Technical Officer, Polio

Job Description

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To achieve the control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases throughout the Western Pacific Region by targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such conditions and diseases. The Division supports integrated people-centred care approaches by strengthening primary health care services for prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of target diseases and conditions along the life-course, while ensuring to reach the unreached and achieving universal health coverage.

Vaccine- Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VDI)

The Vaccine- Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VDI) unit works with Member States and partners in making the Region free from vaccine-preventable morbidity, mortality and disability by accelerating, achieving and sustaining control and elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in the Western Pacific. Focus areas of the programme are strengthening and expanding immunization systems and programmes; strategically managing intelligence on VPDs, vaccines and immunization with surveillance systems and laboratory networks; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies related to VPDs and immunization programmes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of the regional polio focal point and Coordinator, VDI, the incumbent will:

1. Support the review and monitoring of polio routine and supplemental immunization activities and surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), through field visits, outbreak investigations and response, data collection, surveys, and surveillance reports, in order to identify the need for changes in regional/national strategies/tactics and make appropriate recommendations.
2. Support development of the regional AFP surveillance guideline.
3. Support development of the guideline on Implementaiton of the national polio outbreak simulation exercise.
4. Support strengthening outbreak preparedness and response capacity of countries by preparation, implementation and evaluation of the polio outbreak simulation exercises.
5. Support regional and country-specific efforts to prevent emergence and circulation of vaccine-derived polio viruses, including preparation for cessation of oral polio vaccine use in the routine vaccination schedule.
6. Perform any other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First level university degree in medicine, epidemiology or related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Master’s level university degree in public health, social sciences or a health-related field.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of five years’ experience in public health and/or polio eradication programme, including exposure at international level.
Desirable: Work experience in in polio endemic countries. Work experience in polio outbreak preparedness and response.

Skills

• Technical expertise in public health epidemiology, disease control and immunization.
• Ability to contribute to the development of norms and standards, as well as training materials.
• Capacity to plan and conduct operational activities with political and technical elements.
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States.
• Good negotiation, communication and advocacy skills.
• Proficient in standard MS Office software applications and presentation skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Written and spoken fluency in English
Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN languages

Closing Date: Jul 4, 2022