Technical Officer - Vaccine Preventable Diseases and 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 overarching goal is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health and well-being, focusing on health equity and universal health coverage.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer for Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization will play a crucial role in supporting the WHO Representative office for Samoa and its surrounding territories. This position is integral to the implementation of immunization strategies aimed at controlling, eliminating, and eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The officer will work closely with national governments and stakeholders to develop and implement effective immunization policies and programs. The role requires a strong focus on reaching underserved populations, particularly missed and zero-dose children, and involves the introduction and scaling-up of new vaccines. The officer will also be responsible for coordinating vaccination campaigns and ensuring alignment with strategic immunization goals, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of the population.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Working under the direct supervision of the respective officer and overall guidance from the head of the WHO country office.
• Providing technical support to governments and national stakeholders in the adaptation, development, and implementation of immunization strategies and policies.
• Monitoring the national burden of vaccine-preventable diseases through health information systems and health research activities.
• Assisting Ministries of Health in planning and organizing national and subnational vaccination campaigns.
• Contributing to the development, monitoring, and evaluation of work plans and budgets for immunization activities.
• Coordinating the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based norms, standards, guidelines, and tools in immunization program areas.
• Developing communication materials to foster community awareness about immunization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, nursing, public health, or related sciences. Additionally, training or specialization in immunization, vaccine-preventable diseases, or surveillance is desirable. A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in public health policy development and implementation, particularly in the area of Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization, is essential. Experience providing technical services to Member States and partners in resource-limited settings is also required. Desirable qualifications include experience in immunization service delivery and disease surveillance, as well as relevant work experience with WHO or other UN agencies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as medicine, nursing, or public health. Specialized training in immunization or vaccine-preventable diseases is highly desirable. Candidates should have a solid understanding of public health principles and practices, particularly in relation to immunization and disease prevention.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of professional experience in public health, specifically in the development and implementation of immunization strategies and programs. Candidates should have experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations, particularly in resource-limited settings. Experience in providing technical support to health programs and conducting evaluations of public health interventions is also essential.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context or the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Samoa will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at WST 77,024 annually, 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 work environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO requirements before undertaking the assignment.