Medical Officer (EPI), World Health Organization - Yangon, Mynmar

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: SEAR/CO/12/FT07 Title: Medical Officer (EPI) Grade: P5 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  One Year Limited Duration (Extendable)	Date: 24 August 2012 Application Deadline: 21 September 2012 (8 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Yangon, Myanmar   Organization unit: SEARO Countries (SE_ACO) / SE_MMR WR Office, Myanmar (SE_MMR)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : In line with WHO Global and Regional policies, to assist Ministry of Health in intensive implementation of EPI, to strengthen surveillance of all Expanded Programme on immunization vaccines preventable disease, to strengthen intensification of routine immunization and introduction of new vaccine, to provide technical assistance for the polio eradication programme in concurrence with Regional / Global policies and strategies and to provide technical assistance to Ministry of Health in Epidemiology Unit.
Description of duties: Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to Myanmar and the technical guidance of IVD and DSE units in SEARO, the incumbent will work in close collaboration with the national EPI team. Serve as team leader and manage WHO-supported Regional Surveillance officer's network. The incumbent will perform the following duties: A. Technical support for the polio eradication programme in concurrence with Regional/Global policies and strategies and specifically: 1. Strengthen and maintain Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance to certification standards, ensuring operational viability of the system, dissemination of timely information and conduct outbreak response as appropriate. 2. Organize supplementary immunization activities as required and coordinate these with neighbouring countries to ensure that the polio-free state of the country is maintained. 3. Facilitate the certification process in the country and organize/conduct the documentation process and any activity, study or research that may be required in order to generate information in support of certification. B. Technical support for Strengthening Vaccine preventable surveillance: 1. Provide Technical support to MOH to ensure that Measles elimination plans are developed and implemented in country, Case bases measles surveillance is strengthen and smooth introduction of Measles 2nd dose of vaccine in routine. Supervise development of training materials and guidelines for guidance in implementation, monitoring and evaluation. 2. Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate integrated surveillance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis, measles, Influenza and neonatal tetanus and eventually all vaccine preventable diseases, by expanding scope of use of polio resources, where feasible to support this. C. Technical support for Strengthening of Intensification of routine immunization and introduction of new vaccine specifically: 1. Identification and developing plans for Intensification of routine immunization in low coverage areas. 2. Introduction of new vaccines in Myanmar EPI program i.e. Pentavalent and measles 2nd dose. D. Provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in Epidemiology unit. 1. Planning, implementation and analysis of epidemiological surveillance for infectious diseases including Avian Influenza and other new emerging diseases. 2. Support planning and implementation of activities related to the implementation of International Health Regulations ( IHR) . E. Perform other duties, as may be assigned by WR. F. To submit an assignment report at the end of the assignment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: Advanced University degree at Masters level in medical or biomedical fields. Desirable: Advanced Post Graduate degree in Public Health with specialization in Epidemiology.
Skills: Functional Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of epidemiology, communicable disease control and laboratory diagnosis specifically for EPI diseases, knowledge of clinical and laboratory surveillance. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated willingness and ability to work in a team setting especially in difficult environment and experience of EPI in foreign country. Previous experience and understanding of EPI and IHR programme and work related experience in developing countries and extensive international and national experience in public health programme management. Competencies: 1. Communicating in a credible and effective way 2. Moving forward in a changing environment 3. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 4. Fostering integration and team work 5. Ensuring the effective use of resources 6. Producing results 7. Knowing and managing results Other Skills (e.g. IT): Proficiency in excel spreadsheets, word processing, presentations and database software
Experience: Essential: Minimum 10 years experience in Public Health, including 5 years experience at international level in EPI Programme and VPD surveillance. Desirable: Experience in working with National Immunization Programme.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) US$ 80,734 at single rate US$ 86,904 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
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All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
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Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.