IVD Focal Point at World Health Organization

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

• To develop national skills in implementing routine and supplemental immunisation and establish an effective disease surveillance system in view of polio eradication, neonatal tetanus elimination, measles elimination and control of other vaccine preventable diseases

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Develop and reinforce national surveillance system for AFP/VPD, monitor the completeness and effectiveness of reporting and the use of surveillance performance indicators at the district level;
• Provide information on the progress of the Polio Eradication Initiative and other vaccine preventable diseases-related activities to the WR and IVE Director including:AFP line list and surveillance data on measles, neonatal tetanus and new vaccines in the country;
• Annual burden of vaccine preventable diseases in the country
• Provide report on routine immunization performance and coverage achieved;
• Data on supplementary immunization activities carried out in the country;
• Assist the national authorities in increasing access and quality of immunization service delivery
• Strengthening routine immunization services
• Preparation of quality supplementary immunization activities
• Introduction of new and underutilized vaccines and technologies
• Support national authorities in control, elimination, and eradication of target diseases.
• Support national authorities to develop plans, implement and evaluate progress toward VPD set targets and goals;
• Support the country to build capacity related to VPD and conducts appropriate research.
• Assist the WR in management of VPD programme personnel as well as financial resources. Any other duties assigned by the WHO Representative

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

• Essential: Advanced University degree in medicine or doctorate in health sciences.
• Desirable: Post graduate training in public health or epidemiology from an internationally recognized school

Experience

• Essential: At least 7years public health experience of which two years field experience in planning, training, surveillance and implementation of VPD.
• Desirable: Technical expertise in public health, epidemiology, disease control and immunization. Experience in Africa would be an asset.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively with colleagues at national and international levels;Ability to provide leadership, monitor progress and design studies;Computer skills.

WHO Competencies

• Producing results
• Teamwork
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Beginners knowledge of Portuguese.
• The above language requirements are interchangeable.