Team Lead, Vaccines and Immunization Policy

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 in more than 150 countries, WHO operates in various regions to address global health challenges and improve health outcomes worldwide. The organization focuses on a wide range of health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response, and collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Team Lead for Vaccines and Immunization Policy will play a pivotal role in shaping global health policies related to vaccines and immunization. This position requires a strong technical leadership capability to guide the development of evidence-based WHO policy recommendations. The incumbent will work closely with regional and country offices, providing expert advice on immunization policy adaptations and implementation. The role involves managing a small team of technical staff, overseeing work plans, and ensuring that the program meets its objectives efficiently. The Team Lead will also conduct research on best practices in immunization and represent WHO at international meetings, advocating for effective vaccine policies. This position is crucial for advancing WHO's mission to ensure that everyone benefits from vaccines for good health and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Team Lead include providing technical leadership and managerial support within the Department of Immunization, Vaccines & Biologicals (IVB). The incumbent will develop and propose health policies and strategies, manage the program area, and lead research initiatives. Specific responsibilities include serving as Executive Secretary to the SAGE advisory committee, adapting SAGE processes to emerging immunization priorities, overseeing the WHO/IVB Steering Group on vaccine position papers, and ensuring effective resource mobilization and donor reporting. The Team Lead will also liaise with UN agencies, donors, and research institutions, and represent the program at various international forums. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and evaluating key performance indicators and ensuring the scientific credibility of the Department's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree at the Doctoral (MD) level or PhD level in public health, medicine, vaccinology, immunology, or a relevant biological scientific area. Advanced training in epidemiology or related fields is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in vaccine evaluation and health policy development, with demonstrated experience in generating vaccine and immunization policies at the international level. A record of peer-reviewed publications focusing on vaccines and immunization is also required, along with experience in managing human and financial resources.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree at the Doctoral (MD) or PhD level in public health, medicine, vaccinology, immunology, or a related biological scientific area. Additional advanced training in epidemiology or vaccinology is considered desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the field of vaccine evaluation and health policy development. Candidates should have extensive experience in generating vaccine and immunization policies at the international level, as well as a proven track record in appraising evidence that supports vaccine policy development. Experience in managing human and financial resources is essential, and familiarity with routine vaccination programs in low-income countries is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position, while intermediate knowledge of French is desirable. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 103,165, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment based on the cost of living in Geneva, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The role is full-time and may involve international recruitment. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member states. Candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking an assignment.