme on Immunization staff.
4. Support national and subnational health teams in planning and implementing supplementary immunization activities.
5. Support national and subnational health teams in developing strategies and implementing activities for maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination in Papua New Guinea.
6. Support provincial health teams to strengthen VPD surveillance systems at subnational level.
7. Support national and subnational health teams to ensure data analysis and management.
8. Develop technical reports and documentation related to WHO support above work on improving routine immunization programme and VPD surveillance performances.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Bachelor's degree in epidemiology or public health or immunization
Desirable: Postgraduate degree or equivalent training in public health or epidemiology.

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: Minimum of five years' relevant work experience, with proven international exposure, in surveillance system for VPD and data quality management.
Desirable: Working experience in developing countries.

Skills

--> Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health;

--> Ability to develop plans and proposals;

--> Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct;

--> Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:
who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Other Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

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 64,121 (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 3249 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.

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

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