| The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. | |
| Vacancy Notice No: AFRO/15/TASR1 Title: Regional Polio Social Scientist Grade: P5 Contract type: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4 Duration of contract: Twenty four (24) months | Date: 7 January 2015 Application Deadline: 21 January 2015 (13 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station: Brazzaville, Congo Organization unit: AFRO Africa Regional Office (AF/RGO) / AF/IVE Immunization, Vaccines and Emergencies (AF/IVE) |
| OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : To support the 47 Member States in providing high-quality immunization services to all communities in order to prevent mortality, morbidity and disability from diseases which are preventable through the optimum use of currently available vaccines and vaccines that become available periodically. | |
| Description of duties: The incumbent acts as the regional focal point responsible for providing technical guidance on communication, social and behavioural aspects of polio eradication and immunization activities. Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties: a)Oversee regional activities related to social mapping and anthropological research on behaviour in relation to immunization in general and polio eradication, and in assessing why children continue to be missed during polio SIAs in particular. b)Support the design, field testing, scaling-up and monitoring of innovative communication strategies to influence social and behavioural change to result in an increased uptake in immunization services. c)In close collaboration with UNICEF regional counterparts, support the design and manage the implementation of data-based communication strategies and plans-of-action aimed at behaviour change at individual/household level; social mobilization of civil society organizations; and increased community participation in routine immunization and polio eradication activities. d)Disseminate reports and social research findings to national authorities as well as advise on course of action to take to improve the acceptance and quality of immunization services. e)Support the development of training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory and behavioural communication at various governmental levels in support of vaccination sustainability. f)Support the development of partnerships with various religious groups, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to solicit their involvement in the implementation of immunization activities. g)Provide technical support to national authorities in the development and appropriate use of communication for social development, aimed at both individual behavior change and collective action. h)In close collaboration with polio spearheading agencies, organize formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery and behavior change. i)Contribute to inter cluster collaboration on social and behavioural aspects of health and immunization j)Any other duties assigned by the supervisors | |
| REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS | |
| Education: Essential: Post-graduate degree from a recognized university in medical sociology or anthropology. Desirable: Specialized training in behavioural sciences. | |
| Skills: Must have a clear understanding and knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, interaction with media, community organization and participation; Must have training in strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication, social and cultural interventions; Must be able to transfer his/her knowledge to others; Must be an effective team player at both national and international levels. | |
| Experience: Essential: At least 10 years of national and international experience at country and/or regional level in social science research in the public health domain. Extensive experience working in developing countries. Desirable: High level experience in training and mentoring University students in health field research in the African setting would be a distinct advantage. Experience working with immunization programme at regional level in Africa. | |
| Languages: Fluent in English or French with a working knowledge of the other. | |
| Annual salary: (Net of tax) US$ 80 887 at single rate US$ 87 069 with primary dependants | Post Adjustment: 67.4 % 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. |
| This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. | |
| Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures. | |
| 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. | |
| WHO is committed to workforce diversity. | |
| Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. | |
