OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health related risks.
The Country office contributes to (1) providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and activities in the area of health systems strengthening including, (ii) advocating for Universal Health Coverage and building up national capacity in UHC related matters (iii) facilitating the adoption of evidence based public health interventions as well as appropriate reforms/changes with a view to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards universal health coverage.
UNDERLYING VALUES AND CORE FUNCTIONS OF WHO
All the Member States of WHO in the South East Asia Region (SEAR) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.
WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related sustainable development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.
The South-East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems as well as of the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate.
MISSION OF THE WHO COUNTRY OFFICE FOR INDIA
In the context of the General Programme of Work and within the framework of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy, the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the oversight of the WHO Representative to India and direct supervision of Deputy Team Leader - National Public Health Surveillance Project (NPSP) as the first level and Team Leader - National Public Health Surveillance Project (NPSP) as second level, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall Technical, Administrative & Financial management of the Region. This will be in compliance with project guidelines in the assigned states with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India biennial workplans and in accordance with WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy with India. The incumbent is expected to be the interface of WHO with the state and local governments, supervise and guide the field personnel within the region towards effective discharge of their technical, administrative and financial responsibilities.
The incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Review and monitor the implementation of activities related to maintenance of polio-free status, polio endgame strategy, measles elimination, rubella/CRS control, improvement of routine immunization coverage, introduction of new vaccines and surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases and share feedback with state governments and key stakeholders of WHO - India, on a periodic basis;
2. As a technical expert of WHO, make presentations, draft reports and strategic documents required for decision making and implementing strategic decisions in the states;
3. Provide leadership and support to polio transition by supervising and guiding the activities of Surveillance Medical Officers/ Officer on Special Assignment (OSA) / Officer on Special Duty (OSD) / Sub-Regional Team Leaders (SRTLs) / Regional Administration and Finance Officer of WHO-India NPSP through field visits and feedback;
4. Liaise with other UN agencies, non-government organizations, professional associations and other stakeholders involved with above mentioned activities to achieve desired results;
5. Coordinate and oversee the planning of activities of NPSP, their linkages to the financial and human resources planning; and monitor the implementation of these plans;
6. Develop technical reports as per project guidelines and ensure their submission and maintenance;
7. Create an integrated platform of coordinated delivery in the Technical, Financial, HR, and general administration areas;
8. Take responsibility for overall management and administration of the Region/Unit (as applicable) including all financial transactions in compliance with WCO India Project financial rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
9. Ensure propriety and follow established internal controls over use of financial resources. In case of suspected misappropriation or fraud etc., immediately reports to AO and WR directly;
10. Provide full cooperation to auditors and ensure ‘closure’ of audit findings within a reasonable timeframe;
11. Create a work culture that thrives on transparency, candid performance assessment and healthy work relations with other team members of the Region by observing highest ethical standards; and
12. Undertake any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisors.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University Degree in Medicine.
Desirable: Postgraduate degree or training in Public Health/Epidemiology/Public Health Administration/Organization of health services or control of Communicable Diseases.
Experience
Essential: At least 5 years of professional experience in the development and implementation of health programmes at national / state level in the area of poliomyelitis, epidemiology and control of communicable diseases with particular expertise and experience in immunization, supervising personnel at field level.
Desirable: Experience of work in UN and/or other international organization.
Skills
Thorough knowledge of administrative, financial and management principles and practices. Excellent organizational and analytical skills, complemented by sound interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Demonstrated ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment. Ability to work closely in harmony with government and international officials at all levels. Strong technical skills and experience in vaccine preventable disease prevention, control, and elimination.
Other Skills (e.g. IT): Excellent knowledge of computer applications; ability to make oral and written presentations on technical issues; and ability to write detailed, coherent, and concise briefing documents.
WHO Competencies
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of written and spoken English and knowledge of Hindi.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 3,454,746 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Closing Date: Jun 15, 2022
