Mission and objectives

The WHO Regional Office for Africa is one of WHO’s 6 regional offices around the world. It serves the WHO African Region, which comprises 47 Member States with the Regional Office in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. As the lead health authority within the United Nations (UN) system, we work with the Member States in the African Region and development partners to improve the health and well-being of people. Our work involves translation of global health initiatives into regional plans that respond to the specific needs and challenges of countries in the Region. We support countries to achieve better health outcomes through technical and policy advice, development of norms and standards, generation and sharing of knowledge and convening health partners. Together with countries, we attain health objectives by supporting national health policies and strategies. Our main areas of work include health sector development, combating diseases – infectious diseases like TB and HIV, and non-infectious diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. We prepare for and rapidly respond to disasters and emergencies and help mothers and children survive and thrive, so they can look forward to a healthy old age. WHO staff are united in a shared commitment to ensuring that all people have access to good quality affordable health care without falling into poverty.

Context

WHO has a strong mandate to work with Member States on immunization and the response to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Detecting, preventing and responding to these outbreaks are part of the core capacities required by the IHR (2005), and key to achieving global health security. The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to immunization interventions during new and ongoing emergencies, including, but not limited to coordination, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and early recovery of routine vaccination services. This includes risk assessments to determine the rationale for vaccination; review of vaccine options based on contextual considerations; ensuring effective and inclusive coordination mechanisms for planning and implementation of vaccination activities; facilitation of partnerships and cross border collaboration when required; establishing a monitoring framework and sharing of information timely; facilitation of re-establishment or maintenance of routine immunization in the emergency context. The mission of WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The EPR Cluster is responsible for identifying gaps and strengthening national capacities in preparedness and response to respond effectively to emergencies while ensuring resilience of health systems during these emergencies. The incumbent undertakes coordinated, transparent and collaborative assessment, planning and implementation of vaccination response approaches for WHO to engage as a trusted partner in outbreaks and health emergencies, providing unique and valued capacities.

Task Description

• Help with preparation of documents, reports, talking points and work plans as needed to support programme activities and strategic priorities; • Weekly briefs on the vaccination response for ongoing incidents (e.g., diphtheria, mpox, cholera, COVID-19); • Support cluster in completing paperwork related to reporting, events & administration; • Representation of the vaccines pillar at the weekly event coordination meetings; • All countries with active outbreaks and a vaccination pillar supported to develop and implement costed vaccination action plans; • Contribute to development of tools and technical guidance documents on vaccination response and strategies to ongoing vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks; • Coordinate WHO support for vaccination in emergency context by ensuring regional coordination and guide decision making on vaccination interventions immediately after the onset or during planning in anticipation of a likely acute emergency; • Providing guidance and technical support to countries in determining and setting policies for vaccination in emergencies; • Contribute to the preparation of slides presentation vaccination activities that are coordinated out of the EPR cluster; • Contribute to the development of scientific publications;

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO AFRO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO AFRO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the WHO AFRO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment WHO AFRO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory; vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to official estimates from ANSD/RGPHAE 2023, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million. The total population of Senegal is 18,032,473 inhabitants (ANSD 2023). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st January 2024, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 602,577 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. Renting unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD is possible. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required to have an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required for an entry or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements