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Call for Nomination /Application for Experts to serve on the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Polio Eradication for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Background
The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is the principal advisory group for polio eradication for both Afghanistan and Pakistan. TAG is an independent body tasked to advise and make recommendations to each Ministry of Health and GPEI partners on polio eradication programme policies, strategies, and operations. It is convened by the Regional Director, WHO/EMR, on behalf of EMR Member States and the GPEI partnership.
TAG advises each Ministry of Health and GPEI partners on interventions needed to achieve the goal of polio eradication, specifically on the:
1. Overall adequacy of progress towards the achievement of the goal of stopping transmission of poliovirus. 2. Addressing major challenges to achieve and sustain high and equitable vaccination coverage, sensitive surveillance and effective social and behavioural change communications at the sub-national level and among high-risk populations. 3. Prioritised interventions to ensure adequacy of communications, community engagement and reduction in vaccine hesitancy and increase in vaccine demand.
4. Prioritised interventions to support adequacy of the routine immunisation programme for achieving polio eradication; and 5. Prioritised interventions to support integration with other health services.
In-person TAG meetings are convened at least once a year. Additional meetings (in person or virtual) may be convened as needed.
Selection and rotation of Memberships and Chair/Co-Chair
Members of TAG shall be appointed to serve for an initial term of two years. Each membership will be reviewed after the completion of the term, which may be renewed if needed. Decisions for appointment and renewal of a term are taken in consultation with the Director of POL, EMR, before appointment by the WHO/EMR Regional Director.
Co-Chairs of the TAG will be selected from among the members of the TAG. Applicants and nominees are welcome to express their willingness to act as Co-chairs in their application, indicating the time that can be dedicated to the cause of eradication. Candidates applying for the Co-Chair should provide an additional succinct one-pager reflecting their interest, skills, and vision for the position.
Expertise needed (one or more of the following):
- Sound technical knowledge of the polio eradication initiative.
- IPV and OPV Vaccinology.
- Immunisation programme planning/management, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. • Epidemiology/public health.
- Disease surveillance.
- Virology.
- Public health communications, including social media.
- Community engagement and social mobilisation.
- Social and Behavioural sciences in the immunisation/vaccines area, including anthropology.
- Disease modelling.
Female candidates with the above expertise are encouraged to apply.
Proposals for nominations/applications should be sent by email to pakafgtagsecretariat@who.int with a Curriculum Vitae, indication of relevant expertise, and a completed declaration of interest form. Self-nominations are also possible. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2025.
