Important notice :

Objectives of the programme

The Goal of the MVIP is to provide an updated WHO policy recommendation on the use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The strategic objective is to provide timely availability of pilot implementation evidence on RTS,S feasibility, impact, and safety for submission to the WHO‘s SAGE/MPAC aiming for final data submission in 2022. To accomplish this, WHO will work with the European Medicines Agency, National Regulatory Authorities of the three countries (Ghana, Kenya and Malawi) to support the joint review of article 58 reports and other relevant documents and to provide special authorization of the RTS,S vaccine for use exclusively in the MVIP and work with the national EPI and other partners, to provide oversight and monitor adverse events following immunization.

Description of duties

The Immunization Technical Advisor serves in the WHO MVIP Regional Implementation Support Team to support the overall project coordination and project activities in country. The incumbent works closely with the COGs, WCO MVIP teams, and the evaluation partners to support scientific, technical and policy aspects of the pilot. Specific duties include (but are not limited to):• Assist with the development/field testing and implementation of vaccine introduction plans, training modules, development of registers, MCH cards, and job aids to support RTS,S implementation across the three pilot countries in a consistent way, according to necessary timelines • Assist with training of trainers and health workers• As part of the pilot implementation unit, will ensure timelines are kept for introduction and provide assistance as needed to meet those timelines• Monitor the reporting and quality of routine administrative data provision, ensure regular analysis of the data and set thresholds for action to improve coverage if indicators show coverage faltering• Assist EPI programs with the development and/or implementation of defaulter tracing programs and, if needed, creative means to increase coverage• Represent MVIP at meetings and to stakeholders in the region • Serve as a resource to country teams and implementing partners to respond to questions, and to provide support, including joining the country team to move work forward as needed• Support safety/AE surveillance reporting activities Other duties, as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Essential : Medical degree and Masters’ Degree in Medicine, Public Health or Epidemiology or other related field.
Desirable :

Experience

Essential : – At least 7 years’ experience of relevant work experience at the national and international levels in regulation in low-resource environments in Africa.- Demonstrated experience in working with MOH and partners. – Proven experience to work to deadlines and budgets, in collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders.- Excellent communication skills. – Experience using data for decision making.

Desirable :

Skills

1. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of principles, practices, methodology and techniques of RTS,S MVIP programme ;
2. Excellent capacity in programme management, coordination, and organization ;
3. In-depth knowledge of EPI and child health; understanding of malaria in Africa ;
4. Ability to work as a team member, and sensitivity to working in a multi-cultural environment ;
5. Outstanding communication skills.
   

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential : Expert knowledge of English.