NPO (Kala Azar Elimination Programme)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India, other WHO Offices and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans for strengthening the work in the area of NTDs.The WCO-India programme of work supports the Government of India (GoI) in providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and programmes activities for elimination of NTDs including Leprosy, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Lymphatic Filariasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, contributing to strengthening the monitoring of the prevention and control of NTDs and facilitating the adoption of evidence-based public health interventions in relevant areas and well as the transitioning of existing programmes and health systems reforms with the aim to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards Universal Health Coverage and NTD elimination. Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHOAll the Member States of WHO South East Asia Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation.WHO's Twelfth General Programme of Work (2014-19) focuses on six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage (ii) health related millennium development goals (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005) (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.WHO's mandate revolves around six core functions\: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.The South - East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.8 billion people, with India's population of 1.2 billion. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems as well as of the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate.Mission of the WHO Country Office for India Within the framework of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy, the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in\: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to India and Team Leader, Communicable Diseases and the direct supervision of National Professional Officer-Neglected Tropical Diseases, with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-India biennial work plans in accordance with WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy with India, as part of the WCO-India team working on Communicable Diseases, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities\:

 

1.  Provide technical and strategic advice and support to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in strengthening kala-azar elimination programme with an emphasis on policy, strategy, interventions, surveillance, monitoring and reporting as well as the move towards elimination of kala-azar.

 

2.  Collaborate with national and state authorities, WHO Regional Office and Headquarters, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, national centres of excellence and other stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of kala-azar elimination programme including programme reviews, evaluations and capacity building at national and sub-national level.

 

3.  Work in close collaboration with communicable diseases and WASH focal point, health systems and other programmes in WCO-India in the movement towards universal health coverage with the focus on the rights to health, equity and quality of health services.

 

4.  Engage multilateral and bilateral developmental partners in supporting India's role in global health through capacity development, strengthening of surveillance system, information sharing, and transferring of know-how in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Facilitate multisectoral collaboration and resource in support of the kala-azar elimination.

 

5.  Support the building of national research capacities in the area of kala-azar elimination including the generation and dissemination of evidence and the utilization of evidence to informed policy and decision making.

 

6.  Support in documenting successful interventions and synthesizing lessons learnt for wider dissemination.

 

7.  Support information brokering/exchange function of WCO India through contributions to the health information repository at the WCO India by collation, analysis and sharing of relevant health information and statistics.

 

8.  Undertake any other tasks/duties as assigned by the supervisors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Degree in medicine from a recognized university (MBBS).
Desirable\: Post graduate degree in Medicine/Public Health/Communicable Diseases and/or BusinessAdministration.

Experience

Essential\: At least two years of professional experience in field of Neglected Tropical Diseases at national state level.
Desirable\: Experience of work in UN and/or other international organizations.

Skills

The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization.Thorough knowledge of the situation in India with regard to kala-azar, with good understanding of country's needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of control of health systems organization. Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas. Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence. Leadership, coordination and supervision skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and subnational levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues. Very good ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors. Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.Modern management skills (planning and evaluation) etc. Capacity to prepare terms of reference and to prepare and monitor and manage the implementation of contractual agreements. Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly. Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports. Knowledge of WHO /UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

 

Other IT skills\:  Excellent knowledge of computer applications; ability to make oral and written presentations on technical issues; and ability to write detailed, coherent, and concise briefing documents.

WHO Competencies

1.  Teamwork
2.  Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3.  Communication
4.  Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
5.  Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 1,902,148 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 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.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.