Technical Lead for Polio Eradication

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 aims 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 Technical Lead for Polio Eradication will play a pivotal role in supporting countries within the WHO African Region to deliver high-quality immunization services. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026, ensuring that key performance indicators are met. This position requires overseeing the coordination, planning, implementation, and evaluation of polio activities, including surveillance and outbreak response. The role also involves strengthening collaboration with other health programs and institutions, mobilizing resources, and conducting advocacy with governments and stakeholders to ensure commitment to polio eradication efforts. The incumbent will lead a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring continuous training and development while promoting a culture of high performance and ethical behavior.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will provide technical leadership on the implementation of the Polio Eradication Strategy, oversee the coordination of polio activities, strengthen inter-cluster collaboration, ensure alignment with WHO core functions, mobilize resources, represent the Regional Director on polio matters, conduct advocacy with stakeholders, lead recruitment and staffing for the Polio Eradication Program, establish work objectives for personnel, conduct performance evaluations, and promote a culture of high performance and integrity. Additional responsibilities include managing the delivery of programs in complex emergency settings and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field. Desirable qualifications include training in epidemiology or disease control, as well as management or project management training. Essential experience includes at least 15 years in successful program management of complex polio/immunization/emergency programs at both national and international levels, leading multi-cultural teams, and resource mobilization with demonstrated results. Candidates should also have previous public health work experience in the African region, preferably at both country and regional levels.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in medicine, public health, or a related field is essential for this position. Additional training in epidemiology or disease control, as well as management or project management, is desirable to enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of 15 years of experience in managing complex polio, immunization, or emergency programs at both national and international levels. This experience should include providing senior-level advice and guidance, leading multi-cultural teams, and working within a partnership environment. Proven ability to meet deadlines in emergency contexts and successful resource mobilization are also essential.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, while beginner knowledge of Portuguese is also considered beneficial. The language requirements are interchangeable, allowing for flexibility in language proficiency among candidates.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, starting with an annual base salary of USD 116,095, along with a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Brazzaville. Additional benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization emphasizes a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. Candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.