Consultant - Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, WHO has a mission 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 work encompasses a wide range of health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response, with a focus on achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the operationalization of the transformed Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) and strengthening the functionality of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) across the Western Pacific Region. This position requires a dedicated technical and operational expert to advance the implementation of immunization strategies and policies. The consultant will coordinate with Member States to establish technical area subgroups and enhance the capacity of NITAGs, ensuring they provide effective technical support to National Immunization Programs (NIPs) and Ministries of Health. The consultant will work under the supervision of the VDI Coordinator and the Technical Officer for Immunization Agenda 2030, contributing to the overall goal of improving immunization coverage and disease control in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Coordinating with Member States for the establishment and operationalization of the transformed RITAG, including drafting technical documents, reviewing nominations for leadership positions, and creating annual work plans.
• Strengthening NITAG functionality by conducting situational analyses, identifying gaps, and developing a regional NITAG strengthening roadmap.
• Facilitating capacity-building activities and virtual learning sessions for NITAGs and their secretariats.
• Organizing quarterly meetings and consultations for RITAG and technical area subgroups, and establishing mechanisms for coordination and engagement.
• Drafting technical briefing notes and work plans for various subgroups to ensure effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in medicine, public health, or a related life-science field. A post-graduate degree or master's in public health is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of five years of experience in an immunization program at the international level, with a preference for candidates who have managed advisory mechanisms such as NITAGs or similar bodies. Strong skills in managing advisory networks and a professional understanding of NITAG or TAG processes are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as medicine or public health. Candidates with advanced degrees, such as a master's in public health, will be viewed favorably. The educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant experience in immunization programs at an international level. Candidates with experience in managing advisory mechanisms like NITAGs or similar advisory bodies will be preferred. This experience should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in complex health environments and contribute to the development of public health strategies.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be based at the WHO Regional Office in Manila, Philippines, and is expected to travel to various countries as part of their duties. The contract is expected to last for 10 months, from November 2026 to September 2027, with a remuneration of USD 7,000 per month, excluding travel costs. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.