WHO 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 Health Emergencies Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies, including outbreaks and pandemics. The organization is committed to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that all people can access essential health services without facing financial hardship.

Job Overview:
The WHO Technical Officer for Immunization will play a crucial role in enhancing immunization efforts in Yemen. This position involves collaborating with national counterparts and stakeholders to develop and implement the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) plan. The officer will assist the Member State in strengthening the evaluation and monitoring of immunization activities, ensuring that vaccination campaigns are effectively planned and organized. The role requires monitoring the implementation of immunization activities, ensuring the availability of vaccines and necessary equipment, and compiling data on the impact of newly introduced vaccines. The officer will also support research in vaccines, coordinate clinical trials, and contribute to training national vaccinators. This position is vital for achieving and sustaining the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases in Yemen, thereby improving public health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Liaise with national counterparts and stakeholders to develop the Expanded Programme on Immunization plan in Yemen and assist Member State in strengthening the evaluation and monitoring of immunization activities.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other health-related interlocutors in planning and organizing vaccination campaigns.
• Monitor the implementation of planned immunization activities, ensuring the availability of potent vaccines and required equipment.
• Compile and share information on the impact of newly introduced vaccines in the national immunization schedule and submit project proposals for extending healthcare networks.
• Support research in vaccines, including coordinating clinical trials of new vaccines relevant to Yemen.
• Participate in training and capacity building of national vaccinators in immunization and vaccine practices.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of guidelines for evaluating the impact of newly introduced vaccines.
• Work with Member State to transition WHO-supported vaccine preventable disease surveillance systems to government-supported institutions.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a first-level university degree in a health-related science (medicine or public health) or human biology with specialization in immunization or vaccine-related areas. Desirable qualifications include an advanced university degree in a health-related science. Candidates must possess sound knowledge of WHO's policies, practices, guidelines, and procedures, as well as excellent knowledge of disease burden and surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to review and revise policies, and a commitment to gender equality are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a first-level university degree in a health-related science, such as medicine or public health, or human biology with a specialization in immunization or vaccine-related areas. An advanced university degree in a health-related science is desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible international experience in immunization and vaccine development programs. This experience should include demonstrated international exposure to evaluating vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization programs. Desirable experience includes firsthand working experience in a developing nation, which would provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in such contexts.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Desirable language skills include intermediate knowledge of French, Arabic, and other UN languages, which would enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 71,335, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. A variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living at the duty station is also provided, currently amounting to USD 1302 per month. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates should be aware that mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States.