WHO is the United Nations’ specialized agency for Health. It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its member states usually through the Ministries of Health. WHO’s objective is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health. WHO's Secretariat is staffed by health professionals, other experts and support staff working at headquarters in Geneva, six regional offices and country offices.
Post: Scientist (Virologist)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The objectives of the immunization and vaccine development programme in the SEAR are to strengthen immunization delivery systems to achieve and sustain high routine immunization coverage; to eradicate polio and certify the region as being polio-free; to reduce mortality due to measles by 95% by 2015 compared to year 2000 estimates; to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus; to build capacity of the national regulatory authority in all Member States; to ensure vaccine supply of assured quality; to monitor adverse events following immunization and to facilitate introduction of available new and underutilized vaccines for the benefit of all people. A well-functioning and quality laboratory service is essential to the process of certifying eradication of polio from the world and to the prevention and control of vaccine preventable diseases. Control of vaccine preventable diseases would thus contribute to the reduction of under five mortality and to the health and well-being of all people.
Description of duties:
Under the supervision of the Director Family Health and Research and coordination of the Coordinator, Immunization and Vaccine Development, the incumbent will collaborate and coordinate with relevant WHO technical staff at all levels to provide policy, managerial and supervisory guidance to the focal points of the polio, measles/rubella and other VPD laboratory networks in the South-East Asia Region of WHO. The incumbent will provide advice and guidance to the Member States on quality laboratory services and process of certifying eradication of polio from the SEAR. The incumbent will also assist FHR/Coordinator in monitoring and management of the regional vaccine preventable disease laboratory networks, in particular the SEAR Poliovirus Laboratory Network and the SEAR Measles/rubella Laboratory Network, at the regional and national level, including monitoring laboratory surveillance indicators, quality assurance, equipment and supply needs, shipment of specimens and overseeing poliovirus/measles/rubella data bank and performing analysis of the results to generate updated epidemiological reports.
1. Provide policy guidelines and strategic directions for development and effective management of the laboratory network for polio and other vaccine preventable diseases. Lead the planning for translating global strategies into regional plans for strengthening laboratory support for surveillance of Polio, Measles and other VPDs.
2. Provide technical guidelines for acute flaccid paralysis surveillance within the context of the Polio laboratory activity with the predominate aim to interrupting wild Polio virus transmission.
3. Develop strategies for integration and coordination of logistic support for collection, transport of specimens, timely reporting and information flow for vaccine preventable diseases in coordination with surveillance and National program managers.
4. Develop laboratory data management systems and reporting formats for vaccine preventable disease. Monitor information flow between the laboratories and program managers.
5. Advise and provide technical support to ensure laboratories are implementing the recommended WHO strategies through onsite reviews. Provide technical support to laboratories to meet the requirements of good laboratory practices for Polio, Measles and other priority vaccine preventable diseases. Advise the program managers and the government on the complexity of the laboratory activity to enlist support to address specific laboratory issues.
6. Manage the conduct of accreditation review of Polio and Measles laboratory network and take appropriate action to ensure high quality performance. Develop accreditation criteria for new activities.
7. Advise on specifics of equipments and supplies for the laboratories. Supervise the procurement process. Build country capacities to manage the procurement.
8. Assess the laboratory training needs; develop a training plan as per the requirements of the programs and the laboratories. Provide technical inputs in the training and capacity building of the laboratories. Provide orientation and training for surveillance medical officers and program managers on the laboratory aspects of testing and interpretation of results.
9. Lead the development of work plan for the laboratory activity in line with the regional strategies and in coordination with technical units and HQ collaborate with donor agencies for funding and integration of laboratory network activity.
10. Advise on specific technical aspects and guidelines to the program for other EPI activities targeted to laboratory aspects of vaccine preventable diseases.
11. Any other duties as assigned.
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Candidate Profile:
Education:
University degree in medical or biomedical fields. Advanced Post Graduate degree with specialization in virology.
Skills:
Expert knowledge and laboratory bench experience in at least the past ten years in either a polio and/or measles/rubella laboratory for diagnosis and/or research. Expert knowledge in poliovirus diagnosis and using molecular technique for rapid typing of polioviruses and/or expert knowledge in measles/rubella diagnosis and using molecular technique for rapid typing of measles/rubella viruses in support of polio eradication and/or measles/rubella elimination initiatives. Thorough knowledge of clinical and laboratory surveillance and previous experience and understanding of VPDs and work-related experience in developing countries and management of a national laboratory or network of laboratories. Knowledge of diagnosis of communicable diseases control and epidemiology and ability to work with national and international staff as member of the IVD polio eradication team both in the laboratory setting as well as the international advisory and support levels. Previous experience and understanding of VPD diseases and work-related experience in developing countries. Proven track record of successfully acting as an international adviser or consultant.
Competencies:
1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
3. Fostering integration and teamwork
4. Promoting innovation and organizational learning
5. Moving forward in a changing environment
Other Skills (e.g. IT): Proficiency in excel spreadsheets, word processing, presentations and database software.
Experience:
At least 10 years of experience including five years recent experience in running a diagnostic polio and/or measles/rubella virology laboratory at national and/or regional level, including specific work with polioviruses and/or measles/rubella viruses. Considerable international experience in management and coordination of polio and/or measles/rubella laboratory networks at national or regional level.
Desirable: Knowledge of laboratory work on other vaccine preventable diseases
Languages: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
USD 80,887 at single rate
USD 87,069 with primary dependants
Additional Information:
Vacancy Notice No: SEAR/RO/14/FT16
Grade: P5
Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment
Duration of contract: Two years
Application Deadline: 27th November 2014
Duty Station: New Delhi, India
Organization unit: SEARO Regional Office for the South East Asia (SE/RGO) /
SE/FHR Department of Family and Research (SE/FHR)
SE/IVD Immunization and Vaccine Development
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