Technical Officer (Laboratory)

WHO - World Health Organization

Cairo

International

P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level

Speaks Arabic, English, French

Application deadline: October 08, 2026 (19 days)

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Summary by Impactpool

The Technical Officer (Laboratory) position involves providing strategic guidance and technical support to Member States in strengthening national public health laboratory systems. The role focuses on implementing quality management systems, enhancing laboratory biosafety, and integrating laboratory services into disease surveillance. The officer will coordinate capacity-building programs and contribute to public health emergency preparedness. This position requires a Master's degree in life sciences or medicine and at least 7 years of relevant experience.

Candidate Requirements:

Master's degree in life sciences or medicine
7 years of experience in laboratory services
Experience in outbreak response
Knowledge of biosafety standards
Expert knowledge of English

| Job Description - Technical Officer (Laboratory) (2603999)


Technical Officer (Laboratory)-(2603999)Grade:P4Contractual Arrangement:Fixed-term appointmentContract Duration (Years, Months, Days):1 year (subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need for the position)## Job Posting:Sep 17, 2026, 1:14:08 AM## Closing Date:Oct 8, 2026, 5:59:00 PM## Primary Location:Egypt-Cairo## Organization:EM/HPD Health Promotion, Disease Prevention & Control## Schedule:Full-timeIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.## OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMMEThe branch disease prevention and control (EM/CDP) within the department of health promotion, disease prevention and control assists WHO Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach the communicable and non-communicable diseases related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a PHC for UHC approach. The scope of the branch includes HIV, hepatitis, STIs, tuberculosis, malaria and vector-borne diseases including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), anti-microbial resistance (AMR), infection prevention and control (IPC), One Health, public health laboratories and communicable diseases surveillance. The communicable disease surveillance and laboratories unit (EM/CPD/CSL) is responsible for (a) strengthening multi communicable disease surveillance, development of new communicable disease surveillance programmes, country support to implementing integrated disease surveillance (IDS) and to hosting the IDS Secretariate of the regional office and (b) assisting Member States of the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region to meet their obligations under the International Health Regulations(IHR) and to have a comprehensive approach towards strengthening health laboratories as an integral part of health systems and to harmonize efforts within the Regional Office to implement the Regional Framework for Strengthening Health laboratory Services (2016 -2023, extended to 2029).DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES1. Provide strategic guidance and technical support to Member States on strengthening national public health laboratory systems, with a focus on implementing sustainable quality management systems aligned with international standards.2. Guide regional initiatives on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, including the development and dissemination of policies, guidance documents, risk assessment tools, and training programmes to support national capacity building and regulatory frameworks.3. Support the integration of laboratory services into disease surveillance systems by providing technical expertise for diagnostic capacity development, and quality data reporting4. Coordinate and implement regional capacity-building programs, including workshops, on-site mentorship, and virtual training initiatives to support continuous improvement in laboratory practices, biosafety, and preparedness for public health emergencies.5. Contribute to public health emergency preparedness and response efforts by assessing laboratory readiness, advising on surge diagnostic capacities, and supporting the activation of laboratory networks during outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies.6. Monitor and evaluate the performance of national laboratories, using standardized assessment tools and frameworks, and provide actionable feedback to enhance compliance with biosafety, quality, and surveillance standards.7. Facilitate collaboration with WHO collaborating centers, reference laboratories, and technical partners, to ensure regional harmonization of diagnostic methods, quality assurance practices, and response protocols.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducationEssential: Master's degree in life sciences or medicine. Additional certified training or qualifications in quality management, bio-risk management, and ISO accreditation processes are requiredDesirable: Training in laboratory molecular techniquesExperienceEssential: At least 7 years of practical and operational experience with international exposure in application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases. Experience in supporting outbreak response and/or health emergencies of international concern is also requiredDesirable: Experience in strengthening laboratory systems and policies to enhance the detection and response to communicable diseases Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels. Experience in evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response.Skills·Demonstrated ability to analyze laboratory operations in diagnostic services, laboratory biorisk management, and quality management systems to develop innovative and context-appropriate solutions for improvement.·In-depth knowledge of biosafety standards, methodologies, and techniques applicable to health laboratories, including bacteriology, virology and molecular biology·Strong expertise in implementing and maintaining quality assurance systems in diverse laboratory settings.WHO CompetenciesTeamworkRespecting and promoting individual and cultural differencesCommunicationCreating an empowering and motivating environmentBuilding and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyondUse of Language SkillsEssential: Expert knowledge of English.Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.## REMUNERATIONWHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 86,027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2072 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.- Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that: 1 -Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated. 2- All required details regarding your qualifications, education, training and experience are provided under relevant sections. 3- Your experience records are properly entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time. - Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/enhanced-who-global-competency-model- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.- The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.- Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.- WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.- WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States ( https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.- Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.- WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.- WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.- Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.- For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.- In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates

