Technical Officer (COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunization Safety Surveillance)

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 113,168 USD and 148,184 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 achieve the control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases throughout the Western Pacific Region by targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such conditions and diseases. The Division supports integrated people-centred care approaches by strengthening primary health care services for prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of target diseases and conditions along the life-course, while ensuring to reach the unreached and achieving universal health coverage.

The Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VDI) Unit works with Member States and partners in making the Region free from vaccine-preventable morbidity, mortality and disability by accelerating, achieving and sustaining control and elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in the Western Pacific. Focus areas of the programme are strengthening and expanding immunization systems and programmes; strategically managing intelligence on VPDs, vaccines and immunization with surveillance systems and laboratory networks; and preparing for and responding to public health emergencies related to VPDs and immunization programmes.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision and guidance of the Technical Officer, VDI, and working closely with the VDI regional focal point on immunization system and safety, the incumbent will assist in providing technical support on preparing for and enhancing surveillance of COVID-19 vaccine and immunization safety events.

Specific roles to be undertaken within this job

1. Support VDI unit and COVID-19 Vaccination Incident Management Support Team (VIMST) in strengthening and expanding the country surveillance capacity to detect, monitor and respond to adverse event following immunization (AEFIs) related to COVID-19 vaccines in the Region;
2. Support monitoring and analysis of global, regional and country COVID-19 vaccine and immunization safety surveillance data carried out by VIMST in order to prepare regular updates for country use;
3. Support development of regional guides and information sheets on preparing for surveillance and managing adverse events of special interests (AESIs);
4. Support strengthening the COVID-19 vaccine and immunization surveillance system through organizing and facilitating webinars and virtual trainings for the countries’ National Immunization Programme, National Regulatory Authority and National Causality Assessment Committee on preparedness, managing and response to COVID-19 vaccine safety events; and
5. Perform any other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine, epidemiology or another health-related field. Desirable: Master’s degree in public health.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of five years’ work experience related to vaccine, immunization and/or control and prevention of VPDs, including exposure at international level. Desirable: Work experience in vaccine and immunization safety surveillance at national level.

Skills

1. Technical expertise in vaccines and immunization safety.

2. Ability to plan and conduct training programmes in vaccine and immunization safety surveillance.

3. Proficient in standard MS office software applications and presentation skills.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of written and spoken English. Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN 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 62,120 (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 2568 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 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.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. 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.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.