Technical Officer (COVID-19 Vaccine Introduction Support)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To strengthen the ability of Member States to reduce the level of risk and degree of impact of health emergencies, such as outbreak and epidemic-prone disease and food illness, through programmes and technical support that lead to improved surveillance, assessment, preparation, prevention and response.
To reduce morbidity and mortality from diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and other vaccine-preventable diseases by providing immunization against these diseases. In particular, to ensure that the Western Pacific Region (WPR) maintains its poliomyelitis-free status and accelerates progress towards measles elimination and hepatitis B control in the Region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

(1) Assist the Ministry of Health in the preparation for the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine including overall coordination of the introduction activities
(2) Provide support to the Ministry of Health to strengthen preparations for activities including microplanning, training, forecasting of vaccine requirements and support the development of appropriate strategies for reaching hard to reach target population
(3) Support the strengthening of the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) management system in the Lao People's Democratic Republic to appropriately monitor vaccine safety events related to COVID-19 use
(4) Monitor the national deployment and vaccination plan for COVID-19 vaccine and develop relevant operational guidelines
(5) Proactively identify risks to routine immunization programme related to COVID-19 vaccine implementation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in public health or similar areas from a recognized university.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (master's degree or higher) in public health from a recognized university

Experience

Essential: Minimum of five years' experience in planning, managing and implementing public health programmes, including experience in Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and new vaccine introduction. Relevant experience/exposure at international level is required.
Desirable: Experience working for public health programmatic function, planning implementation and monitoring of activities at a national level work plan such as an annual national immunization programme work plan. Prior experience in planning and conducting training activities. Experience in Asian countries is an advantage. Experience in ensuring essential health services like immunization during COVID-19 pandemic is desirable.

Skills

Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health;
Ability to develop plans and proposals;
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.
Has a broad knowledge of principles, practices, methodology, and techniques in public health, immunization, surveillance, communicable disease control and vaccine development at the international level.
Very good interpersonal skills, ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
Ability to interact with and to advise the Government and the Ministry of Health counterparts on policy and technical areas related to communicable disease control and to develop effective working relationships with senior decision-makers and officials in a variety of settings and cultures.
Has good understanding of the principles of results-based management and has the ability to develop plans, organize resources and take actions to ensure objectives are achieved within realistic timelines.
Has the ability to quickly acquire a thorough working knowledge of essential WHO procedures, policies and rules and regulations that support WHO's presence in countries.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

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 62,120 (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 1796 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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

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

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.