Zonal Polio Surveillance Coordinator

Overview

Support the implementation of polio surveillance activities in Nigeria.

You have:

• First level university degree in Medicine and Public health/epidemiology is required.
• At least 5 years' related experience in surveillance, outbreak investigation and response is essential.
• Expert knowledge of English and local language is essential.
• Advanced university degree in quantitative epidemiology or health related field is desirable.
• Specialized training in communicable diseases is desirable.
• Prior working experience in Polio programme in Nigeria with WHO or other recognized organizations is desirable.

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 4,237 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

In alignment with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s priorities outlined in the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the NPHCDA cVPV2 blueprint, and with the Country Cooperative Strategy, WHO Nigeria is committing to supporting efforts to quickly address and halt the current upsurge in cases of circulation Vaccine Derived Polio Viruses type 2. Additionally, these efforts will enhance routine immunization, strengthen PHC, and mitigate the impacts of other health emergencies. These initiatives have improved the quality of PEI activities and reduced poliovirus transmission in Nigeria. Key strategies and activities for Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization are detailed in the annual National Polio Eradication Emergency Plan and the multi-year Strategic Framework for strengthening Routine Immunization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the PEP Cluster Lead, and National Surveillance Officer, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Support the States SOs in the zone in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of surveillance workplan; 2. Support the states in the zone in detailed investigation, active case search and response to any Polio events and other VPDs in the zone; 3. Facilitate the implementation of the general concepts of IDSR strategy and support communicable disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and public health response systems in the zone; 4. In close collaboration with the Zonal Coordination, support the states in coordinating and managing surveillance technical activities and programs; 5. Facilitate the conduct of other AFP complementary surveillance such as Environmental surveillance, PID surveillance and New Vaccine Sentinel surveillance; 6. Support the states in the Zone to strengthen capacities of state surveillance teams for effective and sustained surveillance of VPDs and other EPID prove diseases through training and other capacity building approaches; 7. Undertake regular supportive supervision to access and evaluate the implementation of surveillance activities in the states, identify gaps, jointly develop surveillance improvement plan, and monitor implementation; 8. Support the states in the zone the efforts at strengthening the functionality of the surveillance network (e.g. Focal sites, Community based surveillance network and Surveillance Working Group in the states and LGAs) and monitor effectiveness of the system; 9. Conduct, in collaboration with other team members, real-time analysis of outbreak intelligence data, from a broad range of sources including non-health sectors, for epidemic forecasting and detection; 10. Facilitate regular analysis of Polio Surveillance Information for rapid detection of outbreaks and in consultation with the Zonal Coordinator, disseminate scientific and evidence-based technical information and knowledge; 11. Provide oversight functions to timely transportation of samples with right documentation and handling to laboratory and ensure quarterly analysis of laboratory surveillance data. 12. Support the development of the WHO Situation Reports, other related regular and ad-hoc surveillance reports in the Zone and share with the WCO NSO; 13. Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education Essential: First level university degree in Medicine and Public health/ epidemiology . Desirable: Advanced university degree in quantitative epidemiology or health related field. Specialized training in communicable diseases. Experience Essential: At least 5 years' related experience in surveillance, outbreak investigation and response . Desirable: Prior working experience in Polio programme in Nigeria with WHO, other UN agencies, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international non-governmental organization. Skills Demonstrated knowledge of surveillance and monitoring systems as related to Polio emergencies, complemented by skills in the field of epidemiological or statistical data collection, assessment, analysis and the evaluation and monitoring in a public health context. Proven ability to multitask across various planning and implementation processes within a highly demanding environment. Demonstrated knowledge, competency, and professional skills on the public health aspects of infectious disease control, epidemic and pandemic preparedness and response with particular attention to application of an all-hazard approach and the use of event based and indicator-based surveillance, as well as descriptive epidemiology and principles of public health in communicable disease surveillance and response.

WHO Competencies (a) Teamwork (b) Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences (c) Communication (d) Producing results

(e) Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills Essential: Expert knowledge of English and local language.

REMUNERATION WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above role comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 50843

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar role 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. Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply. 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 [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 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. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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. 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. 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