OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the programme is to ensure timely vaccination as this is key to maintaining population immunity against Vaccine Preventable Diseases ensuring the populations are fully protected against life threatening illnesses as early as possible and preventing large outbreaks of VPDs

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Responsibilities shall include the following; Identifies needs for technical assistance in order to strengthen core capacity in immunisation and VPD surveillance and assist in monitoring/ tracking and supports the implementation on VPD emergency preparedness and response as stipulated in the Global Immunisation Agenda 2030; Strengthens the Vaccine Preventable Disease surveillance system including coordination of responses to VPD outbreaks/epidemics at the country level, participates in outbreak investigation, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological information, and participates in risk assessment, and monitoring epidemiological services, including post-disaster surveillance and response; Facilitates to further improve the country’s capacity in VPD surveillance and response to outbreaks and emergencies; facilitates field research, data analysis and reporting; Contributes to the WHE response to public health emergencies of international concern, and other significant events; Works with the ZNPHI, MOH and other concerned parties on issues of Vaccine Preventable Diseases/ outbreaks, rapid containment protocol of possible pandemic influenza virus, and influenza pandemic preparedness; Liaises closely with other concerned agencies in this technical area under the supervision of the team lead; Routinely review, analyze and interpret VPDs surveillance data identifying pockets of sub-optimal population immunity to inform public health decision making Support and conduct data quality improvement activities and surveillance system analyses to improve VPD surveillance at all levels. Coordinate capacity building through training and supportive supervision to enhance integrated surveillance of VPDs at all levels Monitoring and evaluating the country’s performance towards surveillance indicators (e.g., non-polio AFP rate, non-measles febrile rash illness, etc.) Coordinate with different health levels and partner agencies to enhance VPD surveillance system functioning and indicators, including syndromic surveillance, specimen collection, testing, results reporting, and public health follow-up Support the triangulation of immunisation data and monitor trends of coverage to identify population immunity gaps Regularly disseminate findings from VPD surveillance systems to government officials for action and to inform disease intelligence Coordinate environmental surveillance (ES) for polio and conduct review process to assess surveillance system performance Conduct operational research and epidemiologic studies to generate evidence on VPD’s for public health planning and policy Support VPD outbreaks responses Work with the MOH and partners to strengthen routine immunization (RI) static and outreach activities through improved coordination, provision of simplified vaccinator training, and focused management training as appropriate. Support new vaccine introduction / switches

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine or any related field with advanced university degree in epidemiology and/or public health, Preferably with training in field epidemiology
Desirable:

Experience

Essential: Minimum of two years of experience in epidemiology and/or public health including experience at the international level( added advantage).
Desirable: Experience in immunisation and acute outbreak vaccine preventable disease investigation and response

Skills

Broad knowledge of principles, practices, methodology, and techniques in public health, and epidemiology. Significant knowledge and skills in communicable disease control, including teaching and advisory techniques at the international level.Understands the principles of results-based management and can develop plans, organize resources and take actions to ensure objectives are achieved within realistic timelines. Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to coordinate activities and manage several projects at the same time.Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills to negotiate with and convince officials with tact and diplomacy. Able to work independently, take initiative and able to work in a difficult working environment.Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relations with national and international colleagues. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at ZMW 821,470 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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