JOB TITLE: PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER - VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASES SURVEILLANCE

Purpose of the Post:

• Enhance VPD surveillance and use of data for action
• Emergency preparedness and response to VPD outbreaks
  
  SUMMARY OF ASSIGNED DUTIES
  The VPD Surveillance Officer will provide technical and operational support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and WHO Solomon Islands in strengthening the VPD surveillance system. The SSA will assist in coordinating VPD surveillance activities under the National Immunization Program and collaborate with Public Health Emergency and Surveillance Unit (PHESU) and enhance the use of VPD surveillance data for action.

1. Technical support

• Disseminate, implement, and evaluate VPD surveillance guidance and protocols at national and subnational levels
• Conduct on-the-job training on VPD surveillance for surveillance officers and health workers from the national and subnational levels as needed
• Support the implementation of case-based surveillance through routine notification, active surveillance, and case investigation of vaccine-preventable diseases in accordance with national guidelines
• Conduct outbreak investigation of vaccine preventable diseases

2. VPD surveillance data

• Monitor weekly syndromic surveillance report especially for AFR and monthly HBAS reports using DHIS2, analyze and interpret data for action
• Regular visits to sentinel sites and HBAS sites, check medical records including hospital admission books and OPD consultation/registration books

3. Coordination and communication

• Laboratory Surveillance: ensure consistent and adequate supply of recording forms, sample collection tools and surveillance materials. Support the timely delivery of specimens from the Provincial Lab to National Laboratory and to the Regional Laboratory and ensure WHO standards and protocols are followed for the shipment of biological samples.
• Support the integration of VPD surveillance (AFR, HBAS) into the national surveillance system including the creation of unique epidemiological communication and information system
• Participate and provide technical support to the EPI TWG and OWG

4. Program management

• Develop quarterly workplan and assist in monitoring the WHO workplan implementation and reporting
• Support the development of annual operations plan and budget documentation

5. Other duties

• Conduct any other activities assigned by the National EPI Program Coordinator and work together with the syndromic surveillance officer as required
• Research activities as needed
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the WHO Country Office
• Submit monthly activity report to the EPI Technical Officer and timesheet approved by the PHESU Program Manager

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
The SSA will be offered an initial contract of 3 months subject to further renewal depending on performance. Funding is available for extension.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: First university degree in Medicine, Nursing, Public Health or health-related field. An advanced degree is desirable.
Experience: Minimum 2-3 years in public health, surveillance, or immunization. Experience with UN agencies or MHMS is an asset.
Desirable: Knowledge and experience in Public Health, Program Management, Data Management.
Language: Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English and Pijin.
Skills: Good working knowledge and skills in using Microsoft applications like word, excel, PowerPoint. Skills in using other data management tools is an asset.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit applications in English along with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae (CV), by 20th January 2026. Please indicate on your letter “SSA - Public Health Support Officer – VPD Surveillance”, either by mail or email to: evelyne.qua@who.int