NPO (Immunization Intensification)

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 WCO-India programme of work supports the GOI in \:

 

1. Strategic planning and national vaccination policy formulation, tactics to rapidly improve immunization coverage particularly among high risk populations, building human resource and programme monitoring and management capacity, development of laboratory supported surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

2. Analyzing and strategically using data on immunization coverage and translating this into evidence for programme action and policy making.

 

3. Coordinating operations research, evaluation and special studies related to best practices in immunization, control of preventable diseases and effective programme strengthening activities.

 

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

 

All the Member States of WHO South East Asia Region 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 Twelfth General Programme of Work (2014-19) focuses on six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i)advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related millennium 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.

 

WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions\: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii)shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.

 

The South - East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India's population of 1.2 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

 

Within the framework of WHO's 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 overall guidance of the TL (NPSP) and direct supervision of Technical Officer (Universal Immunization), with a view to help achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India biennial work plans in accordance with WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy with India (2012-2017), as part of a broader WCO-India team working on Universal Health Coverage goals the incumbent will have the following responsibilities\:

 

1. Provide strategic guidance to rapidly improve immunization coverage particularly among high risk populations by identifying gaps and undertaking strategic programme actions.

 

2. Collect, manage, analyze and strategically use immunization related data from different streams such as administrative immunization coverage, survey data, programme monitoring, VPD and AEFI surveillance etc. and translate this information into evidence for programme action and policy making.

 

3. Identify vaccine hesitancy issues and assist with development and implementation of interventions to address vaccine hesitancy in coordination with government and other stakeholders.

 

4. Support building of human resource and monitoring capacity for development of laboratory supported surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases, surveillance and management of adverse events following immunization (AEFI);

 

5. Provide strategic oversight for using the experience of polio eradication to strengthen routine immunization and other programmes so that benefits of polio eradication can be used for broader health gains.

 

6. Provide technical support to government in maintaining and updating the preparedness and response plans to respond to any event of polio virus or vaccine derived polio virus and mounting response in shortest possible time.

 

7. Support introduction of new vaccines (Rota virus vaccine, Pneumococcal vaccine, Measles rubella vaccine and Human papilloma virus vaccine into universal immunization programme.

 

8. Plan and conduct reviews for routine immunization and VPD surveillance, assist with collation and review of data and share recommendations at appropriate levels.

 

9. Support development of proposals for donor funding of immunization activities and write donor reports.

 

10. Contribute to implementation and evaluation of training activities at national and state levels in support of routine immunization and measles elimination including the adaptation of appropriate supporting training materials to local requirements.

 

11. Coordinate and work closely with WCO-India Health Systems and Communicable Diseases teams as well as with all the partner agencies including UNICEF, Rotary and other relevant agencies on strengthening immunization activities as part of a broader Universal Health Coverage goals.

 

12. Support information brokering/exchange function of WCO India through contributions to the health information repository at the WCO India by collation, analysis and sharing of relevant health information and statistics.

 

13. Perform any other duties assigned by supervisor/s.

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 five years of professional experience in the development and implementation of health programmes at national/ state level in the area of epidemiology and control of communicable diseases with particular expertise and experience in immunization.

Desirable\: Experience of work in UN and/or other international organization.

Skills

-The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization.

 

-Thorough knowledge of the situation in India with regard to routine immunization with good understanding of country's needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of control of vaccine-preventable diseases and health systems organisation. Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas.

 

-Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence. Modern management skills (planning and evaluation, etc.). Leadership skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and international levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. Very good ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors. Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.

 

-Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly. Ability to draft reports and capacity to prepare terms of reference and to prepare, monitor and manage the implementation of contractual agreements. Proficiency in computer applications.

 

-Knowledge of WHO /UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

Other skills\: 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

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Creating an empowering and motivating environment
5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.
Desirable\:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 2,654,299 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.