Technical Officer (Laboratory)-(2603999)Grade:P4Contractual Arrangement:Fixed-term appointmentContract Duration (Years, Months, Days):1 year (subject to availability of funds, satisfactory performance and continuing need for the position)## Job Posting:Sep 17, 2026, 1:14:08 AM## Closing Date:Oct 8, 2026, 5:59:00 PM## Primary Location:Egypt-Cairo## Organization:EM/HPD Health Promotion, Disease Prevention & Control## Schedule:Full-timeIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.## OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMMEThe branch disease prevention and control (EM/CDP) within the department of health promotion, disease prevention and control assists WHO Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach the communicable and non-communicable diseases related targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a PHC for UHC approach. The scope of the branch includes HIV, hepatitis, STIs, tuberculosis, malaria and vector-borne diseases including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), anti-microbial resistance (AMR), infection prevention and control (IPC), One Health, public health laboratories and communicable diseases surveillance. The communicable disease surveillance and laboratories unit (EM/CPD/CSL) is responsible for (a) strengthening multi communicable disease surveillance, development of new communicable disease surveillance programmes, country support to implementing integrated disease surveillance (IDS) and to hosting the IDS Secretariate of the regional office and (b) assisting Member States of the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region to meet their obligations under the International Health Regulations(IHR) and to have a comprehensive approach towards strengthening health laboratories as an integral part of health systems and to harmonize efforts within the Regional Office to implement the Regional Framework for Strengthening Health laboratory Services (2016 -2023, extended to 2029).DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES1. Provide strategic guidance and technical support to Member States on strengthening national public health laboratory systems, with a focus on implementing sustainable quality management systems aligned with international standards.2. Guide regional initiatives on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, including the development and dissemination of policies, guidance documents, risk assessment tools, and training programmes to support national capacity building and regulatory frameworks.3. Support the integration of laboratory services into disease surveillance systems by providing technical expertise for diagnostic capacity development, and quality data reporting4. Coordinate and implement regional capacity-building programs, including workshops, on-site mentorship, and virtual training initiatives to support continuous improvement in laboratory practices, biosafety, and preparedness for public health emergencies.5. Contribute to public health emergency preparedness and response efforts by assessing laboratory readiness, advising on surge diagnostic capacities, and supporting the activation of laboratory networks during outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies.6. Monitor and evaluate the performance of national laboratories, using standardized assessment tools and frameworks, and provide actionable feedback to enhance compliance with biosafety, quality, and surveillance standards.7. Facilitate collaboration with WHO collaborating centers, reference laboratories, and technical partners, to ensure regional harmonization of diagnostic methods, quality assurance practices, and response protocols.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducationEssential: Master's degree in life sciences or medicine. Additional certified training or qualifications in quality management, bio-risk management, and ISO accreditation processes are requiredDesirable: Training in laboratory molecular techniquesExperienceEssential: At least 7 years of practical and operational experience with international exposure in application and management of laboratory services, laboratory diagnosis of communicable diseases. Experience in supporting outbreak response and/or health emergencies of international concern is also requiredDesirable: Experience in strengthening laboratory systems and policies to enhance the detection and response to communicable diseases Experience in planning and implementing laboratory trainings at national and regional levels. Experience in evaluating novel diagnostics assays for emergency use authorization during outbreak response.Skills·Demonstrated ability to analyze laboratory operations in diagnostic services, laboratory biorisk management, and quality management systems to develop innovative and context-appropriate solutions for improvement.·In-depth knowledge of biosafety standards, methodologies, and techniques applicable to health laboratories, including bacteriology, virology and molecular biology·Strong expertise in implementing and maintaining quality assurance systems in diverse laboratory settings.WHO CompetenciesTeamworkRespecting and promoting individual and cultural differencesCommunicationCreating an empowering and motivating environmentBuilding and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyondUse of Language SkillsEssential: Expert knowledge of English.Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.## REMUNERATIONWHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 86,027 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2072 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION- Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.- Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply on-line through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that: 1 -Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated. 2- All required details regarding your qualifications, education, training and experience are provided under relevant sections. 3- Your experience records are properly entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time. - Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/enhanced-who-global-competency-model- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.- A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and eManual.- The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.- Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.- WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.- WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States ( https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.- Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.- An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.- WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.- WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.- The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.- Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.- WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.- For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.- In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

Candidate Requirements:

Master's degree in life sciences or medicine
7 years of experience in laboratory services
Experience in outbreak response
Knowledge of biosafety standards
Expert knowledge of English

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