Technical Officer – Immunization

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To reduce morbidity and mortality attributable to vaccine-preventable diseases through strengthening of routine immunization, surveillance systems, vaccination campaigns, and evidence-based programme management in accordance with national policies and global/regional technical guidance.
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Provide technical support in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of immunization related programmes, activities and vaccination campaigns such as the Philippine National Immunization Strategy (NIS), including tracking key performance indicators and supporting corrective actions at national and subnational levels.
2. Analyze immunization coverage and programme performance data (FIC, zero-dose, dropout rates, antigen-specific trends) and promote evidence-based use of data for programme improvement, including identification of equity gaps and zero-dose populations.
3. Provide technical input in strengthening vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) and AEFI surveillance systems, including monitoring of AFP, measles/AFR, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and other priority diseases, and supporting improvement of surveillance quality and performance indicators.
4. Support the preparation and consolidation of national documentation and technical reports required for certification and verification processes, and technical materials for Regional Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meetings and related consultations.
5. Provide inputs to the development, review, and periodic updating of national immunization and VPD strategic documents, including the National Immunization Strategy, disease control and elimination action plans (e.g., measles/rubella), outbreak preparedness and response plans, and new vaccine introduction plans.
6. Support implementation of immunization system strengthening initiatives, including data quality assessments, follow-up to Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) recommendations, and improvement of immunization information systems.
7. Collaborate with the DOH and other partners in building capacity of immunization and surveillance officers and provide technical inputs on training materials, mentoring, and field-based support.
8. Prepare technical reports, briefing notes, and programme updates, and contribute to annual work planning, monitoring, and reporting aligned with the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy and global immunization monitoring frameworks.
   
    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field.
Desirable: Postgraduate training in epidemiology, immunization programme management, or public health.

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/ . 

Experience

Essential: At least 2 years of relevant experience supporting immunization programme implementation and monitoring including experience in VPD surveillance and outbreak response.
Desirable: Experience working with national or subnational health authorities or international health organizations.
 

Skills

• Sound knowledge of routine immunization systems, vaccination campaigns, and VPD surveillance standards
• Ability to analyze immunization and surveillance data and provide evidence-based recommendations
• Knowledge of certification and verification frameworks for polio eradication and measles/rubella elimination
• Familiarity with immunization system strengthening tools (e.g., EVM, DQS, microplanning)
• Good facilitation and coordination skills
• Ability to conduct field monitoring and technical supervision
   

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and local language
 

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Familiarity with data analysis and information systems (e.g., DHIS2, Epi Info, GIS, Stata or equivalent) is an advantage. 

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at PHP 1,912,039  (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Staff members who have been separated as a result of the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will be given special consideration.

• 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.

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