WHO/Europe is calling for expressions of interest from qualified experts to complete and complement the currently 5-member European Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC). Experts in poliovirus virology are particularly encouraged to apply. Deadline for applications is 1 March 2024.
The RCC’s main role is to review and certify the polio-free status of Member States of the WHO European Region and the Region as a whole. The RCC reviews updated polio eradication documentation from each country of the European Region on an annual basis and reports its conclusions on risk assessment and required risk mitigation measures to the WHO Regional Director for Europe and to the national committee in each country.
Meetings of the RCC are held annually, with special additional meetings convened as required.
The RCC comprises up to 6 experts, who have notable technical expertise and experience in areas related to eradication of poliomyelitis (such as epidemiology, virology, paediatrics and public health). Members serve on the Commission based on their personal expertise, as independent individuals, rather than as representatives of particular countries, institutions or disciplines. Members are appointed by the WHO Regional Director for Europe and may continue to serve for the entire period of preparation for global certification.
Qualifications
To be considered for membership, candidates:
- must not be involved in the managerial or operational aspects of their respective national immunization programmes; and
- should be leading scientists, senior physicians or university staff, who are committed to immunization as a public good.
RCC members are recommended by WHO/Europe, as RCC secretariat, to and appointed by the WHO Regional Director for Europe, with due consideration of balanced representation in terms of areas of expertise, professional affiliation, geographic representation and gender. Due to the strict requirement for professional independence and to avoid personal conflicts of interest, RCC membership is voluntary and WHO cannot pay salary or consultant fees of any kind. However, WHO will cover all expenses related to travel to RCC meetings as well as field visits to Member States, as applicable.
To apply, please send a letter of interest detailing relevant expertise, experience and motivation for joining to euvaccine@who.int.