National Professional Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy(CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health-related risks.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHOWHO's mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i)advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable development goals; (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv)implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products; and (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.

The South-East Asia Region (SEAR)of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India's population of 1.3 billion.

All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right.

All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.

The mission of WHO India is to improve quality of life of the 1.3 billion people in India by supporting the government in eliminating vaccine preventable and other communicable diseases, reducing maternal and neonatal mortalities, promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing determinants of health, preparing and responding to health emergencies and strengthening health systems for universal health coverage.

The WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages; achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Head of WHO Country Office and the direct supervision of the Team Lead for the National Public Health Support Programme (NPSP), the incumbent will carry out the following responsibilities and duties:

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of NPSP under its expanded mandate to Immunization, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and health emergencies, both in the Field and at Central Level in Delhi, through the NPSP Regions and the Central Support Team based in Delhi.
• Develop and communicate to staff & stakeholders, Policy documents, Roadmaps and other Protocols, and adapt to the country context, relevant Guidelines and other WHO normative materials, for the timely and effective deployment of NPSP's operations into the States and Union Territories, across India.
• Direct the development of clear and accountable work plans for NPSP and ensure that the activities of NPSP Regions, Sub-Regions and Field Offices are aligned with the WCO/India's Strategic Direction and operational priorities, and pre-defined goals and objectives are met in all Technical Areas under NPSP's preview.
• Provide technical leadership to WHO NPSP for the implementation of the polio eradication and End game strategic plan (PEESP), including maintenance of polio-free status and monitor the implementation of PEESP until global certification of polio eradication.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical oversight to NPSP technical teams on routine immunization strengthening, introduction of new vaccines, vaccine safety aspects of the Universal Immunization Program of India including data management and align their work with the emerging priorities and optimize support to the field staff of NPSP.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to NPSP technical teams on measles elimination and rubella/CRS control, surveillance and control of other vaccine preventable diseases including research for vaccine preventable diseases in alignment with field staff of NPSP.
• Interact with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Officials, polio partners, donors and other stakeholders for the development and implementation of NPSP transition plan, by ensuring that the functions needed to maintain a polio-free world after eradication, are mainstreamed into ongoing public health programs, non-essential capabilities and processes are transitioned to support other health priorities and that the knowledge generated and lessons learned from polio eradication activities are documented and shared with other health initiatives.
• Coordinate the support to NPSP from the other components of WCO/India such as the Communicable Diseases Administration Team.
• Undertake any other related tasks/duties assigned by the supervisors and submit regular assignment reports.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
#### Education

Essential:
Advanced University Degree in Medicine.

Desirable:

Post Graduate degree or training in Public Health/Epidemiology/Public Health Administration/Organization of health services or control of Communicable Diseases. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution.

#### Experience

Essential:

Atleast seven (7) years of professional experience in the development and implementation of health programs at national / state level in the area of poliomyelitis, epidemiology and control of communicable diseases with particular expertise and experience in Polio eradication, immunization, vaccines-preventable diseases and managing large teams with a strong field experience.

Desirable:

Experience in the prevention and control of other communicable diseases and integrated diseases surveillance. Experience of work in UN and/or other international organizations.

#### Skills

• The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization.
• Thorough knowledge of the situation in India with regard to laboratory services with good understanding of country's needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of communicable diseases, especially tuberculosis.
• Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas.
• Good knowledge of the administrative functioning of government institutions and related departments/agencies, and of the other partners in India.
• Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence.
• Leadership skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and international levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues.
• Very good ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors.
• Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.
• Modern management skills (planning and evaluation, etc.). Capacity to prepare terms of reference and to prepare and monitor and manage the implementation of contractual agreements.
• Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly.
• Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports. Knowledge of WHO /UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

#### WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

#### Use of Language Skills

Essential:
Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.

Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 5,092,426 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The list can be accessed through the link:
. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States () are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the [WHO Values Charter]) into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy worklife balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Countryspecific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccinationrelated queries please directly contact SHW directly at []().
• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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