Epidemiologist

Overview

Conduct advanced epidemiological analyses to support polio eradication efforts globally.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's level) in Epidemiology with focus on advanced data analysis.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience with international exposure in infectious disease modeling, data management and advanced analytics.
• Expert knowledge of English.
• Intermediate knowledge of other UN language.
• In-depth knowledge and excellent skills in Polio Eradication and endgame strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage the delivery of program needs in complex emergency setting.
• Strong strategic and analytic skills.

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 123,082 USD and 158,689 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Polio Eradication is a mission critical objective for WHO, as mandated by multiple WHA resolutions. The overall objective of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is to interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, certify eradication, stop the use of oral poliovirus vaccine and successfully sunset the program. GPEI aims to do this through providing strong support to and collaboration with national governments. To help realize these goals, EM/POL, WHO EMRO is responsible for monitoring progress, conducting risk assessments, and providing technical, operational and strategic guidance to national programmes based on advanced analytics, including epidemiological modeling.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

*Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected)Under the direction supervision of coordinator SLD and overall supervision of the Director of Polio Eradication ,the incumbent will perform the following duties: Conduct advance analyses on epidemiology of poliovirus, population immunity and model poliovirus transmission to assess progress, identify risks, forecast transmission and guide development of immunization and surveillance strategies in countries with endemic wild poliovirus transmission and in countries with circulation of vaccine-derived polioviruses. Provide detailed analyses for risk assessments for polio free countries of the region for risk of virus introduction and transmission, capacity for early detection and response to polio events and outbreaks and provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen national programmes and development of strategies tailored to the context. Serve as the focal point for EM/POL collaboration and engagement with external polio modeling groups to ensure relevant and quality modeling is conducted; which clearly informs programme decisions and strategies and the relevant advisory and over sight bodies to GPEI (Technical Advisory Group, Regional Certification Commission, Independent Monitoring Board, Regional Subcommittee for Polio Eradication and Outbreaks etc.). Across the region, monitor and evaluate core surveillance performance indicators, capacities for event detection, verification, and response in accordance with the core requirement of the new Global Surveillance Strategic Action Plan. Collaborate with the WHO country teams and national health authorities to help build data management capacities and tools and streamline timely and accurate data reporting from each country to EM/POL. Facilitate training and capacity building in data management and advanced analytics. Provide data analytic support to field investigations of Polio events/outbreaks and response planning. Help conduct scenario planning for events/outbreaks of polio and contribute to outbreak simulation exercises. Strengthen real time analysis of the quality of and remaining gaps in supplementary polio immunization campaigns (SIAs) conducted in endemic and outbreak-affectedcountries of the region. Streamline presentation of SIA data in the weekly technical meeting .Coordinate with WHO/HQ, data team at EM/POL and countries on all issues related to the programme data including Web IFA, POLIS and X-Mart. Supervise, guide ,and support the work of Information Management Officers and any data management consultants in EM/POL. Oversee the preparation and presentation of data and slides during the weekly technical meetings in EM/POL Participate in design and implementation of any research activities of EM/POL.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

### Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (Master's level) in Epidemiology with focus on advanced data analysis. Desirable: PhD or doctorate degree in epidemiology or Biostatistics. Specialized training in mathematical modeling of infectious diseases

### Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of relevant experience with international exposure in infectious disease modeling, data management and advanced analytics and ability to clearly present large complex data sets. Desirable: Experience in conducting modelling of poliovirus transmission or other components of the polio eradication program.

### Skills

In-depth knowledge and excellent skills in Polio Eradication and endgame strategies with comprehensive knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization systems. Excellent interpersonal and commination skills Ability to work with and/or coordinate diverse groups of stakeholders Proven ability to manage the delivery of program needs in complex emergency setting of severe access and security Strong strategic and analytic skills, with the ability to quickly comprehend strategic and tactical objectives and to formulate comprehensive plans to address challenges/risks.

### WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Moving forward in a changing environment Creating an empowering and motivating environment

WHO global Competencies model at http://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=1

### Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Other UN language.

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 77,326 (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 2494 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

  The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (

  https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

  ) are strongly encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to

  reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

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

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

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Potential interview questions