National Professional Officer

Position Number: 360537, National Professional Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To provide equitable access for children and adults to existing and new vaccines, and other interventions that lead to reduction of morbidity and mortality of people in Sudan.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1-Strengthen routine infant's immunization activities and implementation of Reaching Every District (RED) approach to achieve the national targets of routine immunization coverage through:

a. Reviewing/updating and implementing the locality micro plans for improving the EPI routine coverage at district levels,

b.Facilitating national and sub-national training on district micro planning.

c. Monitoring routine activities and indicators at district levels.

d. Conducting regular supervision of field work pertaining to routine immunization activities.

e. Planning for, implementation and monitoring of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) of EPI target antigens.

f. Preparing, planning, implementing and evaluating introduction of new vaccine.

2- Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate country EPI multi-year plan in line with WHO and UNICEF global immunization vision and strategies, and global, regional and national goals and objectives.

3- Implement the recommended strategies and planned activities for measles control/elimination through:

a. Planning for, implementation and monitoring of Measles SIAs.

b. Strengthening measles surveillance including: Strengthening case based surveillance for measles and monitoring measles surveillance indicators.

i. Establishing a system for collection, analysis, feedback and use of surveillance data.

ii. Training of health workers on measles surveillance.

iii. Preparing periodic reports on progress in measles control/elimination.

4- Manage the implementation of laboratory based surveillance of invasive bacterial diseases (bacterial meningitis and pneumonia) and Rotavirus gastroenteritis as follows:

a. Ensure conducting regular supervisory visits to the sentinel sites using the standard checklists and ensure regular communication with the sentinel sites to ensure continuous availability of all necessary supplies and adequate implementation of activities as per agreed upon network standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

b. To ensure collecting the case report forms from the sentinel sites and ensure data entry on the computer software at the central level as well as regular analysis of the collected data and provision of feedback to the sentinel sites.

c. To set the appropriate mechanism to ensure regular collection of the isolates and frozen Cerebro-spinal Fluid (CSF) and stool specimens and its transfer to the national reference lab as well as proper transfer of the isolates, frozen CSF and stool specimen to EMRO for further investigation and HQ.

d.To ensure that EPI submits to EMRO monthly data compiled from the above sentinel sites.

5 - Coordinate the work with the EPI team for strengthening routine immunization activities andMeasles and MNT surveillance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University Degree in Medicine.
Desirable: Training in epidemiology of communicable diseases, particularly Vaccine Preventable Diseases as well as in biostatistics and data analysis.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years relevant experience in communicable diseases prevention and control, immunization programmes, vaccine preventable diseases surveillance and data management.
Desirable:

Skills

-Broad knowledge in immunization and surveillance systems delivery, Project management immunization and surveillance systems monitoring and -strengthening.

-Proven ability to manage teams as well as work harmoniously within teams.

-Knowledge of the WHO operations as well as understanding immunization issues, constraints and opportunities in introduction of new vaccines in Sudan.

-Excellent communication skills.

-Ability to function effectively in a team setting.

WHO Competencies

Communication
Producing results
Teamwork

Use of Language Skills

Essential:
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 68,565 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions 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.

• 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 reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• 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. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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