National Professional Officer - Immunization

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. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing technical assistance and support to national health authorities to improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer for Immunization will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Guinea-Bissau to achieve targets related to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). This role involves improving routine immunization coverage through innovative strategies and supporting the introduction of new vaccines into the national vaccination schedule. The officer will work closely with the MOH to develop, implement, and evaluate national immunization program strategies at both national and local levels. This position requires a proactive approach to enhance the capacity of the MOH in managing immunization programs and ensuring that vaccination efforts are effective and sustainable.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer include providing technical support to the MOH in developing and implementing national immunization program strategies. This includes updating and adapting relevant guidelines, conducting training needs assessments, and organizing training activities. The officer will also coordinate technical advice and policies to strengthen the country's capacity to implement and evaluate Universal Health Coverage programs. Key responsibilities include planning and evaluating routine and supplemental immunization activities, supporting outbreak investigations, mobilizing resources, and participating in international trainings and workshops. The officer will maintain close contact with WHO regional offices and coordinate external technical support as needed. Other related responsibilities may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, public health, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. A postgraduate training in epidemiology or vaccinology is desirable. Essential qualifications include proven professional experience of at least two years in vaccination and VPD surveillance, including capacity building. Experience working with UN agencies or vaccination partners is also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate skills in public health program management, knowledge of vaccination strategies, and the ability to build partnerships across organizations. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field from an accredited institution. A postgraduate qualification in epidemiology or vaccinology is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of proven professional experience in the field of vaccination and VPD surveillance. This experience should include capacity building and working on public health programs related to vaccination. Desirable experience includes working with UN agencies and other vaccination partners, which would provide valuable insights into the operational aspects of immunization programs.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of Portuguese is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Guinea-Bissau. Intermediate knowledge of English and French is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a National Professional Officer position, meaning that only applications from nationals of Guinea-Bissau will be accepted. The remuneration for this position includes an annual base salary starting at XOF 21,352,000, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. Additional information includes that candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive conduct.