OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The overall objectives of the Polio Eradication Initiative are to oversee the global eradication efforts of the national governments and the global polio eradication partnership to interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, help integrate polio eradication, broader immunization and emergency efforts, certify eradication and eventually stop the use of all oral poliovirus vaccine. The immediate strategic objective is to implement WHO's contribution to the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2029 in collaboration with GPEI partners and in support of the national polio eradication efforts. Similarly, contextualize the IA2030 strategy to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality attributable to vaccine preventable diseases and achieve polio eradication, measles and rubella elimination and other vaccine preventable disease elimination/control goals. Provide technical and strategic leadership for development of national and provincial strategic plans for Essential Immunization.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
1. Lead WHO's support to and collaboration with the health authorities of Pakistan and other partners in designing and developing an effective national programme for polio eradication and ensuring that it is in place and implemented. This includes supporting the development of the annual National Emergency Action Plans for polio eradication and supporting the national leadership for polio eradication and the Federal and provincial Ministries ofHealth in developing and implementing key strategies for polio eradication. Similarly, lead WHO's efforts to support measles & rubella and MNT elimination, other disease control, and strengthening the immunization system, including implementation of immunization activities in line with the IA2030 and the regional framework for implementation of the IA2030.2. Lead the largest WHO country polio and EPI team with a workforce of several thousand including staff and non-staff and coordinate the inputs of WHO and GPEI partners into polio eradication in Pakistan. 3. Lead the coordination with other programmes in the country office, notably health emergencies, RMNCH and health systems to ensure synergies and strategies for integration are identified and acted on in a systematic manner. 4. Develop and coordinate the technical support, guidance and liaison for the strengthening of surveillance of vaccine preventable diseases based on experience and capacities of surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis.5. Oversee the planning, development, organization and delivery of capacity building activities to health care workers in the management of polio eradication and PI. 6. Coordinate closely with polio eradication and immunization partners in Pakistan, in particular UNICEF, Gavi, Rotary International, CDC, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to build and ensure a strong common platform for support for the Government of Pakistan, and to ensure best and the most efficient use of partner agency resources as well as look at potential partners to ensure a diversified, competent, trustworthy mass of partners are available to the programme in support of its mission and mandates.7. Foster and expand, as well as play a leading role in ensuring strong relationships are built and maintained with key polio and immunization donors in country, including advocating/promoting collaboration activities with potential donors and UN partners in eradicating polio and eliminating measles & rubella and MNT and controlling other Vaccines Preventable Diseases (VPDs).8. Develop and coordinate polio and EPI activities within Pakistan on behalf of WHO in regional and global activities, including participation in GPEI and EPI governing bodies meetings and products, as appropriate.9. Strengthen national decision-making processes through the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and the international Technical Advisory Group for Polio Eradication (TAG). 10. Coordinate activities related to introduction of new vaccines, including applications to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, new vaccine introduction plans, and necessary training. Support national preparedness for use of novel oral polio vaccines.11. Coordinate preparation, analysis and synthesis of programme reports and reports for special activities within the programme, particularly on poliomyelitis eradication. 12. Undertake other duties, as required, in relation to other programmes of collaboration in Pakistan.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine and/or Master's degree in Public Health or health related field.
Desirable: A PhD in public health related field as relevant to the position. Training in surveillance and epidemiology. Management training
Experience
Essential: At least 15 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in public health, both at the national and international levels including infectious disease control at the national and international levels, particularly in developing countries Strong management and leadership experience, particularly in complex environments. Experience in strategy implementation and development. Experience in collaboration and negotiations with international agencies and governments.
Desirable: Previous experience working with polio or immunization programs. Experience with international organizations and/or nongovernmental organizations. Previous experience leading inter cultural teams Related experience at national or international level within EMRO region countries.
Skills
Strong management, communication and leadership skills. Ability to administer and to evaluate large complex public health programmes, especially EPI programmes and polio eradication. Demonstrated ability to work constructively with people of different cultural and educational backgrounds. Demonstrated managerial and leadership ability and negotiation skills. Excellent knowledge and technical expertise in epidemiology, disease prevention, control and eradication. Knowledge of polio technical operations. Strong English written and presentation skills.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
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: Intermediate knowledge of Another WHO language.
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 116,095 (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 3367 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.