Assistant Regional Polio Officer (ARPO)

About World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the technical and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership in global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical and implementation support and monitoring and assessing health trends. In Afghanistan, WHO works to improve the health and well-being of all Afghans by preventing and reducing mortality, morbidity and disability and strengthening health services in close coordination with national and international partners.

Job Summary

To provide technical assistance for polio eradication activities in Kunduz provinces for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative: Planning, implementation, supervision and evaluation of supplementary/complementary immunization activities, AFP surveillance and for Routine Immunization. The specific Priority is to focus on improving the quality of polio supplementary immunization activities and AFP surveillance activities in assigned area.

Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusing on the intricacy and difficulty of working environment):

- In charge of the province allocated in PEI

- Conduct AFP Surveillance activities 

- Supervise DPOs under his/her jurisdiction

- Training health workers and FLWs

- Conducting SIAs

- Supervision of routine immunization activities

- Supervision of PTTs

- Supervise District Coordinators

- Supervision of Cluster supervisors

- Selection of volunteers

- Compiling Microplans for the Province

- Coordination of all AFP activities in the province

Duties & Responsibilities

 The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Regional Polio Officer/Regional Polio Officer/Medical Officer, Regional TL, Polio TL/AFG, and under the overall supervision of the WHO Representative. Assistant Regional Polio Officer will undertake the following duties.

• Oversee, supervise and monitor AFP surveillance activities in the region.

• Produce monthly report on the implementation of the monthly plan.

• Maintain the AFP line list, rec. files and hard/soft copies of AFP surveillance data for the region and share updated rec. file weekly with the country office. 

• Supervise/monitor/support surveillance activities of PPOs including active surveillance visits. 

• Regularly review the AFP surveillance network and include the health facilities which get operationalized and add the care providers and reporting volunteers using the healthcare contacts information. 

• Produce active surveillance/zero report data to the South Region office on monthly basis. 

• Analyze data on AFP surveillance, share the information with Regional TL and other relevant persons and field staff and use the information for action.

• Facilitate/monitor/supervise surveillance related capacity building activities - training session for focal persons, healthcare providers and reporting volunteers 

• Provide technical assistance to provincial and district teams in the region for improving planning and micro-planning for SIAs. 

• Conduct/supervise training of cluster supervisors, FLWs, ICM, PCM, and LQAS monitors.

• Supervise/monitor SIAs and CVAs and submit report to the Regional TL.

• Support data collection, compilation and analysis after completion of SIA rounds. 

• Report to Regional TL any information related to access or issues related to implementation of PEI activities.

• Support the regional team in timely distribution of vaccine, logistics and supplies. 

• Support provincial and district polio officers to achieve SIAs coverage above 95%. 

• Facilitate regular coordination meetings with all PEI/EPI implementing partners.

• Assist MoPH and oversee Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance and reporting AEFI.

Assist Regional TL on any other related tasks assigned like assignments from Regional Emergency Operational committee (EOC) and Regional Rapid Response Team (RRRT) and others

Job Requirements

Medical Doctor (MD) Educations:

1. Medical Doctor (MD)

Master’s Degree in Public health or Epidemiology will be an added advantage

2. Skill of Good relations with all relevant stakeholders in the area. 

3. Local languages (Pashtu and Dari) is mandatory with advanced working knowledge of English.

4. Ability to negotiate access and effective communication on PEI/EPI relevant issues/activities. 

5. Results oriented in the context of the PEI/EPI program.

6. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team to adapt to diverse educational and cultural background and maintain high standards of personal conduct. 

7. Willingness to work long hours and weekends, especially during important activities such as conferences/meetings, vaccination campaigns, and other events.

Competencies:

1. Producing results

2. Fostering Integration and Teamwork

3. Communicating in a credible and effective way

4. Moving forward in a changing environment.

5. Effective use of resources

6. Team Player

7. Able to work in harsh conditions and under pressure

Functional Skills and Knowledge:

- Training skill to be able to train health workers and FLWS

- High Knowledge on AFP surveillance

- Excellent Knowledge of PEI and EPI

Experience:

Essential: 5-10 years in Polio Surveillance

At least 5 years of relevant Technical and Managerial experiences, preferably with National or international agencies. 

PEI/EPI experience required

IT Skills: 

Good working knowledge on word, excel and power point and able to use internet browsers 

Criteria 

 Screening of the candidates:

 Long List - The candidates shall be longlisted base on the minimum qualifications and relevant experience to the Vacancy Notice (VN).

 Short List - Further shortlist shall be done based on years of relevant experience, higher education and required skills.

 Assessment method:

 WHO may conduct written/presentation and interview or combination of the mentioned mediums to select the most qualified candidate.

 WHO is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply and equally qualified female candidate will be given preference.

Submission Guideline

Interested applicants (Afghan National) meeting the above qualifications are requested to submit their applications quoting this Vacancy Announcement Number (WHOAFG- 2022- 04-30) along with their curriculum vitae, copy of National ID (Tazkira) to below mentioned email: Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ONLY CANDIDATES WHO QUALIFY AND UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEW AND TEST.

Functional Area

Health/Medical

Countries

Submission Email

emacoafgvacancies@who.int

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