Technical Officer (Quality and Safety)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO's global vision for immunization and vaccines is to support all countries to deliver quality immunization services as part of an integrated, people-centered platform of disease prevention that spans the human life-course. Within this, the objectives are to achieve the control, elimination or eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases as stated in the Global Vaccine Action Plan, thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. The delivery of immunization services should happen in concert with other interventions and activities within the national health system to include strengthening and maintaining community confidence in immunization through adequate vaccine safety surveillance.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent is assigned the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda of the sub-region\: Provide expert advice on development of national vaccine safety workplans and monitor their implementation, including formulation of milestones to evaluate performance of vaccine regulation activities. Provide expert advice on vaccine pharmacovigilance activities implementation in each country\: AEFI review committee, national AEFI surveillance guidelines, AEFI investigation, causality assessment of an AEFI, quality management systems (QMS) and standard operating procedures. Plan/organise in-country trainings /workshops on technical topics specifically identified for each country in collaboration with QSS/IVD/HQ and other WHO entities and partners. Support countries in serious AEFI cases investigations and causality assessments as and when desired in close cooperation with other IVD staff and other clusters as appropriate. Assist countries in designing AEFI prevention and management components for mass vaccination campaigns with injectable vaccines (e.g. measles), including training materials. Serve as the focal point to alert IST and AFRO on issues of local importance, like emerging anti-vaccine sentiment. Monitor AEFI data of each country and provide guidance on updating an uploading data on the WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting process (JRF). Perform any other activities as required by the IST/IVD Team Leader and IVD Programme Coordinator

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree in medicine or pharmaceutical sciences or related field from an internationally recognized university.
Desirable\: Advanced degree in public health or epidemiology.

Experience

Essential\: - At least 7 years of relevant work experience in public health services delivery with demonstrated experience in vaccine safety related activities.- At least 7 years of experience in working in immunization programmes and in working with national regulatory authorities and pharmacovigilance centres.- Proven experience to work to deadlines and budgets, in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders
Desirable\: - International experience with WHO in Africa and developing countries would be an asset

Skills

1. Demonstrated track record in knowledge of immunization programmes complemented by an in-depth knowledge of vaccine pharmacovigilance.2. Exposure in provision of technical assistance to countries towards improving regional/national capacity in the area of vaccine-preventable diseases with particular emphasis to immunization safety, vaccine pharmacovigilance and vaccine regulatory policy and procedures within the domain of ensuring overall vaccine quality and safety.3. Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to write in a clear and concise manner;4. Ability to provide technical advice and guidance to multiple stakeholders and partners taking into account the political and resource-limited contexts. 5. Track record in resource mobilization as well as diplomacy, tact and courtesy. 6. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to promote consensus, communicate progress and results, and/or take remedial action in a proactive manner, while ensuring effective work practices and ethics.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French.

 

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 70,647 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2814 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.