Virologist/Immunologist Grade: P4

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : Key objectives of the expanded programme on immunization include the polio eradication to rid the world of the scourge of polio so that no one will be disabled or killed by this vaccine preventable disease; and prevention, control and elimination of other targeted vaccine preventable diseases, such as measles/rubella and invasive bacterial diseases. As a part of these efforts, a well functioning and quality laboratory service is essential to the process of certifying eradication of polio from the world and in supporting countries for vaccine preventable disease surveillance.
Description of duties: Under the broad guidance of the Director, Department of Family Health and Research and direct supervision of the Coordinator, Immunization and Vaccine Development and in close collaboration with Virologist, the incumbent will carry out the following duties: 1. To provide specific technical assistance to the regional polio, measles/rubella and other viral laboratory network/sentinel sites 2. To support developing laboratory surveillance capacity for vaccine preventable diseases for which new vaccines are available or will soon be available 3. To ensure timely reporting and review of the laboratory data in conjunction with the WHO country/Ministry of Health counterparts; and, then consolidated reports for distribution to WHO/HQ and partners as needed 4. To provide regional laboratories with on-site technical advice and training; and, help to streamline procedures and implement uniform good laboratory practices 5. To conduct accreditation activities of network laboratories, where appropriate 6. To coordinate laboratory network meeting(s) to share information and experiences; and, set uniform laboratory policies and practices 7. To perform any other duties assigned by the Coordinator-IVD, and 8. To submit a report at the end of the assignment
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: University degree in medical or biomedical fields. Post Graduate degree with specialization in virology and epidemiology. Competencies: 1. Communicating in a credible and effective way 2. Moving forward in a changing environment 3. Fostering integration and teamwork 4. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond 5. Promoting innovation and organizational learning
Skills: Through knowledge of clinical and laboratory surveillance, diagnosis of communicable diseases control and epidemiology and ability to work with national and international staff as member of the polio eradication team both in the laboratory setting as well as at the international advisory and support levels. Expert knowledge in poliovirus diagnosis and using molecular technique for rapid typing of polioviruses. Previous experience and understanding of EPI diseases and work-related experience in developing countries. Other Skills: Computer Literacy, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation and database software.
Experience: Essential: At least seven years of relevant experience including three years experience in running a diagnostic virology laboratory including specific work with poliovirus. Considerable international experience in management and coordination of laboratory network. Desirable: Knowledge of laboratory work on other vaccine preventable diseases.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 67,483 at single rate USD 72,467 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 33.3 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
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All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Virologist/Immunologist
Vacancy Number: SEARO/12/TA3
Duty Station: New Delhi India
Grade: P4
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Closing Date: 17 Aug 2012