National Professional Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases)

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Position Title: National Professional Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases)
Location: Mogadishu
Country: Somalia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases) position is crucial for the implementation of WHO's strategies in Somalia, particularly in the area of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the national health authorities in enhancing disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and response strategies. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and international partners, to ensure effective implementation of vaccination programs and to monitor the epidemiological status of VPDs. The officer will also be expected to contribute to capacity building efforts and to develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for VPD surveillance activities. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing public health challenges related to immunization and disease control.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Vaccine Preventable Disease surveillance, case investigation, reporting, and response.
• Serve as a technical resource for preparedness, investigation, and response to VPD outbreaks.
• Organize capacity building and training sessions on surveillance, investigation, reporting, and response.
• Develop and apply monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for VPDs/AEFI surveillance activities.
• Conduct situation analysis of VPDs/AEFI surveillance indicators and prepare statistical reports.
• Perform regular risk assessments at the district level for VPDs, focusing on diseases such as Measles, Rubella, Diphtheria, Neonatal Tetanus, and Pertussis.
• Provide technical advice to strengthen laboratory-based disease surveillance networks.
• Monitor compliance with established SOPs for sentinel surveillance sites.
• Contribute to the Epidemiological Bulletin and present updates on the epidemiological status of VPDs and AEFI. 1
• Liaise with national counterparts and partners to harmonize implementation activities related to VPDs.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree in medicine or a health-related field. Desirable qualifications include training in epidemiology, public health, or a related discipline. Candidates must possess a good knowledge of surveillance, epidemiology, risk assessment, emergency response, and disease control. They should also have the ability to analyze epidemiological data, synthesize information, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Strong teamwork skills and the ability to adapt to diverse cultural backgrounds are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in medicine or a health-related field. Additional training in epidemiology or public health is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to perform the required duties effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in immunization programs, vaccine-preventable diseases surveillance, and data management is required. Experience in disease surveillance, vaccine-preventable disease control, and immunization is also desirable, as it provides a solid foundation for the responsibilities of this position.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Somali is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting at an annual base salary of USD 47,967, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. This vacancy may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The position is a National Professional Officer role, and only applications from nationals of Somalia will be accepted.