Regional Advisor, Research, Vaccines and Medical Countermeasures

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 capacities of Member States to manage health emergency risks and coordinate international responses to outbreaks and emergencies.

Job Overview:
The Regional Advisor for Research, Vaccines, and Medical Countermeasures (MCM) plays a crucial role in providing strategic guidance on research and development, access to medical countermeasures during health emergencies, and scaling up vaccination interventions. This position involves facilitating collaboration between various directorates and programs at WHO headquarters and the African Region Office (AFRO). The incumbent will lead initiatives related to high-threat pathogens such as Ebola and Marburg, ensuring effective planning and implementation of vaccination activities in emergency settings. The role requires a strong focus on building partnerships with UN agencies, donor institutions, and public health stakeholders to address public health challenges effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical leadership and managerial support within the unit, ensuring efficient execution of activities. Key responsibilities include developing and proposing health policies, overseeing specialized technical teams, managing financial resources, and optimizing program deliverables. The advisor will lead research on best practices, manage monitoring and evaluation processes, and serve as a technical reference for stakeholders. Specific duties include contributing to preparedness initiatives, supervising pandemic influenza partnerships, coordinating vaccination efforts in emergencies, and collaborating with various teams to address vaccine-preventable diseases. The advisor will also represent AFRO in relevant meetings and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine or a related field, along with a Master's level qualification in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or emergency/disaster management. Essential qualifications include authoritative knowledge in immunization programs, strong planning and coordination skills for public health initiatives, and the ability to engage effectively with external partners. In-depth knowledge of health emergencies planning and coordination within the UN system is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in medicine or a related field is essential, with a Master's level qualification in public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or emergency/disaster management. Desirable qualifications include postgraduate studies or specialized training in public health and a PhD in a relevant field.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in immunization programs, health emergencies, and research is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing human and financial resources and working at the international level, particularly with knowledge of the African region. Experience with UN agencies or international NGOs is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge of French. Additional languages such as Portuguese or other WHO languages are desirable but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified under the Professional category with a starting annual base salary of USD 86,027, subject to deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living at the duty station, currently amounting to USD 2,838.89 per month. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.