Technical Lead for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Control

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 and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response, and collaborates with countries and partners to improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The Technical Lead for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Control will provide technical leadership and managerial support within the Department of Immunization, Vaccines & Biologicals (IVB) at WHO. The role involves developing and proposing health policies and strategies for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) control and elimination, ensuring efficient management of a small team, and promoting research and innovation in immunization practices. The position requires collaboration with regional and country offices to implement VPD accelerated disease control activities, manage financial resources, and monitor key performance indicators. The Technical Lead will also represent WHO at various meetings, advocating for vaccine-related disease control priorities and contributing to strategic planning and decision-making based on evidence from outbreak risk assessments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Lead include:

• Providing technical leadership and managerial support for VPD accelerated disease control and elimination, ensuring efficient execution of activities.
• Developing and proposing technical health policies and strategies in collaboration with regional and country offices.
• Managing a small team of technical staff, overseeing workplans and financial resources, and implementing planned activities.
• Promoting and coordinating research and innovation in immunization practices and disseminating information for capacity building.
• Monitoring and evaluating performance indicators and reporting requirements to optimize program deliverables.
• Serving as a technical reference among UN agencies and stakeholders, liaising with partners to position the technical area of work into global and national policies.
• Representing the program area at meetings and responding to media inquiries on vaccine-preventable disease control.
• Leading the Measles and Rubella Partnership and coordinating IVB's response to vaccination-related planning and implementation, particularly in fragile settings.
• Overseeing financial resource mobilization and management, including donor reporting and workplan implementation. 1
• Developing technical guidance and tools in the area of VPD control and elimination.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's level) in Medicine, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Policy, or related fields.
• A PhD in a relevant field is desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in global health and communicable disease prevention, with at least 7 years in vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Demonstrated experience in elimination or eradication programs for vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Field experience in vaccine preventable disease control and elimination, particularly in low-resource settings.
• Experience managing human and financial resources and developing policies or training materials.
• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships at global or regional levels.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's level) in a relevant field such as Medicine, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Policy, or Global Health. A PhD in one of these areas is considered an asset and enhances the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in international global health and communicable disease prevention and control. This includes at least 7 years of experience specifically related to health policies and strategies for vaccine-preventable diseases. Direct field experience in managing vaccine preventable disease control and elimination programs, particularly in addressing outbreaks in low-resource settings, is essential. Experience in managing human and financial resources, as well as leading the development of policies and guidelines, is also required.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as well as proficiency in other UN languages, which would be beneficial for effective communication in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and offers a competitive salary starting at USD 103,165, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The role may involve international mobility, and WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of personal characteristics, and reasonable accommodations can be requested for persons with disabilities. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements.