National Professional Officer (EPI, Vaccine Safety & Quality)

Contract

This is a NO-C 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 5,166 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

To provide technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh to enhance immunization systems which encompasses introduction of new vaccine, micro planning, efficient management of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), integration of advanced technologies and tools tailored for EPI, reinforcement of National Regulatory Authority to ensure the secure administration of vaccines

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Operating under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative and the day-to-day supervision of the Team Lead-IVD, the incumbent will hold the responsibility of providing technical assistance to the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), to carry out the following following activities:

1. Collaborate in bolstering the technical and institutional capabilities of the DGDA to establish and implement necessary national regulatory functions to ensure the safety of vaccines.

2. Assist in formulating the annual operational plans for both DGDA and EPI, which involve prioritization, budget allocation, and procurement needs. This is crucial for the development of these institutions to effectively carry out their roles in the area of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and EPI.

3. Provide guidance to the National EPI authorities in the introduction of new vaccines, and aid in the creation of vaccine deployment strategies for supplementary immunization activities, including scenarios of emergencies such as national disasters and pandemics.

4. Contribute to enhancing the capacity of the National EPI in monitoring the safety of vaccine distribution and administration. This includes identifying implementation errors through Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance and implementing corrective measures through efficient management of vaccines and cold chains.

5. Develop and update national guidelines, along with designing necessary training programs to build the capacity of personnel involved in Quality Assurance for vaccines and the Expanded Programme on Immunization, keeping in mind the evolving demands of the program.

6. Facilitate the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and other advisory committees related to immunization, including vaccine safety, and the Inter-Agencies Coordination Committee (ICC). This involves contributing to the formulation of National Immunization policies and the National Immunization Strategy (NIS), as well as coordinating applications for GAVI support.

7. Analyze data related to Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), Enhanced Vaccine Safety Monitoring (EVSM), Vaccine Management Surveillance (VM), and immunization to pinpoint program errors, challenges, and limitations. Provide guidance to the national EPI response, offer updates on the safety of currently utilized and produced vaccines to DGDA, National EPI, and NITAG, and assist in devising national recommendations for the usage and introduction of quality-assured vaccines.

8. Develop research protocols and lend support to research endeavors including studies, assessments, and surveys within the domain of vaccines, immunization, drug safety, and quality.

9. Facilitate the strengthening of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as among other sectors engaged in national endeavors to ensure the safety of vaccines and the success of the Expanded Programme on Immunization.

10. Assist in formulating proposals and generating reports targeted towards donors, aiming to enhance the national capacity for ensuring the quality assurance of vaccines employed and introduced within Bangladesh.

11. Furthermore, undertake any additional responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Medical degree (MBBS) from a recognized university. Specialized training in preventive medicine or public health. Desirable: Master of Public Health including advance training in Epidemiology and Vaccines.

Experience

Essential: At least five (5) years' relevant experience in EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) Desirable: Working experience in National regulatory functions of vaccines. Working experience in WHO and/or other UN agencies would be advantage.

Skills

• Demonstrated capacity to provide effective leadership in the specified area of expertise and fulfill corresponding requisites;
• Proficiency in grasping the fundamentals of public health and health systems, immunization services, management, monitoring, evaluation, research, and policy;
• Exceptional aptitude in both written and verbal communication, along with adept presentation skills, enabling the clear and succinct communication of intricate matters;
• Documented ability to foster constructive associations with an extensive array of stakeholders encompassing governmental entities and external partners, including diverse development agencies;
• Proficiency in conducting training sessions and facilitating interactions.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at BDT 6,552,170 (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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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].

• 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.

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