Consultant International Médecin de Santé Publique Spécialiste en Contrôle des Maladies Évitables par la Vaccination

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, its 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, promoting universal health coverage, and advancing health equity.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant International Médecin de Santé Publique is crucial for the coordination of vaccination programs in the Central African Republic (CAR). The consultant will serve as the focal point for the Country Office regarding the technical coordination of health promotion activities, disease prevention, and control. The specific objective of this role is to ensure the coordination of the vaccination program for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) by strengthening routine immunization, improving coverage, and reducing equity gaps. The consultant will support the introduction of new and underutilized vaccines in alignment with the National Vaccination Strategy (SNV 2024-2029) of CAR. Given the fragile status of CAR, which faces recurrent epidemics, the consultant will also lead the response to outbreaks and emergencies, ensuring that vaccination efforts are integrated into the broader health system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: leading the coordination of disease control efforts, establishing partnerships, and mobilizing resources for vaccination programs. They will support the development and implementation of strategies within the National Immunization Strategy (NIS), including annual plans for vaccination programs. The consultant will facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to ensure alignment and harmonization of vaccination efforts. They will also monitor program indicators, analyze data, and provide technical support for the introduction of new vaccines. The consultant will engage with the national government to evaluate and implement vaccination plans, improve the performance of the vaccination team, and ensure that vaccination policies are integrated into primary healthcare. Additionally, they will lead efforts to enhance surveillance systems for vaccine-preventable diseases and support the development of national health observatories.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Doctorate in Medicine along with a Master's degree in Public Health or Epidemiology from a recognized university. A PhD in Public Health or a related field is desirable, as well as specialized training in communicable and non-communicable diseases. Essential qualifications include at least 7 years of relevant professional experience at national and international levels in vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and data management. Experience in operational and epidemiological research, as well as collaboration with development partners on vaccination strategies, is also required. Desirable qualifications include extensive experience in vaccination, data interpretation, and managing multidisciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Doctorate in Medicine and a Master's degree in Public Health or Epidemiology. Candidates with a PhD in Public Health or related fields, as well as specialized training in communicable and non-communicable diseases, will be preferred. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of public health and vaccination strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and data management at both national and international levels. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in operational and epidemiological research, as well as in collaborating with development partners on vaccination strategies and programs. Experience in managing teams and implementing vaccination policies is also essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in fragile health systems or emergency contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the Central African Republic. A practical knowledge of English is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The consultant will be required to travel within the country as needed for the job. The remuneration will be based on the pay band level P4, with living expenses provided for internationally recruited consultants. The advertisement for this position will remain open for 2 weeks unless otherwise notified.