The incumbent will be supporting Immunization under Emergency Preparedness and Response Pillar at the WHO Country Office which supports the achievement of a responsive emergency preparedness as part of broader efforts to strengthen primary health care and achieve universal health coverage, inline with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the incumbent has first line responsibility for all aspects of COVID-19 immunization activities within the emergency response pillar, guided by the Global Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA 2030), the National Strategic plan on Immunization (NSPI), the Addis Ababa Deceleration on Immunization targets including but not limited to facilitating coordinated approaches; proactively contributing to the development & adaptation of WHO strategies and policies; reviewing and adapting existing guidelines; conductingand contributing to capacity building activities, support the coordination and contribution to provide transformational leadership in the implementation of the UCN/VPD programme in the context of health emergency response.This will include contributing to the development, implementation and monitoring of evidence-based policies and strategies related to COVID-19 and its integrationin to Primary Health Care, while supporting immunization/ VPD programmes and activities These activities will contribute to building and strengthening the capacity of the country to improve access to integrated health services for the population along the life course and achievement of targeted VPDs control,elimination, and eradication goals. This will be achieved in a context of strengthened and resilient health systems,contributing to attaining UHC and other health related SDG targets through proactive contribution to supporting governing bodies, technical working groups and advisory bodies, coordination with member states and partners. The incumbent. duties include supporting the Ministry of Healthand leading the efforts but notlimited to; facilitating development of National COVID-19 Integration into Primary Health Care and Routine Immunisation Guideline aligned with the Immunization Agenda 2030 and the National Strategic Plan on Immunization, monitoring implementation of annual operational plans, coordinating innovative approaches and strategies for COVID-19 deployment ; proactively contributing to the development of strategies and policies, including reviewing and adapting existing guidelines; supporting strengthening of governing bodiesand technical advisory groups, coordination with partners; conducting and contributing to capacity building activities.
Underthe supervision and guidance from the Cluster Lead and EPI Team Lead, theImmunisation Officer (P3) will: Support the development of a National COVID-19 Integration into Routine Immunisation and Primary Health Care guidelineProvide technical support to priority districts in operationalizing the integration o fCOVID-19 vaccination into primary health care, through strategy development and capacity building.Monitor country progress in COVID-19 vaccination response, focusing on integration of COVID-19 vaccination in Routine Immunisation with emphasis on improving access to high-risk groups such as the elderly, persons living with comorbidities, vulnerable groups, and support priority areas in developing tailored strategies in reaching the unreached.Support the conduct of surveys and/or situational analysis to regularly the track the country’s progress towards streamlining COVID-19 vaccination into overall immunization systems and programmes within the priority districts.Provide technical support to priority districts in accelerating progress in implementing the focusing on (strengthening and expanding immunization systems and programmes), synergizing with COVID-19 vaccination response.Map strategic areas for WHO to engage in the enhancement of overall immunization supply chain systems, leveraging COVID-19 vaccination experiences. Support vaccine preventable disease surveillance within the wider Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response implementation agenda in the priority districts. Support monitoring of vaccine safety related issues including AEFI surveillance and response activities Support Sub-national staff in COVIID-19 vaccine deployment through supportive supervision, capacity building on identified gaps and mentorship support.Document best practices, challenges and recommendation for experience sharing and dissemination to relevant stakeholdersConduct other tasks assigned by the 1st line supervisor as needed, to support WHO Country office attain its strategic objectives
Essential: Degree in medicine with post-graduate degree/training in public health or health policy, complemented by post-graduate training in epidemiology with specialization in infectious diseases or communicable diseases.
Desirable: Post-graduate studies or master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, vaccinology.
Essential: Minimum of at least five (5) years in public health and/ or communicable disease control and aminimum of one (1) year in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination introduction and deployment plan and data management.
Desirable: Previous experience in COVID-19 introduction and vaccine roll-out.Proven experience working in multi-stakeholder settings Experience in new vaccines introduction and vaccination in health emergencies situation.Experience with WHO or other agencies in the United Nations system would be an asset. Proven skills in writing strategic planning proposals, monitoring the implementation of public health Conduct of programs like mass vaccination. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles,practices, methods, and techniques of immunization programs.Good understanding of public health systems,immunization programs and public health emergency management systems.Ability to work as a team under tight deadlines and work in a multicultural environment.
Within the context of the immunization agenda 2030 and the National Immunization Strategic Plans, the candidate is expected to have demonstrated knowledge of routine immunization programmes, vaccine preventable diseases and global health. Proven ability to think independently and strategically plan,coordinate and implement routine immunization activities, including norms and standards for vaccines management and related capacity building; coordinationof the demand generation for immunization services, monitoring and reporting on results, progress,lessons learnt and obstacles. Proven understanding of routine immunization as related to preventable diseases including case-based surveillance, Integrated Disease surveillance (IDSR) and International Health Regulations (IHR) as well how to achieve universal Health coverage (UHC). Proven track record in the developmentand implementation of norms and standards and effective reporting mechanismsand systems, and M&E. Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner and give technical advice and guidance taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders and partners in resource-limited contexts; and to participate in resource mobilization and advocacy activities. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and resolve issues in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics. Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Knowing and managing yourself
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:
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 64,121 (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 2223 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.
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