Technical Officer - 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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's initiatives include disease prevention, health promotion, and the strengthening of health systems globally. The organization is committed to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that all individuals have access to essential health services.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for Immunization will play a crucial role in supporting Angola's National Immunization Strategy (NIS) for 2026-203

• This position involves providing technical support to the Ministry of Health and partners to enhance immunization policies, planning, service delivery, and governance. The officer will focus on ensuring equitable access to immunization services, particularly for underserved populations, and will work towards reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen immunization systems and integrate immunization within primary health care frameworks. The officer will also be responsible for leading technical inputs for Gavi grant management and ensuring that immunization programs align with national and global health goals, including the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead WHO's technical support for the operationalization of Angola's NIS 2026-2030, translating strategic priorities into actionable annual plans.
• Manage Gavi grant processes, including progress reporting and performance framework updates.
• Provide technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and provincial health directorates on immunization program planning and evaluation.
• Strengthen microplanning processes to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children.
• Promote integration of immunization services within primary health care platforms.
• Design and implement routine immunization intensification initiatives.
• Support the planning and introduction of new vaccines into routine schedules.
• Monitor supplemental immunization activities and ensure alignment with NIS goals.
• Guide the development and review of immunization policies and guidelines. 1
• Support the functioning of Angola's Inter-agency Coordinating Committee for immunization. 1
• Strengthen pharmacovigilance and AEFI surveillance systems. 1
• Coordinate with the EPI Data Manager on immunization coverage data analysis. 1
• Build technical capacity of health staff through mentoring and training. 1
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts aligned with health system strengthening investments.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include an advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in medicine, public health, epidemiology, health sciences, or a closely related field. A postgraduate qualification in public health or global health is also required. Desirable qualifications include a medical degree (MD or equivalent) or a doctoral degree (PhD) in public health or health sciences, along with formal training in immunization program management and integrated health service delivery.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in relevant fields such as medicine, public health, epidemiology, or health sciences. A postgraduate qualification in public health or global health is essential, while a medical degree or PhD in related disciplines is desirable. Formal training in immunization program management and integrated health service delivery is also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible international experience in planning, training, and implementing expanded immunization programs or communicable disease control in low- or middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Experience in immunization program management at the national level and familiarity with Gavi processes are desirable.

Languages:
Essential languages include expert knowledge of English and Portuguese. Intermediate knowledge of French is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 86,027, with additional benefits such as a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, and an education grant for dependent children. The role may involve frequent travel within Angola. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.