Senior Technical Officer (Deputy Team Leader) at WHO – Polio Eradication & Immunization (Multiple Locations).
Job Title: Senior Technical Officer (Deputy Team Leader)
Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
Location: Multiple locations in Pakistan
Focus Area: Polio Eradication and Immunization Programs
Grade: P5
Contract Type: Fixed-term appointment
Duration: One year (subject to funding availability, performance, and program needs)
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting Details
- Posted On: March 27, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 19, 2025
- Primary Location: Multiple duty stations
Program Objectives
The WHO Polio Eradication Initiative in Pakistan aims to eliminate polio as outlined in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategic Plan 2022-2029. Additionally, the program seeks to reduce morbidity and mortality from other vaccine-preventable diseases through the implementation of IA2030 strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Coordinator/Team Leader for Polio and EPI and the general guidance of the WHO Representative, the incumbent will collaborate closely with national authorities to:
- Provide technical support in developing and monitoring National Emergency Action Plans (NEAP) for polio eradication. Assist in execution, updates, and evaluations.
- Support the development of national and provincial EPI strategic plans to align with IA2030 goals.
- Manage technical and operational units within the WHO Polio/EPI team at the national level, focusing on operations and immunization.
- Collaborate with partners, including the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, Gavi, CDC, Rotary, and the Global Fund, ensuring effective implementation of polio and immunization initiatives.
- Assess and enhance Post-Campaign Surveys and EPI coverage assessments, including SIAs and immunization data management.
- Support the Ministry in evaluating and implementing new initiatives in coordination with stakeholders.
- Conduct performance reviews of field staff to strengthen management and accountability.
- Provide technical guidance for maintaining highly sensitive AFP and vaccine-preventable disease surveillance systems.
- Supervise and support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of routine and Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs).
- Advocate for program support, engaging high-level officials and new partners to enhance Routine Immunization and Polio Eradication efforts.
- Guide the implementation of EPI strategies, integrating polio infrastructure to strengthen overall immunization services and disease surveillance.
- Prepare comprehensive program reports and follow-ups, particularly on poliomyelitis eradication and EPI.
- Promote collaboration with potential donors and UN partners to secure resources and enhance immunization efforts.
- Perform additional duties as required.
Qualifications & Experience
Education:
- Essential: University degree in Medicine or a health-related field and a Master’s Degree in Public Health, majoring in epidemiology.
Experience:
- Essential: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience at the national and international levels in public health and disease control.
- Desirable: Experience in immunization programs and field training.
Skills & Competencies:
- Expertise in public health program management, especially EPI programs and polio eradication.
- Strong ability to build and promote partnerships across organizations.
- Proven capacity in health leadership and advocacy.
- Effective in multicultural environments, working with diverse teams.
- Technical expertise in epidemiology, disease prevention, and eradication.
WHO Core Competencies:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Respect for individual and cultural differences
- Resource management efficiency
- Partnership building
- Creating an empowering and motivating work environment
Language Requirements:
- Essential: Proficiency in English.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Base Salary: USD 101,540 per year (subject to deductions for pension and health insurance).
- Post Adjustment Allowance: USD 2,945 per month (subject to duty station variations).
- Other Benefits:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Dependent family allowances
- Home leave provisions
- Education grant for dependent children
Additional Information
- This vacancy may be used to fill similar positions at the same grade.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- The selection process may include a written test and/or video assessment.
- Candidates must provide accredited academic credentials before appointment.
- WHO encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.
- WHO maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and other misconduct.
- Vaccination compliance is required for WHO assignments.
- WHO promotes a smoke-free workplace and does not hire tobacco users.
- Retirement age: 65 years. External applicants must be able to complete their term before retirement.
For additional details on WHO operations, visit: www.who.int.
