National Professional Officer (vaccine Preventable Diseases)

Organizational Context

The WHO Representative Office for Samoa supports governments in achieving and sustaining the control, elimination, and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). It focuses on reaching unvaccinated children, introducing new vaccines, and intensifying vaccination campaigns, aligning with the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14) to promote health and well-being for all.

Job Purpose

This role supports WHO's mission by providing technical and managerial advice to governments and stakeholders in Samoa and surrounding territories. The primary purpose is to facilitate the development and implementation of effective strategies, policies, and work plans for immunization programs. This includes resource mobilization, monitoring program implementation, and evaluating interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, with a specific focus on reaching zero-dose children and scaling up vaccination efforts.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will provide technical and managerial advice to governments and national stakeholders on developing and implementing sustainable, integrated strategies for immunization programs. This includes contributing to work plans and budgets, supporting resource mobilization, and monitoring program implementation. Responsibilities also involve assessing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, facilitating the adoption of evidence-based guidelines, documenting best practices, and assisting in planning and organizing national vaccination campaigns. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the development of communication materials to promote community awareness and health practices related to life-course immunization.

Work Experience

Essential: At least five years of experience in developing and implementing public health policies, strategies, and programs for Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization at the national level. Experience providing technical services in resource-limited settings is also required. Desirable: Experience in immunization service delivery, disease surveillance, data analysis, and working with UN agencies or international health organizations.

Skills

Program management, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of public health action plans and interventions in immunization and VPD surveillance. Skills in coordinating multi-sectoral health programs, planning, training, and developing locally adapted tools. Ability to work effectively with government officials and international partners in resource-limited contexts. Excellent oral and written communication, reporting, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to advocate and communicate life-course messages. Teamwork and adaptability.

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