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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme aims to ensure that every child and other high-risk population groups are fully immunized with high-quality and effective vaccines against targeted diseases in line with recommended immunization strategies. It also seeks to ensure that vaccine-preventable disease surveillance performance indicators are achieved at both national and district levels. In addition, the programme provides technical assistance to the Government to strengthen capacity for routine immunization and disease surveillance, promote equitable access to safe immunization services, support the introduction of new and cost-effective vaccines, and sustain efforts toward maintaining a polio-free status and achieving measles elimination.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of the [Team Lead/Supervisor title], the incumbent will be expected to perform all or some of the following duties/tasks:- Lead the development, review, and implementation of national health policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks to improve health outcomes and health system performance. Support policies that ensure equitable access to affordable, quality healthcare services for all Basotho, particularly vulnerable and underserved populations, in line with Universal Health Coverage goals. Analyze health data, research findings, and emerging trends to inform strategic decision-making and policy formulation within the Ministry of Health. Strengthen accountability, transparency, leadership, and regulatory oversight across the health sector to enhance service delivery and resource utilization. Foster collaboration between government ministries, development partners, donors, civil society organizations, and health service providers to achieve national health goals. Advise on policies and programmes that promote health education, disease prevention, epidemic preparedness, and the control of priority diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and non-communicable diseases. Establish and oversee monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess policy effectiveness, measure impact, and recommend improvements. Ensure that national health policies and programmes are aligned with WHO guidelines, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and regional and global health commitments and standards. Perform any other duties as might be assigned by the supervisor.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University degree in medicine, nursing, midwifery, public health, sciences, international development or a related discipline and an advanced degree, at least at master's level, in public health, epidemiology, related science or health discipline
Desirable: Post-graduate training or specialization in health systems and/or health planning, management, or health economics will be an added advantage
Experience
Essential: At least (5) five years of relevant experience in health-sector policy, strategy development, and planning at national or sub-national levels, some of which obtained in an international work environment, out of which at least four years in health planning and/or financing within a governmental institution or international organization serving resource-limited or middle-income countries.
Desirable: Significant experience in health systems strengthening, health policy analysis, and health financing reform, including experience supporting Universal Health Coverage initiatives. Working experience with WHO, other United Nations agencies, and/or international non-governmental organizations would be an added advantage
Skills
Ability to formulate, review, and implement health policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks responsive to national priorities. Ability to plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate health systems, including primary-healthcare-based approaches and health systems transformation and reform. Ability to analyze health financing options and policy implications to advance Universal Health Coverage. Ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize health data, research findings, and emerging trends to inform evidence-based policy formulation. Ability to provide sound methodological and technical guidance on health policy to multiple stakeholders and partners. Ability to demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparing reports, presentations, and technical documents. Ability to integrate, synthesize, and communicate complex health-policy concepts and ideas to diverse audiences. Ability to collaborate with government ministries, development partners, donors, civil society, and other stakeholders to build consensus and drive policy coherence. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while exercising sound judgment.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at LSL 737,382 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.
- The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
- WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
- WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States
(https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to
reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
- WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
- For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
- WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
- Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
- This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.
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