Technical Officer, Health Systems Strengthening for 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 ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, among others.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for Health Systems Strengthening for Immunization will play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of immunization programs across member countries. This position involves supporting countries in improving routine immunization coverage, analyzing barriers to vaccination, and developing operational plans to address these challenges. The officer will also be responsible for creating guidelines and facilitating training related to immunization and vaccine-preventable disease control. This role requires collaboration with national authorities and partner organizations to integrate immunization services into broader health systems, ensuring that high-quality vaccines are accessible and affordable. The officer will also engage in monitoring and evaluation of immunization strategies and support demand generation for vaccination at both regional and country levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support countries in improving routine immunization coverage by analyzing causes of low coverage and developing operational plans to overcome barriers.
• Develop guidelines and facilitate training activities related to immunization and vaccine-preventable disease control.
• Provide technical assistance for immunization policy development and the creation of costed multi-year plans.
• Review opportunities for integrating immunization services with health systems and monitor the implementation of Gavi-supported activities.
• Support surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) and vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to generate demand for vaccination.
• Address issues related to the availability and supply of quality vaccines and logistics.
• Mobilize resources to support capacity strengthening and policy integration.
• Deliver comprehensive technical and administrative support across budget centers, enhancing country office capacity. 1
• Submit an end-of-assignment report as required.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a degree in medicine or health sciences, with a desirable post-graduate or master's degree in public health, child health, or related disciplines. Candidates must possess thorough knowledge of public health, immunization, and vaccine-preventable diseases control. Skills in monitoring, evaluation, data analysis, and training execution at national and international levels are essential. Strong negotiation skills to engage with national authorities and other agencies are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a degree in medicine or health sciences as a minimum requirement. A post-graduate or master's degree in public health, child health, or related fields is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant experience in immunization and vaccine-preventable disease control programs is essential. Candidates should have demonstrated exposure at the international level. Desirable experience includes public health, health systems, vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, or communicable disease epidemiology.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 71,335 annually, 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 role is subject to WHO's Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates may be required to undergo a background verification process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization also emphasizes the importance of a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.