Objective of the programme
To provide technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh to enhance immunization systems which encompasses introduction of new vaccine, micro planning, efficient management of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), integration of advanced technologies and tools tailored for EPI, reinforcement of National Regulatory Authority to ensure the secure administration of vaccines.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Operating under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative and the day-to-day supervision of the Team Lead-IVD, the incumbent will hold the responsibility of providing technical assistance to the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), to carry out the following following activities:
1. Collaborate in bolstering the technical and institutional capabilities of the DGDA to establish and implement necessary national regulatory functions to ensure the safety of vaccines.
2. Assist in formulating the annual operational plans for both DGDA and EPI, which involve prioritization, budget allocation, and procurement needs. This is crucial for the development of these institutions to effectively carry out their roles in the area of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and EPI.
3. Provide guidance to the National EPI authorities in the introduction of new vaccines, and aid in the creation of vaccine deployment strategies for supplementary immunization activities, including scenarios of emergencies such as national disasters and pandemics.
4. Contribute to enhancing the capacity of the National EPI in monitoring the safety of vaccine distribution and administration. This includes identifying implementation errors through Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance and implementing corrective measures through efficient management of vaccines and cold chains.
5. Develop and update national guidelines, along with designing necessary training programs to build the capacity of personnel involved in Quality Assurance for vaccines and the Expanded Programme on Immunization, keeping in mind the evolving demands of the program.
6. Facilitate the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and other advisory committees related to immunization, including vaccine safety, and the Inter-Agencies Coordination Committee (ICC). This involves contributing to the formulation of National Immunization policies and the National Immunization Strategy (NIS), as well as coordinating applications for GAVI support.
7. Analyze data related to Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), Enhanced Vaccine Safety Monitoring (EVSM), Vaccine Management Surveillance (VM), and immunization to pinpoint program errors, challenges, and limitations. Provide guidance to the national EPI response, offer updates on the safety of currently utilized and produced vaccines to DGDA, National EPI, and NITAG, and assist in devising national recommendations for the usage and introduction of quality-assured vaccines.
8. Develop research protocols and lend support to research endeavors including studies, assessments, and surveys within the domain of vaccines, immunization, drug safety, and quality.
9. Facilitate the strengthening of collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as among other sectors engaged in national endeavors to ensure the safety of vaccines and the success of the Expanded Programme on Immunization.
10. Assist in formulating proposals and generating reports targeted towards donors, aiming to enhance the national capacity for ensuring the quality assurance of vaccines employed and introduced within Bangladesh.
11. Furthermore, undertake any additional responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.
Grade: NO-C Duration of contract: 2 years (Further extension depends on availability of funds)
Contract type: Fixed-term appointment
Duty Station:
Bangladesh-Dhaka
Link to apply:
- WHO Careers Website: Careers at WHO
- Vacancies (staff member access): https://careers.who.int/careersection/in/jobsearch.ftl
- Vacancies (external candidate access): https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl