OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
To support countries in the WHO African Region to provide high quality immunization services that will contribute to:ย (a) the reduction of mortality, morbidity and disability from vaccine preventable diseases through the optimum use of available and new vaccines andย (b) the strengthening of national health systems.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The incumbent is expected to:
- Provide the technical leadership on implementation of the Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026: Delivering on a Promise and achievement of related Key Performance Indicators in the African region;
- Oversee the overall coordination, planning, implementation, and evaluation of polio activities within the African region including, but not limited to, surveillance, laboratory, outbreak response (inc. the AFRO polio rapid response team) and certification;
- Strengthen inter-cluster collaboration with other programmes in AFRO and with WHO/HQ Polio department to maximize synergies and alignment;
- Ensure there is a strong link between AFRO PEP and GPEI to enable collaboration and coordination for maximal impact;
- Strengthen collaboration with other institutions for implementation of the polio programme activities, e.g laboratory networks in universities;
- Support the WHO core functions through the polio programme implementation;
- Mobilize resources to achieve deliverables and ensure timely reports'submissions;
- Represent the RD, at their request, on polio eradication matters within and outside GPEI;
- Conduct advocacy with Governments and stakeholders to ensure ownership and commitment to polio eradication;In coordination with HRM, lead the recruitment and staffing of positions in PEP.
- Establish work objectives for all personnel in PEP and conduct staff performance evaluations in accordance with established procedures and deadlines; Provide leadership to staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their continuous training and development; promote a culture of high performance, ethical behaviour and integrity in accordance with the Organization's Policies, Rules and Procedures and its accountability framework;
- Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine, public health or related field.
Desirable: Training in epidemiology or disease control. Training in management or project management.Experience
Essential:
- At least 15 years' experience in successful programme management of complex polio / immunization / emergency programmes at national and international level including providing senior level advice and guidance;
Skills
Proven Leadership and management skills: Strong communication, public relations and interpersonal skills; ability to manage and lead a multi-disciplinary team in a complex partnership and multi-cultural environment; ability to establish, maintain, negotiate and navigate among complex partnerships at organizational, local and international levels. Excellent skills and ability in coordinating cross-cutting teams and financial resources. Clear understanding and sound knowledge of epidemiology; ability to clearly write scientific presentation/publications for programme use. Proven ability to manage the delivery of programmes in complex emergency settings. Knowledge of WHO policies and procedures.WHO Competencies
Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership Creating an empowering and motivating environmentUse of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Beginners knowledge of Portuguese.
The above language requirements are interchangeable.
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 3957 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.