Consultant – WHO TAG-CO-VAC Secretariat Job at World Health Organization (WHO)

REF- (2211171)

Purpose of consultancy
To provide technical expertise to the Secretariat of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) within the Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness (EPP) Department.

Similar Jobs in Kenya
Learn more about World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO) jobs in Kenya

Background 
Since its emergence in late 2019, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has continued to pose a threat to the performance of COVID-19 countermeasures. Adjustments of vaccine composition may be needed to optimize the performance of COVID-19 vaccines due to the emergence of variants of concern (VOCs). To assist countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) is assessing the impact of VOCs on countermeasures and provide, as appropriate, recommendations to adapt them. To support this work, WHO established the TAG-CO-VAC in September 2021, a multidisciplinary group of 18 experts whose main functions are to: 1) Make recommendations to WHO on the methods to assess the impact of VOCs on vaccines; 2) Provide interpretation of available evidence on the effect of VOCs on vaccines, including but not limited to vaccine effectiveness; and 3) Recommend to WHO, for each COVID-19 vaccine platform, adaptations (if any) needed so that vaccines continue to safely provide WHO-recommended levels of protection against VOCs. 
The TAG-CO-VAC works closely with other WHO advisory groups – such as  that of the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE), the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and its Working Group on COVID-19 Vaccines, and the working groups of the WHO R&D Blueprint for Epidemics – and consults regulatory agencies and vaccine manufacturers

Deliverables: 
Deliverable 1: Finalize the re-appointment process for TAG-CO-VAC members; Expected by: 31 December 2022.
Deliverable 2: Facilitate the drafting and submission of a scientific article authored by TAG-CO-VAC Members and Secretariat to a peer-reviewed journal for publication; Expected by: 31 January 2023.
Deliverable 3:  Facilitate the convening of an in-person meeting of the TAG-CO-VAC; Expected by: 31 March 2023.
Deliverable 4: Coordinate the operational support of the TAG-CO-VAC Secretariat, including the preparatory and reporting work for monthly meetings, the drafting of content for external communication, and the facilitation of internal coordination with other technical areas; Expected by: 31 May 2023.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential:
• Advanced degree in public health, epidemiology or a related health field.
Desirable: 
• A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields.

Experience
Essential:
• At least five years’ experience working in health emergencies preparedness and response at the international level.
Desirable: 
• Experience working with high-level experts in the fields of virology, immunology, epidemiology or vaccine assessment, coordinating, supporting, and communicating their technical work. 
• Previous experience with WHO or another international organization.

Skills/Knowledge:
Essential:
• Demonstrated knowledge of vaccine effectiveness assessment and capacity to provide inputs.
• Ability to develop, maintain and strengthen relationships with a broad range of technical counterparts and institutions, complemented by excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure within short deadlines. 
• Ability to write in a clear and effective manner. 

Desirable:
• Diplomacy, tact and courtesy.

Languages required:
Essential
• Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable
• Intermediate knowledge of French or another UN language.
Location 
Off-site: Home based. 
Travel 
The consultant is expected to travel.

METHOD OF APPLICATION 
Interested and qualified? Click here to apply