OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The overall objectives of the Polio Eradication Initiative are to lead the global eradication effort of national governments and the GPEI Partnership to detect and interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, certify eradication, stop the use of oral poliovirus vaccine beginning with the removal of the type 2 component, mainstream core polio eradication functions to sustain eradication and ensure the potential legacy of polio eradication is fully realized. The immediate strategic objectives are to assist the national efforts and coordinate and lead the inputs of the GPEI partnership toward full implementation of the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026.The Polio Data Management team is responsible for the management, organization, analysis and sharing of polio related data including immunization data, program monitoring and poliovirus surveillance information while promoting and maintaining global polio information systems such as Polio Information System (POLIS), WebIFA and geodatabases.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
- Provides technical leadership and managerial support within the Department/Programme, in the area of polio data analytics and information management systems ensuring that activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively.
- Develops and proposes technical health policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with Regional and Country Offices and provides advice in developing further the polio data and information management system for strengthening and improving technical capacity of target clienteles.
- Manages the programme area in delivering its objectives through efficiently managing a team of technical staff, financial resources and effective work planning to optimize the programme’s deliverables in line with the mandate of the Organization.
- Leads and conducts research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of data analysis and information to guide data driven program policies and for capacity building in the respective area of work.
- Manages the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the subject area of work of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables.
- Lead the secretariate functions for the Emergency Committee of the international health regulations on international spread of poliovirus including convening meeting of the emergency committee under IHR and producing timely reports. Also, will coordinate with relevant departments within the organization on responding to requests for information such as the Event Information Site (EIS) and Disease Outbreak News.
- Serves as the technical reference among the peer community, across the Organization, GPEI partners, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise.
- Liaises with and utilizes partnerships in other UN Agencies, Donor, or research institutions in the polio data and information management system to position the technical area of work and implementation into Global and/or National policies.
- Oversees and monitors compliance with the WHO data sharing agreement with GPEI partners and serve on the GPEI Surveillance Group management team to advise on polio data and information management system issues.
- Perform all other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential:
- Advanced university degree in epidemiology, statistics, computer science, public health or related field.
Desirable:
- Degree in epidemiology, public health or management.
Experience
Essential:
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the management of large-scale public health and infectious disease control programmes at national and international levels, particularly in developing countries, including experience in the area of health policies and strategies, health information system and data analysis.
- Experience in managing health information systems at global, regional and national level.
Desirable:
- Experience in polio eradication programmes, including in the implementation and assessment of both polio immunization programmes and polio surveillance as well as public health emergencies of international concern.
- Experience in collaboration and negotiations with external agencies and knowledge of GPEI partners and WHO Regions is desirable.
- Experience with international organizations and/or nongovernmental organizations would be an advantage.
- Experience with advanced level analysis of polio epidemiological and immunization data.
Skills
- Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes.
- Extensive knowledge of public health and epidemiology, with broad practical knowledge of public Health emergencies, infectious disease surveillance, health information systems, policies and strategies and their application in developing and developed countries.
- Expertise in data analytics, information management, monitoring and evaluation.
- Knowledge of standard polio data analysis and reporting procedures.
- Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polio related polices and strategies.
- Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
- Good skills in mobilizing resources.
- Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.
WHO Competencies
- Teamwork
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
- Communication
- Producing results
- 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 French.
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 92,731 (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 6553 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.
- 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.
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