Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures, UNV

AI summary

The Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures provides technical and operational support to the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, focusing on research preparedness and vaccine readiness for the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak. The role involves coordinating regional research activities, developing guidance, and engaging stakeholders across the African Region. This is a 12-month volunteer position based in Nairobi, requiring a Bachelor's degree and two years of public health experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, or related field required.
• Minimum two years of experience in public health or related fields.
• Volunteer arrangement under UNV, full-time, 12 months contract.
• Based in Nairobi, Kenya with regional focus on Africa.

Description

Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures, UNV | WHO - World Health Organization Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures, UNV WHO - World Health Organization Nairobi International No grade level Speaks English, French Application deadline: August 07, 2026 (14 days) Apply Summary by Impactpool The Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures will provide technical and operational support to the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, focusing on research preparedness and vaccine readiness in response to the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak. The role involves coordinating regional research activities, developing guidance and tools, and engaging with various stakeholders to strengthen response capacities across the African Region. The incumbent will also support evidence generation and policy readiness for emerging diseases. This position requires collaboration with WHO Headquarters, Member States, and other partners to ensure effective implementation of priority actions. Candidate Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Public Health, Medicine, or related field Minimum of two years of experience in public health or related fields Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings Excellent knowledge of English Knowledge of epidemiology and public health research methodologies Strong project coordination and organizational skills | Job Description - Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures, UNV (2603029) Program Officer for Research and Medical Countermeasures, UNV-(2603029)Grade:No gradeContractual Arrangement:VolunteerContract Duration (Years, Months, Days):12 months## Job Posting:Jul 24, 2026, 2:18:07 AM## Closing Date:Aug 7, 2026, 5:59:00 PM## Primary Location:Kenya-Nairobi## Organization:AF/EPR Emergency Preparedness and Response## Schedule:Full-time IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings... 1. Background and Justification The Program Officer, UNV for Research and Medical Countermeasures provides technical and operational support to the implementation of regional activities related to research preparedness, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical countermeasures within the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. The incumbent contributes to strengthening preparedness and response capacities across the African Region by supporting research coordination, evidence generation, vaccine preparedness, knowledge management, and partner engagement.The position will have a primary focus on supporting the regional response to the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak and advancing preparedness for future BVD outbreaks. The incumbent will support implementation of the regional BVD research agenda, including coordination of clinical and operational research activities, research readiness, vaccine and therapeutic preparedness, diagnostics, regulatory and policy readiness, and evidence generation to inform response and preparedness.The role will also support development of regional guidance, tools, protocols, and monitoring systems to strengthen country capacity for research and medical countermeasure implementation.The Technical Officer will work closely with WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices, Member States, research institutions, Africa CDC, donors, and implementing partners to coordinate regional activities, monitor progress, facilitate technical collaboration, and ensure timely implementation of priority actions. The incumbent will also contribute to broader regional activities related to Ebola disease, Marburg virus disease, mpox, cholera, influenza, and other emerging and epidemic-prone diseases requiring coordinated research and medical countermeasure support. 2. Purpose of the Position The incumbent will provide technical and operational support to the WHO AFRO Research, Vaccines and Medical Countermeasures unit in coordinating regional research preparedness, vaccine readiness, and medical countermeasure activities. The role will support implementation of the regional Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) research agenda, strengthen research and vaccine preparedness across Member States, coordinate partners and technical networks, support evidence generation, and contribute to policy and operational readiness for emerging and epidemic-prone diseases. 3. Duties and Responsibilities The Program Officer , UNV will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Lead for Research, Vaccines and Medical Countermeasures to carry out the following activities:- Assist in coordinating the regional response to Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), with particular focus on research, vaccine preparedness, and medical countermeasure readiness.- Support implementation of the regional BVD research agenda by coordinating priority research activities, facilitating collaboration among technical partners, and monitoring progress of agreed workplan