Technical Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization)

| Job Description - Technical Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization) (2603991) Technical Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization)-(2603991)Grade:NO-BContractual Arrangement:Fixed-term appointmentContract Duration (Years, Months, Days):2 years## Job Posting:Sep 22, 2026, 10:03:19 PM## Closing Date:Oct 14, 2026, 5:59:00 PM## Primary Location:Samoa-Apia## Organization:WP_WSM Samoa## Schedule:Full-timeIMPORTANT NOTICE:Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.## OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMMEIn line with the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), the WHO Representative office for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau supports WHO’s overarching goal to promote, provide and protect health and well-being for all people, everywhere. The office supports the respective governments in their efforts to accelerate, achieve, and sustain the control, elimination, and eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) by adopting integrated people-centred approaches geared to reduce morbidity and mortality of such conditions. There will be a focus on reaching missed and zero-dose children; introducing and scaling-up priority and new vaccines; and intensifying preventive vaccination campaigns. ## DESCRIPTION OF DUTIESThe incumbent will perform all of part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.1.Work under the direct supervision of the respective officer, and overall guidance and supervision of the head of the WHO country office.2.Technically support:        a. the delivery of technical advice to the governments and national stakeholders in the adaptation, development and implementation of    immunization strategies, policies, work programmes and plans, including approaches to sustainable programme financing at national and subnational levels, towards achieving optimal immunization outcomes.        b. the monitoring of the national burden of vaccine preventable diseases or factors especially through health information system and health research activities including program review, coverage survey, seroprevalence studies, and the evaluation of new interventions for program improvement      c. the Ministries of Health in planning and organizing national and subnational vaccination campaigns, ensuring alignment with strategic immunization goals.      d. the governments with implementing activities recommended by the Sub-regional Verification Committee (SRVC) for Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Pacific.3.Contribute to the development, monitoring and evaluation of work plans and budget implementation of planned activities, in consultation with national counterparts; including providing support to resource mobilization efforts to ensure sustainable immunization program implementation.4.Coordinate the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based norms, standards, guidelines, and tools in the programme areas5.Provide technical input in the development of information, education, and communication materials to foster community awareness and health practice in the life-course immunization. ## REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS### EducationEssential: University degree in medicine, nursing, public health, or other related sciencesDesirable: Training or specialization in, immunization, vaccine preventable diseases, surveillance or related field.Essential: At least two years of working experience in supporting the development and/or implementation of public health, capacity building policies/strategies, and programmes in the area of Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization at national level. Professional experience providing technical services to Member States and other partners in relevant public health programmes in resource limited settings.Desirable: Experience working in in the area of immunization service delivery and disease surveillance, and analyze life course data.Relevant work experience, with WHO and/or United Nations agencies, health cluster partners, non-governmental or humanitarian organizations### Skills•    Knowledge and skills in program management, for the development and implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of successful public-health action plans, programmes, and interventions in immunization and vaccine preventable diseases surveillance systems, and other life course areas •    Knowledge, skills, and results in coordinating integrated, multi-sectoral, public-health programme interventions, taking into consideration the views of multiple stakeholders•    Skills in planning, training, monitoring, and evaluation of interventions, and the development of locally adapted tools and instruments•    Skills to work effectively with government officials at various levels, nongovernmental organizations and international colleagues and partners in resource-limited contexts•    Excellent oral and written communication, including for reports, presentations, and technical documents, and good inter-personal skills  •    Skills to advocate and communicate critical life-course messages •    Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct### WHO CompetenciesCommunicationRespecting and promoting individual and cultural differencesTeamworkProducing resultsBuilding and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond### Use of Language SkillsEssential: Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English language.## REMUNERATIONRemuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at WST 77,024 (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