Technical officer, Vaccines regulation/Epidemiologist – P4  

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Programme is part of and contributes to the work of the Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Non-communicable diseases (UHC/UCN) cluster in the WHO African region. The strategic agenda of the cluster is to reduce disease burden in the WHO African Region, by guiding disease control agenda in Africa, and using analytics to inform strategic investments and tailored interventions for disease control. This approach is underpinned by the guiding principles of comprehensive whole of society, people-centered, integrated approaches to disease control. 

The comprehensive whole of society approaches to disease control involve: (a) coherent implementation of triple response – technical response: implementing disease-specific normative guidance, promoting intervention mixes and deploying medical commodities; health systems response: building capacities of district, service-delivery systems in disease mapping and stratification, interventions tailoring, and sector/subsector planning; and multi-sectoral response: addressing socio-economic and environmental determinants of diseases through mobilizing non-health sectors, communities and stakeholders; (b) disease control partnership of public and private sectors, health and non-health sectors; and (c) community involvement in targeted high risk communities, focused on managing determinants of diseases, health services demand creation and accountability by local health stewards. 

The people centered, integrated approaches to disease control involve: (a) integrated guidance on disease control for each health service delivery platform, a move away from stand-alone disease specific guidance; and (b) integrated and efficient disease control investments in strengthening the capacity of appropriate health services delivery platforms, through deployment of appropriate technologies and analytics, to guide stratification of disease risks across population groups, to develop and deploy comprehensive packages of interventions appropriate to each targeted population group and health service delivery platform, as well as monitor population access, coverage and impact to leave no one behind. 

The specific objectives of the UCN cluster to which the VPD programme contributes, are to: (i) provide leadership on disease control coordination, partnership and resource mobilization; (ii) contribute to the development of WHO disease-control technical products, services and tools including adoption of new technologies and innovations; (iii) support generation and use of strategic information for action and decision making including optimizing investment; and (iv) provide or facilitate provision of technical support in deployment of WHO technical products and services and institutional capacity building, including support to national disease programmes and regulatory authorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The individual will perform the following duties consistent with the work of Vaccine Research and Innovation and the VPD workplan: Provide expert advice on development of a regional framework to guide member states in the implementation of their workplans. Support the assessment of performance of national vaccine safety and pharmacovigilance Monitor the performance of workplan implementations and provide guidance and support for quality management systems for vaccine safety. Provide expert advice on the implementation of vaccine-pharmacovigilance activities in the region: AEFI review committee, national AEFI surveillance guidelines, AEFI investigation, causality assessment of an AEFI. Plan/organize regional trainings/workshops on technical topics relevant to the region in collaboration with SAV/RPQT and the ISTs. Provide guidance and technical support for Support countries in serious AEFI case investigations in cases of serious AEFIs, and causality assessments, when desired in close cooperation with other IVD staff and other clusters, and external experts as appropriate. Provide guidance and support for detection, reporting and management of AEFIs in mass vaccination campaigns, pilot implementation programs and use of experimental vaccines, including training materials. Provide alert to AFRO and HQ on anti-vaccine sentiments in the region. Provide periodic summaries and data on vaccine safety reporting and performance in the region. Perform any other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree in medicine, veterinary medicine or pharmaceutical sciences or related field from an internationally recognized university.
Desirable: Advanced degree in public health, immunology, microbiology or epidemiology.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of seven (7) years’ relevant experience in public health with demonstrated experience working in vaccine safety related activities. At least three (3) years of experience in working in immunization programmes and in working with national regulatory authorities and pharmacovigilance centers at international level.
Desirable: International experience with WHO in Africa and developing countries would be an asset Experience in policy formulation and strategic planning Proven experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders to meet deadlines and within budgets.

Skills

Demonstrated track record in knowledge of immunization programmes complemented by basic vaccinology, and an in-depth knowledge of vaccine pharmacovigilance. Knowledge and skills in research, strategic thinking, program assessment, monitoring and evaluation will be key in discharging these duties. Knowledge of regulatory systems and policies will also be required. Excellent writing skills and publication track record, communication, and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner Ability engage and provide technical advice and guidance to stakeholders and partners taking into account the vaccine safety surveillance infrastructure and capacity of the countries of the African Region. Track recording resource mobilization as well as diplomacy, tact and courtesy. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and/or take remedial action in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese.
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 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 3338 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.

https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

[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.
• 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 [email protected].
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
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