Technical Officer – P4

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

All Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right.All of WHO’s actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying value of equity as described in the General Programme of Work. The 13th General Programme of Work defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable. The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritizing impact and outcome at country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.WHO’s mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.The European Region (EURO) of WHO is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. 

The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate and, more specifically, how these bear upon the way the health system stewardship function of health ministries is carried out.The WHO Country Office supports the Member State to shape its health policy in line with WHO’s principles and values and advocates for an integrated approach to health development. By means of a single, unified and functionally integrated country representation, WHO facilitates the implementation of the GPW13 and particularly BCA with the Member State and its corresponding country work plan. WHO helps the country to improve its health system, facilitates policy dialogue and provides technical support as necessary. The WHO country office administers, consolidates, manages and enhances WHO collaboration in the country including all resources deployed in the country either permanently or temporarily to maximize WHO impact. The Country Office also has a representational, fund-raising and resource steering function, as needed.

The aim of the Division of Health Emergencies and Communicable Diseases (DEC) in the WHO Regional Office for Europe is:

–> to improve health security across the WHO European Region by maintaining regional alert and response operations and assisting countries in building their capacity for surveillance systems, preparedness for, and response to all health emergencies, in line with the requirements of the International Health Regulations and specific country risks;

–> to promote WHO’s leadership in health emergencies and communicable disease prevention and control, including through relevant regional initiatives and specific research projects;

–> to assist countries in the Region to design, establish and run effective health programmes that are able to tackle the burden of communicable diseases, particularly, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, especially M/XDR-TB, viral hepatitis, influenza, malaria, antimicrobial resistance and vaccine-preventable diseases through strengthened immunization programmes and to achieve/maintain regional elimination/eradication goals as for measles, rubella, malaria, and poliomyelitis;

–> to ensure, within EURO, the availability of state-of-the-art competency to provide high level technical support to Member States of the Region, in collaboration with Headquarters and in close partnership with relevant institutions of the Region.Within DEC, the Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization (VPI) programme aims to reduce disease and death caused by vaccine-preventable diseases including surveillance and response with emphases on the parts of the region, where the support is needed the most. 

Specific attention is paid to the relationships between the burden of disease, the relevant risk factors and the actions needed at country and inter-country level. VPI provides technical inputs into implementation of WHO’s Biennial Collaborative Agreements with countries, aimed at prevention and control of diseases through strengthening immunization system. It supports Member States in designing and implementing evidence based decision making, assessing the burden of disease and monitoring progress towards reducing death and disability, by integrating these activities with management and dissemination of technical knowledge through strengthening of disease surveillance and response systems and public health programmes and services including supporting the introduction of new vaccines to ensure the benefits of the vaccines are offered to all individuals. The VPI unit develops norms and standards, guidance and tools to assist countries to implement effective disease control and elimination programmes.

 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The purpose of this position is to assist the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Ukraine in strengthening the immunization programme through the provision of in-country technical assistance and guidance on good governance. This position will enable the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/EURO) to be more responsive and to play a leading role in improving the standards, efficiency and preparedness of the national immunization programme in Ukraine. It will also strengthen the coordination, resource mobilization and technical assistance offered to Ukraine by WHO and other partners.Key duties: Under the overall guidance of the Head of WHO Office in Ukraine, and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, VPI at the WHO European Regional Office in Copenhagen, the incumbent will undertake the following specific responsibilities:

1. Oversee and coordinate the development, implementation, technical assistance to, and evaluation of, the national programmes for vaccine preventable diseases and immunization. The work will be in line with the regional vaccine-preventable disease targets and objectives with a primary focus on sustaining the Region’s polio-free status, and controlling other vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and rubella. 

2. Lead the development of knowledge translation of evidence-based recommendations on VPI priority topics for incorporation in country policies and provide technical support and coordinate with other partners the implementation of comprehensive activities and tools, supporting measures to reduce the burden of vaccine preventable diseases; collaborate closely with WHO regional and country offices, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations in delivering this task. Support the adaptation, monitoring and evaluation of these recommendations.

3. Provide continuous support to the MOH of Ukraine, as WHO’s primary counterpart on immunization. Assist MOH with implementation of the polio preparedness activities and lead WHO support on outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in Ukraine. 

4. Support the MOH of Ukraine in developing, implementing and evaluating national immunization programme (NIP) strategies at national and local levels, in updating and adapting relevant guidelines, materials and tools, performing training needs assessments, and organizing and implementing training activities. 

5. Serve as a primary technical supervisor of the VPI Team in Ukraine and coordinate the work in carrying out daily routine support tasks to the National Immunization Programme. 

6. Support the Head of WHO Office in Ukraine on resource mobilization and provide budget oversight and reporting for WHO immunization activities, initiatives and projects in Ukraine.

7. Guide the Ukrainian national programme towards certification of poliovirus eradication and verification of measles and rubella elimination. 

8. Report on status and progress made by immunization programmes in Ukraine to the Head of WHO Office in Ukraine and to the VPI Programme Manager, to donors and partners as required. Provide reports to WHO/EURO VPI advisory bodies and commissions (ETAGE, RCC, RVC) as requested by the VPI Programme Manager. 

9. Facilitate and coordinate VPI staff and high-level immunization partner visits, technical reviews and missions to Ukraine as appropriate. 

10. Collaborate closely with UNICEF and other partners to ensure an aligned and harmonized work plan, implementation, generation of resources, management of assessments and mobilizing funds. 

11. To undertake related duties as required.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Medical degree with post-graduate training in epidemiology and immunization and/or an advanced degree, such as MPH, in research/public health.
Desirable: PhD.

 

Experience

Essential: Over 7 years of experience, including at least 3 years at the international level, in the field of vaccine preventable diseases and immunization, research and programmatic aspects of control of vaccine preventable diseases and elimination. Working experience in developing countries. Experience in monitoring and evaluation of VPD control programmes.
Desirable: 

 

Skills

Extensive, up-to-date medical and scientific knowledge of epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases, and appropriate evidence-based interventions, services and programmes in the field of vaccine preventable diseases.

 

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French RussianGerman.

 

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 2397 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.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
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