Technical Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization's (WHO) Department of Polio Eradication and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (PVD) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) leads efforts to eradicate polio and control other vaccine-preventable diseases. It works with Member States and partners to strengthen immunization services, reduce disease burden, and achieve global immunization goals, aligning with the Immunization Agenda 2030 and GPEI strategy.

Job Purpose

This role is crucial for supporting the WHO's mission in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eradicate polio and control vaccine-preventable diseases. The Technical Officer will provide essential technical guidance and coordination for supplementary immunization activities, resource allocation, and outbreak response, particularly for wild poliovirus and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. The position contributes to strengthening national immunization programs, enhancing surveillance systems, and developing effective strategies to interrupt disease transmission. By monitoring progress, identifying risks, and developing action plans, the role directly supports achieving regional and global immunization targets and sustaining eradication efforts.

Responsibilities

Provide technical guidance for the planning and coordination of Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) in endemic, outbreak-affected, and high-risk countries. Plan and prioritize the allocation of vaccine supplies, funding, and human resources based on risk assessments and polio virus situations, in coordination with HQ, countries, and partners. Ensure effective response to wild poliovirus importations or circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks through planning, implementation, and coordination with GPEI partners. Conduct regular assessments of outbreak status, response effectiveness, and transmission likelihood. Monitor progress, identify risks and constraints in assigned countries, and support the development of action plans for polio eradication. Promote and enhance Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, including assessments, action plan development, impact evaluation, and staff training. Develop guidelines and tools for best practices in poliovirus interruption and AFP surveillance. Analyze polio priority areas to understand root causes of transmission and progress of intervention strategies. Identify training needs and document lessons learned from outbreak response activities. Develop and manage approaches to achieve polio eradication while strengthening routine immunization systems. Assist in the identification and response to other Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) outbreaks, focusing on measles and diphtheria.

Work Experience

Essential: Minimum of seven years of relevant experience at national and international levels in public health, including work in developing countries. At least four years must be in disease eradication, immunization, or infectious disease control. Desirable: Significant experience with polio eradication programs, managing large-scale immunization programs, and working with international organizations or NGOs.

Skills

Strong knowledge of public health and epidemiology. Practical expertise in public health, infectious disease surveillance and control, vaccine science, immunization, and disease eradication policies and strategies, particularly in developing countries. Proven ability to analyze surveillance, immunization monitoring, and epidemiological data. Excellent technical writing and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with governments and in field conditions. WHO Competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Building and promoting partnerships, Producing results. Language: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French and Arabic.

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