National Professional Officer - Deputy Team Lead (NPSP)

Contract

This is a NO-D contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about NO-D contracts.

Note: Candidates who have applied earlier need not to apply again.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO Country Office India (WCO/India) collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the 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 National Polio Surveillance Project, a flagship programme of the WCO/India, was set up to eradicate the wild polio virus (WPV) in India. Although it has achieved its mission since 2014, its operational platform along with scaled down activities have been maintained until the world is declared free of Polio. Additionally, - the National Polio Surveillance Project's scope has been expanded to include other public health priorities such as NTDs, along with an Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Universal Immunization Programme, and Vaccine Preventable Diseases.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to India and the direct supervision of the Team Lead for the expanded National Polio Surveillance Project, the incumbent will carry out the following responsibilities and duties:

1) Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of NPSP under its expanded mandate to Immunization, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and NTDs, both in the Field and at Central Level in Delhi, through the NPSP Regions and the Central Support Team based in Delhi;

2) Develop and Communicate to staff & stakeholders, Policy documents, Roadmaps and other Protocols, and adapt to the country context, relevant Guidelines and other WHO normative materials, for the timely and effective deployment of NPSP's operations into the States and Unions Territories, across India;

3) Direct the development of clear and accountable work plans for NPSP and ensure that the activities of NPSP Regions, Sub-Regions and Field Offices are aligned with the WCO/India's Strategic Direction and operational priorities, and pre-defined goals and objectives are met in all Technical Areas under NPSP's preview;

4) Provide technical leadership to WHO NPSP for the implementation of the Polio eradication and End game strategic plan (PEESP), including maintenance of polio-free status and monitor the implementation of PEESP until global certification of polio eradication;

5) Provide Strategic guidance and technical oversight to NPSP technical teams on routine immunization strengthening, introduction of new vaccines, vaccine safety aspects of the Universal Immunization Program of India including data management and align their work with the emerging priorities and optimize support to the field staff of NPSP;

6) Provide technical guidance and oversight to NPSP technical teams on measles elimination and rubella/CRS control, surveillance and control of other vaccine preventable diseases including research for vaccine preventable diseases in alignment with field staff of NPSP;

7) Interact with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Officials, polio partners, donors and other stakeholders for the development and implementation of NPSP transition plan, by ensuring that the functions needed to maintain a polio-free world after eradication, are mainstreamed into ongoing public health programs, non-essential capabilities and processes are transitioned to support other health priorities and that the knowledge generated and lessons learned from polio eradication activities are documented and shared with other health initiatives;

8) Coordinate the support to NPSP from the other components of WCO/India such as the Communicable Diseases Administration Team; and

9) Undertake any other related tasks/duties assigned by the supervisors and submit regular assignment reports.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced 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 7 years of professional experience in the development and implementation of health programs at national/state level in the area of poliomyelitis, epidemiology and control of communicable diseases with particular expertise and experience in Polio eradication, immunization, vaccines-preventable diseases and managing large teams with a strong field experience. Desirable: Experience in the prevention and control of other communicable diseases and integrated diseases surveillance.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to plan and think strategically, set realistic goals and objectives, and balance multiple priorities;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;

• Demonstrated capacity to build effective relationships with a wide range of national and international stakeholders and at various levels, and to deliver results through collaboration, diplomacy and negotiation;

• Demonstrated capacity to exercise sound judgment and discretion;

• Ability to anticipate problems and take preventive or remedial action as required;

• Thorough knowledge of the situation in India with regard to Polio Surveillance & Response, Universal Immunization, Vaccine Preventable Diseases;

• Good understanding of India's public health needs and priorities, policies and issues in areas such as NTDs, Malaria, Integrated Diseases Surveillance and health systems organization.

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork 2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences 3. Communication 4. Ensuring the effective use of resources 5. Moving forward in a changing environment 6. Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 4,427,975 (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'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.

• 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.