Technical Officer, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's Health Emergencies Programme aims to build the capacity of member states to manage health emergency risks and coordinate international health responses during outbreaks.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) serves as the regional focal point for PIP, leading a team that provides technical support to member states in the WHO African region. The primary function of this position is to strengthen national capacities for detecting and monitoring influenza epidemics through enhanced laboratory and epidemiological surveillance. The incumbent will collaborate with various WHO clusters and departments, as well as external partners, to expedite capacity building and implement evidence-based policies and strategies. This role requires regular monitoring of PIP project implementations funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers and involves coordination with WHO Country Offices and the Health Emergencies Programme. The Technical Officer will also be responsible for developing and managing the PIP framework in Africa, organizing regional scientific meetings, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing, managing, and monitoring the implementation of the PIP framework across Africa, working closely with PIP teams at WHO headquarters and other regions.
• Supporting the organization of regional scientific meetings focused on PIP implementation, including areas such as surveillance, laboratory work, communication, regulatory aspects, and vaccine deployment.
• Contributing to the preparation of coordination meetings between WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country office focal points.
• Ensuring close follow-up with WHO Country Offices on the implementation of PIP projects in nine selected countries within the region.
• Collaborating with Vaccines in Emergencies and MCM Teams to identify research priorities and innovative service delivery models.
• Exploring integration with other preparedness programs to enhance a systems approach in PIP implementation.
• Working with One Health and laboratory teams to ensure early identification and response to influenza pathogens with pandemic potential.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess essential skills and knowledge in project management and operational planning within a multi-partner international context. A broad technical understanding of public health, particularly in improving population health and health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, is crucial. The ability to design, evaluate, and monitor multi-partner work plans is necessary, along with strong writing skills for drafting and editing technical reports and publications. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and consultative skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's level university degree in public health or postgraduate training in virology, microbiology, or a related science. Advanced training in laboratory-related disciplines is considered an advantage. Specialized training in public health or a related field is desirable but not mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least seven years of experience working in influenza laboratories and implementing sentinel surveillance for influenza. This role demands a high level of technical competence in influenza surveillance systems and strong writing skills. Proven experience in managing projects with relatively large budgets and collaborating with multiple partners across various countries, including government and non-government organizations, is essential. A track record of research and scientific publications is also required. Experience in international organizations and developing countries is desirable but not essential.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of French. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a supervisory role, and candidates should be aware that WHO's contracts are conditional on confirming vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member states. The remuneration for this position starts at USD 86,027 annually, with additional benefits including 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to maintaining a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.