The WHO Regional Office for Africa is soliciting proposals for nominations for current vacancies on its Task Force on Immunization (TFI).  Nominations are required to be submitted no later than 07 June 2013.  Nominations will be carefully reviewed by the TFI membership selection panel which will propose the selection of nominees for appointment to the WHO Regional Director for Africa.

TFI is the principal advisory group to the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) for the development of policies related to vaccines and immunization.  TFI reports directly to the Regional Director and advises WHO/AFRO on overall regional policies and strategies, ranging from vaccine and technology research and development, to delivery of immunization services and linkages between immunization and other health interventions.  Its remit is not restricted to childhood immunization but extends to all vaccine-preventable diseases as well as all age groups.

All members are acknowledged experts with an outstanding record of achievement in their own field and an understanding of the immunization issues covered by TFI.  They have a responsibility to provide WHO with high quality, well-considered advice and recommendations on matters described in the attached TFI terms of reference.  

TFI members should represent a range of professional affiliations (i.e. academia, the medical profession, research institutes, and governmental bodies including national immunization programmes, public health departments and regulatory authorities); major areas of interest (e.g. influenza control, diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory diseases, research, biologics, and safety); and the three major strategic areas of WHO's work relating to immunization (i.e. accelerating innovation, ensuring quality and safety, and maximizing access to and links with other health interventions). 

Members will be selected on the basis of their qualifications and ability to contribute to the accomplishment of the TFI objectives. Appointment of TFI members will be made by the WHO/AFRO Regional Director upon the proposal of the selection panel.  Members of TFI are appointed to serve for an initial term of three years, renewable once.  Consideration is given to ensuring appropriate geographical representation and gender balance. 

TFI normally meets twice a year.  In addition, members may be asked to contribute to TFI working groups, and will be fully engaged in the preparation of each meeting.

Please submit your nominations along with a letter of support by e-mail to Dr Deo Nshimirimana, Director, Immunization & Vaccine Development Cluster: tfi [at] afro.who.int (tfi[at]afro[dot]who[dot]int) .  Self-nominations as well as nominations suggested by third party individuals or organizations will be accepted.  Nominees will be asked to confirm their interest, availability and commitment to serve on TFI, to provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation highlighting what their contribution to TFI could be, and a completed declaration of interests form before their nomination will be considered by the selection panel.

Please share this request with anyone who may be interested in nominating an individual to serve as a member of this Group.