NPO (VPD Surveillance)
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Guinea Bissau provides technical support to the Ministry of Health and partners to achieve objectives in vaccine-preventable disease eradication, elimination, and control. This role contributes to improving routine immunization coverage, strengthening logistics, and enhancing surveillance systems, operating within the framework of WHO's country-level health programs.
Job Purpose
This role is designed to provide crucial technical support to the Ministry of Health and its partners in Guinea Bissau, focusing on the eradication, elimination, and control of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The primary objective is to enhance routine immunization coverage through strategic interventions and the introduction of new vaccines. The position will also focus on strengthening immunization logistics, including vaccine management, cold chain, and waste disposal. Furthermore, it involves supporting and improving VPD surveillance systems, responding to outbreaks, and managing related WHO projects. The role contributes to effective resource mobilization and project management to ensure robust support for national health programs aimed at controlling VPDs.
Responsibilities
Provide technical guidance to the government and partners for planning, implementing, and evaluating supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) for polio eradication, and measles, yellow fever, and neonatal tetanus control. Offer technical support for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of surveillance systems for AFP, measles, neonatal tetanus, and yellow fever to meet eradication and control objectives. Assist in investigating and responding to VPD outbreaks. Analyze immunization data (routine coverage, SIA results, surveillance) to inform program improvements and ensure data transmission. Support the strengthening of immunization logistics, including vaccine management, cold chain, and waste management. Manage WHO projects and funds related to VPD control and participate in biennial planning. Contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including project planning, proposal development (e.g., GAVI), and reporting. Facilitate knowledge transfer from international trainings to national staff and partners. Maintain communication with WHO inter-country and Regional Offices and coordinate external technical support.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 5 years of experience in vaccination programs and VPD surveillance. Desirable: Experience working with UN agencies and other vaccination partners, experience in VPD control, and experience with surveillance systems including data management.
Skills
Proven experience in public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Demonstrated knowledge of vaccination strategies and tools. Ability to build and promote partnerships. Strong program management skills, particularly in VPD control. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.