Medical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The World Health Organization's Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRP is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. The Department draws on research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines on sexual and reproductive health and rights. More information about HRP can be found at http\://www.who.int/reproductive-health/hrp.The maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion team (MPA) is one of the three thematic teams in the department and conducts large scale research, normative guidance and dissemination/knowledge activities in the field. The MPA team collaborates actively with the Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MCA) department especially on research and normative work related to preterm birth and intrapartum care. The MPA team collaborates with a large group of international governmental and non-state partners.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

(1) Seizes opportunities and establishes priorities in upstream research and development related to reducing maternal and perinatal mortality (particularly due to sepsis and intrapartum complications, including from unsafe abortion), improving maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion;

(2) Coordinate and oversee- with primary responsibility for - the scientific and managerial aspects of implementing large scale research projects on maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion, including (i) the conceptualization of research protocols, (ii) identification, recruitment and training of country teams, (iii) conceptualization and finalization of agreements, (iv) organization of meetings, (v) organization and facilitation of training workshops, (vi) conducting site visits, (vii) leadership on the relationship with data management companies or organizations, (viii) management of the network of collaborating centers participating in the research projects, (ix) analysis, write-up and publication of the results, (x) evaluation of the process and results in preparation for subsequent research projects;

(3) Ensures global accessibility of research findings and their implications for policy and programmes, for examplethrough the publication of scientific papers and other knowledge derivatives and platforms. Oversees the production oftechnical progress reports for RHR's governing and advisory bodies, WHO reporting requirements, and donors;

(4) Provides high-level Develops evidence-informed guidance, and oversees the development of norms, tools and standards on maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion (including systematic reviews, guidelines and clinical decision making algorithms);

(5) Leads technical and methodological innovations such as developing intrapartum care decision support tools or maternal sepsis bundles of care;

(6) Advises Member States, UN agencies, other inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies, including at the senior level, on matters relating to maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion, working in close collaboration with other RHR teams, other WHO Headquarters Departments and WHO Regional and Country Offices;

(7) Coordinates and manages thefundraising activities for increased financial support for WHO's work in maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion and other aspects of Sexual and Reproductive Health research and development;

(8) Bolster thepositioning of RHR strategically in a context of international collaboration and high level global health initiatives;

(9) Collaborates with governments, parliaments, NGOs, private sector and other stakeholders to generate evidence for increased access to Maternal, Newborn and Child Care;

(10) Carries out other tasks, as required by the Coordinator MPA and Director RHR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Medical Doctor, with specialization in obstetrics or gynecology.
Desirable\: PhD or MSc in epidemiology, public health or sexual and reproductive health.

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years of experience in research and research management, with at least 5 years of experience at the international level. Direct experience of coordinating in large, collaborative, multi-country research documented by publications in peer-reviewed journal articles. At least 5 years of direct experience working in the development and appraisal of evidence-based guidelines. Proven track record of interacting with national and international decision-makers in maternal, perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion policies.
Desirable\: Working experience, including management, in a UN agency and in low and middle income countries.

Skills

Expert knowledge of maternal and perinatal health and preventing unsafe abortion and its public health aspects. Proven expert knowledge in research, research management and guideline development as evidenced by a considerable track record in peer-review publications. Strong communication skills. Fundraising knowledge and skills, as evidenced by success in mobilizing resources for work in this area.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 84,721 (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 6022 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.