Programme Coordinator

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

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.

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;
• Demonstrated experience leading a multi-cultural team and working within a partnership environment;
• Proven ability to meet deadlines within an emergency context;
• Ability for resource mobilization with illustrated results;
• Previous public health work experience at African regional preferably at country and regional levels.

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 environment

Use 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.

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.

• 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 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.

• 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. 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.

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

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