Technical Officer (PIP) at World Health Organization

Purpose of the Position

• The Technical Officer, is the regional focal point for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) and leads a team which provides technical support to member states of the Afro/Who region to strengthen the national capacity to detect and monitor influenza epidemic in the region through laboratory and epidemiological surveillance capacity building. The incumbent collaborates with relevant WHO/AFRO clusters and WHO/HQ departments and partners to expedite capacity building, the development of tools and implementation of evidence-based policies, strategies and plans.

Job Description

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

• The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.
• To increase country capacity to implement international health regulation, to build resilience and adequate preparedness for mounting a rapid, predictable and effective response to major epidemics and pandemics and to manage public health risks associated with emergencies.

Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusin on work environment within and outside the organization)

• Under the broad guidance and support from the HEP manager, the Technical Officer is responsible for regular monitoring of the implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness  (PIP) projects funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers using the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GIRS).
• The grants cover several areas for improving preparedness such as laboratory and surveillance, burden of disease, risk communications, regulatory capacity building and planning for deployment. Laboratory and surveillance area of work is currently implemented in 9 countries in the WHO African region and coordinated by WHO Country Offices, and WHO Health Emergencies programme in the WHO Regional Office and the Headquarters.
• The incumbent is required to maintain cohesion and facilitate effective communication with relevant staff at all levels of the WHO, including relevant technical officers from other clusters in the WHO Regional Office, to ensure timely implementation of planned activities and submission of donors reports. S/he functions in close collaboration with an Award/Grant manager on the PIP projects who will oversee the administration and financial parts under the overall coordination of the Technical Coordinator.

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected)

• Develop, manage and monitor the implementation of PIP framework in Africa working closely with PIP teams at HQ and other regions.
• Support the organization of the regional scientific meeting on the implementation of the PIP (Surveillance, Laboratory, Communication, Regulatory, Deployment of vaccine and biologicals) framework.
• Contribute to the preparation of the PIP coordination meeting between HQ, RO and WCO focal points- Ensure close follow up with WCO on the implementation of the PIP project in the 9 selected countries within the region.
• Collaborate with Vaccines in Emergencies and MCM Teams in identifying research priorities and novel service delivery models
• Explore integration with other preparedness programs to enhance systems approach in the implementation of PIP program
• Work collaboratively with One Health and laboratory Teams, to ensure influenza pathogens with pandemic potential are identified early, prepared, and responded.

Recruitment Profile

Competencies: Generic

Select up to two additional core, management and leadership competencies. See the Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model Guidelines.

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position

• Skills proficiency and knowledge in project management and operational planning in a multi-partner international context. Broad technical knowledge in Public Health in the context of improving the health of populations and/or health security. Experience and ability to design, evaluate and monitor multi-partners work plans. Good writing skills and ability to draft, evaluate and edit technical reports and publications. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and consultative skills.

Education Qualifications

Essential

• Master's level university degree in public health and/or Post graduate training in virology or microbiology or related science.
• Advanced training in Laboratory related disciplines is an advantage

Desirable

• Specialized training in public health or related field.

Experience

Essential

• At least 7 years' experience on working in influenza laboratory and implementing sentinel surveillance of influenza. The assignment requires high level of technical competence in influenza surveillance system as well as writing skills.
• Proven experience managing projects of a relative large budgets. Experience in multi-partners collaborations from multiple countries, government and non-government organizations and industry. Proven track record in research and scientific publications.

Desirable

       Experience working in an international organization. Experience working in developing countries.