Coordinator Polio Eradication and EPI – P6

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objectives of the Polio Eradication Initiative are to oversee the global eradication efforts of the national governments and the global polio eradication partnership to interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, help integrate polio eradication, broader immunization and emergency efforts, certify eradication and eventually stop the use of all oral poliovirus vaccine. The immediate strategic objective is to implement WHO’s contribution to the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2029 in collaboration with GPEI partners and in support of the national polio eradication efforts. Similarly, contextualize the IA2030 strategy to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality attributable to vaccine preventable diseases and achieve polio eradication, measles and rubella elimination and other vaccine preventable disease elimination/control goals. Provide technical and strategic leadership for development of national and provincial strategic plans for Essential Immunization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Lead WHO’s support to and collaboration with the health authorities of Pakistan and other partners in designing and developing an effective national programme for polio eradication and ensuring that it is in place and implemented. This includes supporting the development of the annual National Emergency Action Plans for polio eradication and supporting the national leadership for polio eradication and the Federal and provincial Ministries ofHealth in developing and implementing key strategies for polio eradication. Similarly, lead WHO’s efforts to support measles & rubella and MNT elimination, other disease control, and strengthening the immunization system, including implementation of immunization activities in line with the IA2030 and the regional framework for implementation of the IA2030.

2. Lead the largest WHO country polio and EPI team with a workforce of several thousand including staff and non-staff and coordinate the inputs of WHO and GPEI partners into polio eradication in Pakistan.

3. Lead the coordination with other programmes in the country office, notably health emergencies, RMNCH and health systems to ensure synergies and strategies for integration are identified and acted on in a systematic manner.

4. Develop and coordinate the technical support, guidance and liaison for the strengthening of surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases based on experience and capacities of surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis.

5. Oversee the planning, development, organization and delivery of capacity building activities to health care workers in the management of polio eradication and PI.

6. Coordinate closely with polio eradication and immunization partners in Pakistan, in particular UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, CDC, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to build and ensure a strong common platform for support for the Government of Pakistan, and to ensure best and the most efficient use of partner agency resources as well as look at potential partners to ensure a diversified, competent, trustworthy mass of partners are available to the programme in support of its mission and mandates.

7. Foster and expand, as well as play a leading role in ensuring strong relationships are built and maintained with key polio and immunization donors in country, including advocating/promoting collaboration activities with potential donors and UN partners in eradicating polio and eliminating measles & rubella and MNT and controlling other Vaccines Preventable Diseases (VPDs).

8. Develop and coordinate polio and EPI activities within Pakistan on behalf of WHO in regional and global activities, including participation in GPEI and EPI governing bodies meetings and products, as appropriate.

9. Strengthen national decision-making processes through the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and the international Technical Advisory Group for Polio Eradication (TAG).

10. Coordinate activities related to introduction of new vaccines, including applications to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, new vaccine introduction plans, and necessary training. Support national preparedness for use of novel oral polio vaccines.

11. Coordinate preparation, analysis and synthesis of programme reports and reports for special activities within the programme, particularly on poliomyelitis eradication.

12. Undertake other duties, as required, in relation to other programmes of collaboration in Pakistan.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine and/or Master’s degree in Public Health or health related field.
Desirable: A PhD in public health related field as relevant to the position. Training in surveillance and epidemiology. Management training

Experience

Essential: At least 15 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in public health, both at the national and international levels including infectious disease control at the national and international levels, particularly in developing countries Strong management and leadership experience, particularly in complex environments. Experience in strategy implementation and development. Experience in collaboration and negotiations with international agencies and governments.
Desirable: Previous experience working with polio or immunization programs. Experience with international organizations and/or nongovernmental organizations. Previous experience leading inter cultural teams Related experience at national or international level within EMRO region countries.

Skills

Strong management, communication and leadership skills. Ability to administer and to evaluate large complex public health programmes, especially EPI programmes and polio eradication. Demonstrated ability to work constructively with people of different cultural and educational backgrounds. Demonstrated managerial and leadership ability and negotiation skills. Excellent knowledge and technical expertise in epidemiology, disease prevention, control and eradication. Knowledge of polio technical operations. Strong English written and presentation skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Another WHO language.

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 116,095 (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 3367 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.
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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 shws@who.int.
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