Team Leader (NPSP)

Contract

This is a P-5 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 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 110,869 USD and 138,944 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.

Candidates who applied earlier need not reapply

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

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 National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) of WCO-India was launched in 1997 to work closely with the Union and State governments to support polio eradication activities in India. Following elimination of polio from India in 2011 and certification of WHO SEAR as polio-free in March 2014, NPSP continues to support the government in implementation of the Polio Eradication and End Game Strategic Plan (2019-23). Further, NPSP has transitioned to the National Public Health Surveillance Project by broadening its scope of work and is providing support for the intensification of routine immunization and vaccine preventable disease surveillance as a part of the overall health system strengthening, supporting the goal of measles and rubella elimination, introducing new vaccines, and addressing other public health priorities in consultation with the Government of India.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO

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 (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India's population of 1.3 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste), 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. The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.3 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage. The WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019-2023) is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages; achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to India and direct supervision of Deputy Head of WHO Country Office, India, with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO India biennial workplans in accordance with WHO India Country Cooperation Strategy (2019-2023), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

1. Provide technical leadership, strategic direction and oversight for intensifying routine immunization, strengthening vaccine preventable disease surveillance, eliminating measles and rubella and introducing new vaccines in India in accordance with the Transition Planning Framework of WHO's National Public Health Surveillance Project (NPSP).

2. Provide technical advice, strategic direction and support for implementing polio end game strategy as per the Polio Eradication and End Game Strategic Plan and the Post-Certification Strategy.

3. Provide strategic advice and direction on research related to vaccine preventable diseases to enable evidence based policy decisions for vaccine preventable disease control and elimination.

4. Collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure adequate preparedness for vaccine preventable disease outbreaks, especially for polio, measles and rubella.

5. Ensure close collaboration with relevant staff of Ministries of Health of national and state governments, as well as relevant partners and donors, for optimal coordination and support for control/elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases in India.

6. Oversee NPSP's human resource management by supporting recruitment and retention of high quality team members in accordance with WHO rules and regulations; implement HR development opportunities; and monitor and evaluate performance of NPSP personnel to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in existing and new roles.

7. Develop biennium programme workplans and budgets of NPSP, as per WHO requirements, and closely monitor implementation of these plans, including utilization and availability of human, financial and logistical resources to achieve biennial workplan objectives.

8. Collaborate with WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia on strategic areas pertaining to the polio endgame strategy implementation and monitoring, and transition planning of NPSP operations to support intensifying routine immunization, strengthening vaccine preventable disease surveillance, eliminating measles and rubella in line with Regional Director's Flagship areas, and introducing new vaccines.

9. Promote close coordination and communication between NPSP and the Communicable Disease Programme, Health Emergencies, and other technical programmes and administrative units of WCO India to ensure alignment and harmonization of technical, managerial, and administrative practices.

10. Support surveillance and response activities related to emerging disease threats and public health emergencies/disasters including linking VPD surveillance with the Integrated Health Information Platform.

11. Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree and training in epidemiology/public health. Desirable: Training in communicable diseases or public health or any other relevant area will be an advantage.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of extensive experience in epidemiology, control of communicable diseases, polio eradication, surveillance or relevant fields including considerable experience obtained in an international context. Desirable: Substantial experience as a team leader, coordinator or manager for polio eradication, disease surveillance or health related programme in WHO, UN agencies or international organizations.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge and strong technical and managerial expertise of polio eradication, vaccine-preventable disease surveillance and laboratory testing, immunization, vaccines, epidemiology, control and elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Public health leadership skills with ability to work effectively with governments and colleagues in a team setting at national and international level.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Knowledge of other WHO languages.

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 92,731 (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 2527 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.A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event 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 workforce . 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 [email protected]

• 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 (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) 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 short-listed candidates.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• 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. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

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

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

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

  Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the Professional category with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• 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].

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