Roster of Surveillance Medical Officers (SMOs)

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative 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 Country Office contributes to providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and activities in the area of health systems strengthening including, (i) advocating for Universal Health Coverage and building up national capacity in UHC-related matters (ii) facilitating the adoption of evidence -based public health interventions as well as appropriate reforms/changes with a view to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards universal health coverage.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

All the Member States of WHO in the South East Asia Region (SEAR) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related sustainable development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South – East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India’s population of 1.3 billion. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems as well as of the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate.

Description of duties****:

Under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Team Leader (SRTL), and under the managerial supervision of the Officer on Special Duty (OSD)/NPO-NPSP (as the case may be), in compliance with project guidelines in the assigned district/state with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India biennial work plans and in accordance with WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy with India, the incumbent is expected to effectively discharge technical, administrative and financial responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work as outlined below. In the context of WCO India’s transition from Polio to Public Health, the set of roles and responsibilities will apply not only to Polio eradication and end game activities but will also cover technical support to routine immunization, Measles Elimination and Rubella control, and new vaccine introduction.

1. Provide technical guidance and build capacity of the government and non-government staff to sustain polio-free status as per the polio eradication and end game strategic plan. Facilitate activities for AFP Surveillance, supplementary immunization for polio, strengthening of routine immunization, outbreak response to any wild, vaccine derived or Sabin-like type 2 polioviruses and transitioning to support other public health priorities;
2. Facilitate activities related to intensification of routine immunization, measles elimination and rubella control and surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs);
3. In accordance with WCO mandate and as per State priorities and requirements-provide technical assistance for, and strengthening of vaccine preventable disease surveillance, and related outbreak response in coordination with the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP);
4. Liaise and coordinate with partner agencies, non-governmental organizations, professional bodies for strengthening of above-mentioned activities;
5. Conduct regular analysis and interpretation of epidemiological, surveillance and immunization data to support appropriate follow up actions by the government and partners;
6. As a technical expert of WHO, make presentations, draft reports and strategic documents required for decision making and implementing at district and in the state;
7. Support implementation of other health priorities including SDG goals as a part of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy;
8. Ensure propriety and follow established internal controls over use of financial resources. In case of suspected misappropriation or fraud etc., immediately report to Administrative Officer and WHO Representative to India directly;
9. Take responsibility and provide oversight and support for administrative, HR and finance duties of the unit office as per WHO guidelines and established procedures;
10. Ensure timely performance assessment of supervisee and provide timely feedback;
11. Provide full cooperation to auditors and ensures ‘closure’ of audit findings within a reasonable timeframe;
12. Create a work culture that thrives on transparency, and healthy work relations with other team members of the unit by observing the highest ethical standards; and
13. Take responsibility for overall management and administration of the Unit including all financial transactions in compliance with WCO India Project financial rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
14. Undertake any other tasks/duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Education:

Essential: University degree in:

• Allopathic Medicine (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery [M.B.B.S.] recognized by Medical council of India/State Medical Council registration essential) or

• Dentistry (Bachelor of Dental Surgery [B.D.S.] recognized by Dental council of India) or

• Ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery [B.A.M.S.] recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine), or

• Unani (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery [B.U.M.S.] recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine), or

• Homeopathy (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery [B.H.M.S.] recognized by Central Council of Homeopathy)

Desirable: Post graduation in Community Medicine/Preventive & Social Medicine/Public Health/ Pediatrics/other allied field.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Knowing and managing yourself

Experience:

Essential: At least two (2) years of public health experience after Graduation (Post-graduation will count as experience)

Desirable: Experience in public health/programme management and/or experience of working in the polio eradication/routine immunization programme.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and working knowledge of local language will be an asset.

Additional Information****:

Monthly remuneration is INR 136,415 taxable as per Indian laws and the appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. S/he could be posted anywhere in India as per the Project needs.

This position will be filled only by a national of India and only Indian Nationals should apply.

The incumbent should contribute to ensuring high professional, ethical, and institutional standards of the Organization. S/he should also meet professional conduct expectations, and basic universal norms of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and lawful behavior. This includes compliance with the above, including ability to: perform within existing organizational structures and governance; adhere to WHO's processes; demonstrate gender and cultural sensitivity; demonstrate respectful and constructive interpersonal communication; perform as a team player; and demonstrate due diligence.

Those who are interested may wish to go to following link and apply:

http://www.who.int/careers/en/