Program Officer, UNV for Research and Medical Countermeasures

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which was established in 1948 and is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. 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 focuses on preventing, preparing for, and responding to health emergencies, including outbreaks and pandemics, ensuring that countries are equipped to handle health crises effectively.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer, UNV for Research and Medical Countermeasures is tasked with providing technical and operational support to the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, specifically focusing on regional activities related to research preparedness, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical countermeasures. The incumbent will play a crucial role in strengthening preparedness and response capacities across the African Region, particularly in relation to the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak. This position involves supporting the implementation of the regional BVD research agenda, which includes coordinating clinical and operational research activities, ensuring vaccine and therapeutic preparedness, and generating evidence to inform response strategies. The role also encompasses the development of regional guidance, tools, protocols, and monitoring systems to enhance country capacity for research and medical countermeasure implementation. The incumbent will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including WHO Headquarters, Member States, research institutions, and donors, to ensure effective coordination and timely execution of priority actions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer, UNV will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the coordination of the regional response to Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) with a focus on research and vaccine preparedness; supporting the implementation of the regional BVD research agenda by coordinating priority research activities and facilitating collaboration among technical partners; contributing to the development and dissemination of regional technical guidance and operational tools; coordinating activities related to BVD vaccine effectiveness studies and observational research; maintaining regional research coordination and knowledge management systems; supporting policy and regulatory preparedness activities; assisting in the organization of regional technical working groups and consultations; monitoring the implementation of regional workplans and grant deliverables; preparing technical reports and knowledge products; liaising with various stakeholders to strengthen regional coordination; and providing technical support during BVD outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, Health Sciences, Epidemiology, or a related field from a recognized institution. An advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in Epidemiology, Public Health, Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Global Health, or another relevant field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should possess a minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health, epidemiology, infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, vaccine programmes, clinical research, or related fields. Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings, as well as previous field experience supporting outbreak investigations, is essential. Desirable qualifications include experience working with international organizations and Ministries of Health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries within Africa.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Biological Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, Health Sciences, or Epidemiology. An advanced degree, such as a Master's degree or higher in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related fields, is preferred and considered an asset for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in areas such as public health, epidemiology, infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, and vaccine programmes. Candidates should have experience working in challenging operational environments, particularly in humanitarian or emergency settings. Desirable experience includes working with international organizations and supporting vaccine-preventable disease programmes.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is essential for this position. A working knowledge of French is desirable, and knowledge of other United Nations languages would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role under the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program. It involves working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment, requiring strong project coordination and organizational skills. The incumbent will be expected to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and work effectively under pressure, especially in emergency settings. The role may involve travel to various locations within the African Region as part of the responsibilities.