Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Division of Programmes for Disease Control To achieve the control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases throughoutthe Western Pacific Region by targeting the reduction of morbidity andmortality of such conditions and diseases. The division supports integratedpeople-centred care approaches by strengthening primary healthcare services forprevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of target diseases and conditionsalong the life-course, while ensuring to reach the unreached and achievinguniversal health coverage.Vaccine-Preventable Diseases andImmunization (VDI)In October 2020, the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific endorsed theRegional Strategic Framework for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunizationin the Western Pacific 2021-2030 to expand the scope of immunization, maximizethe benefits of vaccines and immunization programmes in the Region, and furtheraccelerate control and achieve and sustain elimination of additional vaccine-preventablediseases (VPDs) beyond those traditionally targeted, aiming to make the Regionfree from vaccine-preventable morbidity, mortality and disability towards 2030.The programme for VDI supports Member States to develop or update and implementnational policies, strategies and plans for immunization and VPD control and eliminationin line with the Regional Strategic Framework and working with Member States,stakeholders and partners to make the Region free from vaccine-preventablemorbidity, mortality and disability towards 2030.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator (VDI) and guidance of the Director, Programmes for Disease Control, the incumbent will perform the following duties: In coordination with the VDI Coordinator, facilitates accelerated control and elimination of VPDs, including measles and rubella elimination and accelerated control of vaccine-preventable viral hepatitis;In coordination with the VDI Coordinator, promotes preparedness for and response to VPDs outbreaks; Provides technical assistance on polio-related activities;Collaborates with staff of the Regional Office and country offices and national health officials in the development of methods and materials in support of polio eradication including the roll-out of polio endgame activities as well as other activities in the area of accelerated VPD control activities in the context of immunization system strengthening including the development of national plans of action and corresponding implementation;Reviews and monitors the polio routine and supplemental immunization activities and surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis, through filed visits, outbreak investigation, data collection, surveys and surveillance reports in order to identify the need for changes in strategies/tactics and make appropriate recommendations; andUndertakes periodic comprehensive programme review according to established protocols and participates in replanning of activities to achieve the newly set targets; participates in identification and implementation of research activities to support the eradication of poliomyelitis.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master’s level university degree in public health or health-related field.
Desirable: Degree in medicine or Ph.D. in epidemiology.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of seven years’ experience in the administration of public health programmes in both national and international level. Considerable practical experience in the development and implementation of polio programmes.
Desirable: Working experience in developing countries.

Skills

Technical expertise in public health epidemiology, disease control and immunizationKnowledge of the specific or technical area of public health;Ability to contribute to the development of norms and standards, as well as training materials;Capacity to plan and conduct operational activities with political and technical elements;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

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of other UN languages.

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 77,326 (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 3325 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 [email protected]

• 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.

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• 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 [email protected].

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