Roster Technical Officer Response Vacancy-Job Ref: JKCGWHO/1904/202651

Roster Technical Officer Response Vacancy-Job Ref: JKCGWHO/1904/202651
Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo)
Job Description
To support countries in the WHO African Region to provide high quality immunization services that will contribute to: (a) the reduction of mortality, morbidity and disability from vaccine preventable diseases through the optimum use of available and new vaccines and (b) the strengthening of national health systems.

The general objective of the Polio Eradication Programme is to support national authorities to eradicate poliomyelitis, both: wild and/or vaccine derived. Specifically, the objectives are for timely detection and interruption of poliovirus transmission, strengthening immunization systems, laboratory containment of polioviruses, certification of poliomyelitis eradication, legacy planning and transitioning of polio assets for other public health interventions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance of the Polio Eradication Programme Coordinator and technical guidance of the Rapid Response Team Lead, the Polio Rapid Response Technical Officer will provide technical support and guidance to Country Offices and Global Polio Eradication (GPE) partners to strengthen quality of outbreak responses and SIAs activities in countries.

The incumbent will mainly focus on adequate preparations for polio outbreak responses and SIAs to stop any polioviruses circulation and boost population immunity. While the incumbent is expected to work with minimal supervision, he/she will liaise with and report directly to the Rapid Response Team lead.

The incumbent is expected to perform specific tasks which include:

a. Represent the GPEI in-country and liaise between the GPEI and partners at county and regional level; provide direct feedback to the GPEI about outbreak response progress, challenges and potential solutions.
b. Technically support heads of WHO/UNICEF country offices with strategic and operational oversight of polio outbreak response operations, ensuring that they address the needs of the population and are aligned with the government/Ministry of Health (MOH) plans and strategies and the polio outbreak response SOPs.

c.Foster close coordination with MOH, in-country health and other partners, and regional offices and HQs and assist in the organization of regular coordination meetings, teleconferences, and updates.
d. Work with MOH/WHO/UNICEF teams to develop a national outbreak response plan, including a budget, chronogram of activities, and human resources (HR) surge plan, periodically adjusting and adapting the plan, as needed.

e. Collaborate with MOH/WHO/UNICEF teams to establish outbreak response structures that include the four components of outbreak response: outbreak investigation, outbreak response immunization, strengthening AFP surveillance, and strengthening routine immunization.

f. Collaborate with MOH/WHO/UNICEF teams to produce updates of outbreak response activities (e.g., SITREPS, bulletins, and newsletters) for distribution to relevant partners.

g. Collaborate with the communications team to ensure the preparation of an overall outbreak response communication plan and the appropriate content of advocacy and messaging strategies.

h. Collaborate with the Outbreak Operations Manager to ensure that the logistical aspects of the outbreak response, especially financing and HR, are managed with optimal efficiency.

i. Undertake other assignments and responsibilities as requested by heads of country offices, regional directors, and other partners to support the successful response to the outbreak.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Degree in health sciences with post graduate training in public health (e.g. epidemiology or disease control).
Desirable:

Experience
Essential: Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in polio and vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) supplemental immunization activities (vaccination campaigns) and outbreak response in complex situations.
Desirable:

Skills
Good management, leadership, communications and interpersonal skills; ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment. Excellent analytical and writing skills; able to transfer his/her knowledge to others through training. Clear understanding and good knowledge of programme design, management and assessment; good knowledge of forecasting of vaccine requirements and logistics needs; expertise in disease surveillance. Good knowledge of standard office software.

WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills
Essential: Excellent knowledge of English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language with demonstrated ability to write technical reports and to deliver oral presentations. Working knowledge of additional UN languages would be an asset.

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