Senior Technical Adviser (Measles and Rubella control)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) is to work towards a world in which all people are vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases. The overall work of the department is distributed in three main areas\: 1. Initiative Vaccine Research Team (IVR) that provides leadership on the research activities to develop new or improve vaccines against diseases of public health importance and to facilitate their introduction and use. 2. Immunization policy that provides guidance and norms for vaccine roll-out. 3. The Expanded Programme on Immunization Team (EPI) aimed at maximizing access to high quality immunization services, strengthen surveillance systems, and establishes links to other interventions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. To provide strategic vision and technical leadership, grounded in data and analyses, in the development, review and revision of global policies and strategies, technical documents and guidelines particularly for the control of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).To seek opportunities to maximize impact with other health interventions and integrate accelerated disease control programs into health systems strengthening approaches. Collaborate on setting research priorities. 2. To mobilize and coordinate cross-cutting expertise in the EPI team towards measles and rubella control through development of common goals, objectives, and priorities. This includes coordinating the development of workplan priorities, monitoring collective progress, reviewing financial implementation and documenting milestones against global immunization targets, including relevant indicators in WHO Global Programme of Work. 3. To shape direction of accelerated disease control related policies and provide technical expertise into global, regional and national technical advisory committees including WHO governing bodies, SAGE, Regional Committees through use of data and analyses to inform polices and strategies. 4. To coordinate and develop global activities jointly with WHO Regions, Member states and partners to facilitate achieving and monitoring progress towards global measles and rubella elimination and control goals. This includes reinforcing the primary strategy of disease control through high MCV1 and MCV2 (e.g., second-year of life) coverage through routine service delivery and the conduct of high quality supplementary immunization activities as an adjunct when necessary to reach un- or under-immunized populations. 5. To serve as senior technical lead for measles and rubella control in initiatives such as Measles & Rubella Initiative and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.To contribute to corporate or department advocacy efforts with donors, the press or public to achieve global goals. 6. To draft, edit or contribute to WHO publications, global reports, WHO vaccine positions papers, scientific papers, funding proposals or annual progress reports. Guide messaging and public communications for the press and public, as well as provide regular and ad-hoc feedback to regions and countries. 7. To provide scientific technical leadership and expertise, and collaborate closely with EPI colleagues, in strengthening field and laboratory surveillance for diseases targeted for elimination or control, with focus on measles, rubella and CRS. This includes providing technical guidance on strengthening global public health laboratory networks for viral vaccine preventable diseases, especially as this relates to the transition of polio surveillance activities in anticipation of eradication. Provide technical leadership in the analysis and interpretation of surveillance data in collaboration with WHO immunization regional and headquarter colleagues. 8. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory line.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced level University degree (MA-level or equivalent) in Medicine, Epidemiology, Public Health, Paediatric Health, Health Policy, Health Sciences or Global/International Health
Desirable\: A Medical Degree and/or a third-level university degree (at PhD level or above) in any of the above-mentioned fields is highly desirable for this position in view of its specific duties and responsibilities

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years of international professional experience at global, regional and/or country levels in leading and managing health projects towards achieving vaccine preventable disease control goals focused on measles and/or rubella. At least 5 years of direct experience in the control of vaccine preventable diseases (either viral and bacterial) including field experience in immunization programme implementation, programme monitoring, and disease surveillance. A proven track record in building collaborative and healthy partnerships at global or regional level in public health or vaccine preventable diseases. Demonstrated experience in developing policies, guidelines or training materials. Extensive experience interacting with a broad range of immunization stakeholders at global and country level. Strong publication record in epidemiology and public health and a data and analysis driven strategic approach.
Desirable\: Experience with evaluating and interpreting laboratory results for diagnosis and disease surveillance and establishing public health laboratory networks.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of measles and rubella immunization programmes, epidemiology, prevention and control of vaccine preventable diseases and global health.Rigour at analyzing data and using data for strategic decision-making.Strong interpersonal, networking and diplomacy skills with the ability to develop public health partnerships, and work in a multi-cultural environment to collaborate and coordinate a diverse group of stakeholders.Ability to motivate staff, lead and manage a global project. Conscientious with ability to take initiative and work independently. Proven ability to work to deadline and budget.Desirable\:Familiarity with the UN system, including knowledge of WHO country, regional and global functions.Scientific expertise in measles and rubella disease and epidemiology.Knowledge of key global immunization initiatives such as Global Polio Eradication, Measles and Rubella Partnership and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

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 87,108 (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 4907 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.