Technical Officer (PIP)

The Technical Officer serves as the regional focal point for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) in the WHO African region, leading a team to provide technical support to member states to strengthen national capacity for influenza epidemic detection and monitoring through laboratory and epidemiological surveillance. The role involves collaboration with WHO clusters and partners to build capacity, develop tools, and implement evidence-based policies and plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and monitor the implementation of PIP framework in Africa working closely with PIP teams at HQ and other regions.
• Support the organization of the regional scientific meeting on the implementation of the PIP framework.
• Contribute to the preparation of the PIP coordination meeting between HQ, RO and WCO focal points.
• Ensure close follow up with WCO on the implementation of the PIP project in the 9 selected countries within the region.
• Collaborate with Vaccines in Emergencies and MCM Teams in identifying research priorities and novel service delivery models.
• Explore integration with other preparedness programs to enhance systems approach in the implementation of PIP program.
• Work collaboratively with One Health and laboratory Teams to ensure influenza pathogens with pandemic potential are identified early, prepared, and responded.

Requirements

• Master's level university degree in public health and/or Post graduate training in virology or microbiology or related science.
• Advanced training in Laboratory related disciplines is an advantage.
• Specialized training in public health or related field is desirable.
• At least 7 years' experience working in influenza laboratory and implementing sentinel surveillance of influenza.
• High level of technical competence in influenza surveillance system as well as writing skills.
• Proven experience managing projects of a relatively large budget.
• Experience in multi-partners collaborations from multiple countries, government and non-government organizations and industry.
• Proven track record in research and scientific publications.
• Experience working in an international organization is desirable.
• Experience working in developing countries is desirable.
• Expert knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of French.
• Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.
• Computer literacy with sound knowledge of access software and basic programming skills.

Skills

• Public Health
• Virology
• Microbiology
• Laboratory Techniques
• Influenza Surveillance
• Sentinel Surveillance
• Technical Writing
• Project Management
• Multi-partner Collaboration
• Research Publication
• Epidemiological Surveillance
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
• Capacity Building
• Policy Development
• Access Software
• Basic Programming

Languages

English, French