Provincial Polio Officer (PPO)

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 coordinate Provincial Polio Eradication activities including Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs), maintain quality AFP surveillance and support EPI through PEI

Objectives of the Programme and the immediate Strategic Objective (Overview of the program):

To provide technical assistance for polio eradication activities in Puli Khumri & Doshi districts of Baghlan province for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative: Planning, implementation, supervision and evaluation of supplementary immunization campaigns, AFP surveillance and for RI. Priority is specifically 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 NIDs and SIAs

- Supervision of routine immunization activities

- Supervision of PTTs

- Supervise District Coordinators

- Supervision of Cluster supervisors

- Selection of volunteers

- Compiling Micro Plans for the Province

- Coordination of all AFP activities in the province

Duties & Responsibilities

Technical and Administrative control:

Working under direct supervision of the WHO Polio Team Lead in the Region and Polio Team Lead/AFG and the overall supervision of the WHO Representative, the Assistant Regional Polio Officer will undertake the following duties:

I. Acute Flaccid Paralysis Surveillance:  

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

ii. Make his monthly plan and approve from his supervisor. 

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

iv. Ensure that all PPOs make monthly plans reflecting AFP surveillance activities and implementation report

v. Maintain the AFP linelist, rec. files and hard/soft copies of AFP surveillance data for the region 

vi. Ensure that updated rec. file is shared weekly with the country office. 

vii. Provide updated information on any activity related to AFP surveillance

viii. 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. 

ix. Participate/supervise the training session for focal persons , healthcare providers and reporting volunteers

x. Keep balance between SIAs and AFP surveillance activities in monthly plans. 

xi. Supervise/monitor active surveillance visits. 

xii. Produce Active surveillance/Zero report data to the country office on monthly basis. 

xiii. Analyze data on AFP surveillance and use the information for action. Share the information with Medical officer/ RPO and other relevant persons and field staff.  

II. Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs): 

i. Provide technical Assist to provincial and district teams in the region for improving planning and microplanning for SIAs. 

ii. Review and revise microplan after each round of with support from PPOs and DPOs, 

iii. Conduct/Supervise training of cluster supervisors, FLWs, ICM, PCM, and LQAS monitors.

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

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

vi. Report to Regional Team Leader any information related to access or issues related to implementation of PEI activities.

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

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

III. Monitor EPI activities.

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

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

IV. Other:

Assist the Regional Team Lead/Medical Officer on any other related tasks assigned like assignments from Regional Emergency Operational committee (EOC) and Regional Rapid Response Team (RRRT) 

Job Requirements

1. A national of Afghanistan

2. Compulsory Medical Degree (MD or equivalent)

3. At least 7 years of relevant technical and managerial experiences with the PEI program. Experience in international agencies is an asset. 

4. Good working knowledge of English, local languages 

5. Mandatory computer literacy with good skills in presentation of technical details and in drafting of correspondence and reports.

6. Ability to maintain AFP surveillance data base. 

7. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team and adapt to diverse social and cultural background.

8. Maintain high standards of personal conduct and integrity. 

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

Educations:

Medical Doctor (MD)

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

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

Languages: Very good working knowledge of English and the local languages.

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 base 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- 2024-02-03) 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

Afghanistan

Provinces

Baghlan

Submission Email

emacoafgvacancies@who.int

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