Technical Officer (Polio)

Position details

• Vacancy number: 2604558
• Grade: NO-C
• Contractual arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
• Contract duration: 12 Months (Subject to availability of funds,satisfactory performance and continuing needfor the position)
• Organization: EM_SOM WHO Representative%27s Office, Somalia
• Schedule: Full-time
• Closing date: Nov 9, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To stop transmission of poliovirus from Somalia by the year 2017 through routine and supplementary immunization and a high-quality AFP surveillance system.In addition, to reduce morbidity of other EPI target diseases.
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the technical direction of the Team Lead Polio and Vaccine Preventable Diseases (PVD) and the overall supervision of the WHO Representative, the incumbent will work as National Professional Officer with responsibility and accountability for the country's programme. He/she will be responsible for the work of a number of Polio Eradication Officers by providing advice and supervision.

1. Support surveillance activities (for AFP and VPI diseases) to ensure achievement/maintenance of certification standards by: a) Participating in the planning and in the implementation of active surveillance and routine reporting. b) Supporting the training activities and supervision of surveillance/support staff in the area of assignment. c) Participating in the organization of advocacy/orientation meetings for health care providers. d) Ensuring proper case investigations, follow-up, and classification. e) Regular analysis of surveillance data and monitoring indicators.

 2. Support the development and strengthening of routine immunization through:  a) Participating in the development of micro-plans for implementation of routine immunization using guidance from the National Immunization Strategy (NIS). b) Coordinating with partners on activities related to routine immunization and ensuring community participation. c) Timely analysis and interpretation of routine immunization data and its use for corrective action. 

3. Support supplementary immunization activities through:  a)Support preparations, implementation, and monitoring of supplementary immunization activities, including micro-planning, training, and monitoring. b) Timely analysis of data and its use for corrective action. 

4. Liaise with different EPI/PEI (Polio Eradication Initiative) partners and enlist continued commitment of national and local authorities to stated goals. 5. Oversee activities of national support staff recruited by WHO working in the Polio eradication and immunization activities. 

6. Submit monthly reports to reflect progress achieved, constraints and proposed actions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine from a recognized medical school.
Desirable: Postgraduate qualifications in public health (preferably in epidemiology of child health).
 

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years' experience in Polio Eradication and EPI-related activities.
Desirable: Experience in NGOs, UN agencies, or the Ministry of Health in immunization related areas.
 

Skills

Managerial skills, providing leadership to the staff, and knowledge of Epidemiology.
 

WHO Competencies

https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/who-careers/who-enhanced-competence.pdf?sfvrsn=aae66472_3&download=true

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment.

 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. 

Expert knowledge of the local language.

Desirable: N/A

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 55,151 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

• 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: http://www.whed.net/. 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 eManual.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• 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 (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life 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. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• 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.

• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates
• Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:
  • Your profile is properly completed and updated.
  • All required details regarding your qualifications, education and training are provided.
  • Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.
  • Kindly note that CVs/PHFs inserted via LinkedIn are not accessible.