Technical Officer - Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which 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 primary focus is on global health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and the development of health systems.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for the Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme in Liberia is tasked with providing technical support and advisory services to enhance the quality of immunization and vaccine development. This role is crucial in preventing mortality and morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases. The incumbent will work closely with the government to develop guidelines for the selection and introduction of new vaccines into the national immunization program. The position requires a deep understanding of disease burden and surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as familiarity with global immunization strategies. The officer will report to the WHO Representative in Liberia and collaborate with various stakeholders, including national health authorities, UN agencies, and funding organizations, to strengthen the national immunization program and improve vaccine coverage and disease control targets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical support to the Ministry of Health in developing, implementing, and evaluating national immunization program strategies.
• Assisting in planning, organizing, and evaluating vaccination campaigns.
• Supporting projects aimed at increasing vaccination coverage and capacity-building activities at the county level.
• Developing collaborative actions with MOH counterparts to facilitate the implementation of the national immunization program.
• Supporting the introduction and monitoring of new vaccines and related surveillance activities.
• Managing data related to vaccine-preventable diseases and using it to guide programming.
• Liaising with various stakeholders to ensure effective communication and coordination of immunization activities.
• Advising on national immunization policies and guidelines in line with WHO recommendations.
• Drafting reports and providing updates to relevant stakeholders. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a first university degree in Medicine from an accredited university. An advanced degree in Public Health or a related health field is desirable. Candidates must possess excellent knowledge of immunization and disease surveillance, as well as experience in providing technical advice to national health authorities and partners. Strong interpersonal skills, public speaking abilities, and a commitment to gender equality in health initiatives are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a first university degree in Medicine from an accredited institution. An advanced university degree in Public Health or a related health field is highly desirable, as it provides a deeper understanding of public health principles and practices relevant to immunization and disease prevention.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) or disease surveillance. This experience should include providing technical advice and services to national counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Health, and working with various external partners. Experience managing diverse teams and working in relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations is also desirable, particularly with WHO or UN agencies.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is essential for this position. A working knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be full-time and may involve working in collaboration with international and national partners. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not provided in the job description, but candidates should be prepared for a role that may require flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the national immunization program.