NITAG Technical Officer

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 in 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 focuses on various health issues, including immunization, disease prevention, and health system strengthening, and works closely with governments and partners to improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The NITAG Technical Officer position is crucial for supporting the Ethiopian National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (ENITAG) in its mission to enhance immunization strategies and policies in Ethiopia. The officer will provide comprehensive technical guidance to ENITAG and the Immunization Service Desk (ISD), ensuring that evidence-based decision-making is at the forefront of immunization efforts. The role involves developing annual work plans, coordinating data analysis, generating evidence, and facilitating effective communication among stakeholders. The officer will also play a key role in capacity building for the ISD team and will be responsible for documenting immunization-related information to support the national immunization program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The NITAG Technical Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Developing the annual NITAG work plan in alignment with national immunization priorities, collaborating with the Head of the Immunization Service Desk, NITAG chair, and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinating the establishment and functioning of NITAG Working Groups, ensuring effective reporting and communication.
• Organizing and facilitating NITAG meetings, including preparing meeting agendas and logistical arrangements.
• Collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and disseminating relevant evidence to inform NITAG discussions and decisions.
• Preparing background documents, evidence summaries, and ministerial briefing notes to support NITAG deliberations.
• Engaging with Global NITAG Networks and sharing experiences with national team members.
• Supporting local evidence generation and use through collaboration with immunization academies and research institutes.
• Coordinating capacity-building training for NITAG members and immunization staff.
• Monitoring the implementation status of NITAG’s recommendations and providing feedback. 1
• Documenting key discussions, decisions, and recommendations from NITAG meetings.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a first-level university degree in a health-related field as essential education. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Policy, Vaccinology, or a related health field. Recent formal training in Vaccinology Courses, vaccine-preventable diseases, or evidence-based decision-making is considered an added advantage. Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a first-level university degree in a health-related field. An advanced degree, such as a Master's in Public Health or a related field, is highly desirable. Additional training in Vaccinology or related areas within the last three years is also beneficial, as it demonstrates a commitment to staying current in the field of immunization and public health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field of vaccine and immunization, with a preference for candidates who have worked within the Ministry of Health and have been involved in vaccine planning and resource mobilization. Desirable candidates will have at least five years of demonstrated experience in coordinating national-level immunization programs, particularly within the ministry of health or UN agencies such as WHO or UNICEF. Proven experience in policy development, new vaccine introduction, and evidence generation is also essential.

Languages:
Essential language skills include excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Amharic. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and documentation within the role, as well as for engaging with various stakeholders in the immunization landscape.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Ethiopia will be accepted. The contract is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) at NO-B, Step 1, with a monthly remuneration of $3,270.08 paid in local currency. The duty station for this position is Addis Ababa, at the Ministry of Health. The WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be prepared to provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before undertaking the assignment.