Technical Officer – Immunization

Contract

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

Overview 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 financial protection against health-related risks.

WHO Country Office for India is supporting the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to strengthen the existing health systems to cater to the growing needs of mental health and substance abuse.

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 1.4 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), all 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.

Mission of the WHO Country Office for India

The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of 1.4 billion people in India by supporting the government in prevention and control of mental health and substance use disorders, preventing suicides, and promoting mental health, preparing, and responding to mental health and psychosocial issues during health emergencies and strengthening health systems for Universal Health Coverage.

Description of Duties:

The position would work under the guidance of and report to the National Professional Officer (Immunization), WHO with technical inputs from Additional Commissioner, Immunization Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), GoI. The appraisals and other administrative approvals such as leave will be carried out by the National Professional Officer (Immunization), WHO with inputs from Additional Commissioner, Immunization Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), GoI.

The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, Deputy Head of WHO Country Office for India, Team Leader (NPSP) and managerial supervision of National Professional Officer (Immunization) with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India work plans in accordance with the WHO’s country cooperation strategy with India, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work:

The incumbent will have the following responsibilities in her/his assigned area of work:

1. Provide techno managerial assistance to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) including the development of Strandard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for effective implementation of Routine Immunization program, implementation strategies and readiness of critical components.
2. Liase and coordinate with all state officials, other departments, other ministry, partners, and all other relevant stakeholders for effective planning and implementation of Immunization activities.
3. Provide techno managerial assistance to Immunization division in terms of special Immunization activities like IMI, NID, SNID, MR campaigns, HPV introduction etc.
4. Coordinate meetings of MoHFW, Technical Expert Committees, preparation of background documents, notes and, talking points, interventions and presentations and subsequent follow-ups of action plan.
5. Technical assistance for Routine Immunization in matters received from parliament, courts, public grievances, RTIs etc.
6. Coordinate and organize the meeting with the partner for updating training modules, monitoring formats, Operational guidelines etc.
7. Coordinate for strengthening Urban Immunization including City Embrace Model.
8. Coordinate for conducting workshops for strengthening Routine Immunization in the states and draft guidance material on strengthening routine immunization.
9. Work closely with MoHFW in establishing monitoring and review mechanisms related to status of vaccine stock out, cold chain logistics and trainings.
10. Ensure exchange of appropriate information on monitoring and program performance among all partners and other stakeholders and document best practices/lessons learnt.
11. Prepare draft concept notes, documents, reports related to routine immunization, polio eradication, Measles Rubella elimination with support from WHO-NPSN.
12. Support MoHFW in documenting the minutes of strategic meetings and subsequently follow up on action points.
13. Support in drafting letters to States and other immunization partners on matters related to Immunization, Trainings and VPD surveillance; assist in getting them approved by Ministry and communicate to respective stakeholders.
14. Support WHO, NPSN funding related activities from GoI and regular submission of reports.
15. Provide technical assistance in conducing analytical studies and operations research as needed by MoHFW and collaboratively develop guidelines and recommend solutions.
16. Undertake field visits to monitor planning and implementation of immunization program; and
17. Undertake any other activities/tasks as assigned by the supervisor(s).

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Essential: University degree in science/health science or equivalent in related field from a recognized institution/university.

Desirable: Post graduation in public health or other allied fields.

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

Experience:

Essential: Atleast one year of professional experience in areas related to routine immunization, vaccine preventable disease surveillance.

Desirable: Atleast 2 years of working experience with intergovernmental agencies at the national and state level will be an advantage.

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and working knowledge of local language will be an asset. Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports.

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving Forward in Changing Environment

Remuneration:

Monthly remuneration is INR 157,449 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 will be posted at New Delhi. The position may require extensive travel (can be upto 15 days in a month) to the states and districts.

Additional Information:

• This Vacancy Notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and interviews will be used as a form of screening
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• 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 a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• This post is subject to local recruitment and will be filled by persons recruited in the local commuting area of the duty station.
• 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.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• 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.
• Any extension of appointment would be subject to programmatic requirements, performance of the incumbent and availability of funds.
• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.