Technical Officer - Expanded Programme on 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 and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to address global health challenges and improve health outcomes worldwide. The organization focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response, ensuring that health is a resource for living.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) will play a crucial role in supporting Member States in enhancing their immunization programs. This position involves providing technical support for the development and implementation of the EPI plan, ensuring that vaccination campaigns are effectively organized and executed. The officer will analyze data related to immunization activities, provide feedback on the impact of vaccines, and assist in the mobilization of resources for vaccination efforts. The role also includes capacity building in immunization and vaccine development, serving as a technical resource for public health emergencies, and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve vaccine preventable disease surveillance and response strategies. The officer will be expected to represent WHO at meetings and contribute to the overall mission of improving health outcomes through effective immunization strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support for the development of the Expanded Programme on Immunization plan in assigned countries.
• Assist Member States by offering technically sound advice to strengthen evaluation and monitoring of immunization activities.
• Support the Ministry of Health in planning and organizing vaccination campaigns.
• Develop work plans and budgets, including resource mobilization for the work programme.
• Follow up on the implementation of planned activities and ensure the availability of potent vaccines and required equipment.
• Analyze data on the Expanded Programme on Immunization and provide feedback to stakeholders.
• Submit project proposals for extending health-care networks and strengthening existing systems.
• Support research in vaccines, including coordination of clinical trials of new vaccines.
• Develop programs for capacity building in immunization and vaccine development. 1
• Serve as a technical resource for public inquiries regarding sustainable immunization and public health threats. 1
• Develop and disseminate guidelines for evaluating the impact of newly introduced vaccines. 1
• Collaborate with Member States to transition WHO-supported vaccine surveillance systems to government-supported institutions. 1
• Liaise with national counterparts and donor partners to harmonize policies and strategies related to vaccine-preventable diseases. 1
• Represent WHO at various meetings and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in medicine, public health, or human biology with specialization in immunization or vaccine-related areas.
• WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in immunization and vaccine development programs, including international exposure.
• Demonstrated experience in providing support to Member States and evaluating immunization programs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine, public health, or human biology, with a specialization in immunization or vaccine-related areas. The educational qualifications must be from institutions accredited and recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of immunization and vaccine development programs. This experience should include relevant international exposure and demonstrated professional experience in supporting Member States and evaluating vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization programs. Desirable experience includes firsthand working experience in a developing nation and previous roles in WHO or other UN agencies.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. A beginner's knowledge of another UN language is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 86,027, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as part of the recruitment process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.