Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Department for Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health (PHE) is to address the environmental determinants of health in a comprehensive way, working through the health sector and with other relevant sectors. The objectives of the global programme on air pollution are to\:

a) build capacity in countries, particularly within the health sector, for effective engagement in global, regional and national policy processes to address air pollution, its sources and risks to health;

b) strengthen the global evidence base on the health impacts of air pollution, its sources and the effectiveness of interventions to address them; and

c) monitor and report changes in exposure and health outcomes associated with policy measures taken to address the sources of air pollution, including those in different sectors and settings such as transport, energy, and in the home.

The Interventions for Healthy Environments unit (IHE) within PHE supports the above work through the provision of technical support to its Member States, development of normative guidance and tools, and provision of authoritative advice on health issues related to air pollution and its sources. Monitoring and reporting on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at the national, regional and global levels is an additional key facet of this. Raise awareness and advocate for health in global partnerships and in different forum, including with other sectors such as transport, energy, and housing.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

- Support the development and piloting of WHO tools and guidance on interventions to address indoor air pollution, as part of the follow-up and implementation of the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality for Household Fuel Combustion.

- Contribute to the WHO global monitoring and reporting system on indoor air pollution and health by updating data and reporting on indoor air pollution exposure and related burden of disease, as well as provide guidance on monitoring to countries and other stakeholders.

- Facilitate and support research on the evidence of health impacts of indoor air quality and on the effectiveness of interventions to address them, particularly in relation to household fuel combustion.

- Contribute to the development of joint analyses/initiatives on linkages between indoor air pollution and specific health issues, such non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and child health, in close collaboration with other departments in WHO.

- Contribute to the WHO databases on household air pollution, household energy and/or related health policies and regulations and associated impacts on health.

- Support and provide guidance to countries on analysis and modelling of economic and epidemiological data based on the WHO databases related to household energy, particularly the policy database.

- Participate on behalf of WHO in global partnerships and initiatives on indoor air pollution and health, such as the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.

- Provide technical support to the Regional and Country Offices on matters related to indoor air pollution and health, including support for institutional capacity development and training activities.

- Contribute to other work in IHE, as appropriate.Technical support provided for the development and implementation of WHO activities on indoor air pollution and health as described above; internal WHO collaboration and relations with external partnerships and networks strengthened in support of this work

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University degree in a natural, environmental or social sciences.
Desirable\: Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology and/or biostatistics.

Experience

Essential\: Minimum of five years of experience working on air pollution and health issues, of which at least three at an international level.
Desirable\: Experience with household energy policies and economics. Experience working on air pollution issues in the context of multi-stakeholder initiatives on energy poverty, energy access, climate change, and/or sustainable development.

Skills

Substantial knowledge of the health and economic impacts of air pollutionand demonstrated knowledge of exposure assessments, in particular inrelation to indoor air pollution from household fuel combustion. Demonstrated knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, and processof assessing health and economic impacts from exposure to air pollution, including by conducting cost-benefit analysis and/or similar economicassessments. Strong scientific research and writing skills. Experience working with top-level monitoring, national surveys andstatistics. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverseeducational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard ofpersonal conduct. Good understanding of the role of WHO globally, regionally and at countrylevel, including its supportive efforts with external partners.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

WHO 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 58,583 (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 4164 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

• 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.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220./ul>