EPI Technical Officer

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's primary goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing health emergencies, improving health systems, and promoting health equity.

Job Overview:
The EPI Technical Officer position is crucial for the WHO Country Office in Syria, focusing on enhancing the national immunization program within the broader health system framework. The role aims to improve immunization coverage, quality, and accessibility while strengthening governance, financing, workforce development, health technologies, information management, and service delivery. The officer will work closely with national counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Health, to develop and implement the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) plan. This includes providing technical support for routine vaccination activities, mass campaigns, and outreach initiatives, especially targeting high-risk populations such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and minorities. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating immunization activities, ensuring the availability of vaccines and materials, and supporting training and capacity-building workshops for immunization staff. Ultimately, the position aims to contribute to better health outcomes through a robust immunization program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The EPI Technical Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including liaising with national counterparts and stakeholders to develop and implement the EPI plan. Key responsibilities include providing technical support for routine vaccination activities, supervising vaccination implementations, ensuring the availability of vaccines and equipment, and supporting training workshops for immunization staff. The officer will compile and share information on vaccine impacts, develop and monitor work plans and budgets, and assist in analyzing vaccination data to improve outcomes. Additionally, the officer will support research initiatives, coordinate clinical trials for new vaccines, and monitor resource utilization for vaccination activities. The role also involves engaging with media to enhance visibility of WHO activities and leading emergency preparedness and response activities related to vaccination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (bachelor's) in public health or a related discipline. Post-graduate training or specialization in areas such as primary health care, health workforce, integrated health services, health systems governance and financing, or maternal and child health is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in immunization and vaccine development programs, as well as experience providing technical services in public health programs in resource-limited settings. Familiarity with intergovernmental agencies, the United Nations System, or WHO is also essential, along with knowledge of national partnerships and networks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in public health or a related field. Candidates with post-graduate training or specialization in relevant disciplines such as primary health care, health systems governance, or maternal and child health will have an advantage. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of immunization and vaccine development programs. Candidates should have experience providing technical services to Member States and other partners in public health programs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Prior experience in implementing immunization and surveillance activities in both stable and emergency situations is desirable, as is experience with research proposals and data analysis.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential, along with expert knowledge of the local language. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, but the primary requirement is fluency in English and the local language to effectively communicate with stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Syria will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 39,062, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Staff members are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates will undergo background verification. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking any assignment.