Medical Officer (HIV)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

HIV prevention and care is considered part of the Sierra Leone Basic Package of Essential Health Services, (BPEHS), and AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria (ATM) is one of several portfolios of the BPEHS Cluster at the WHO Country Office. The overall objective of the national HIV prevention and control efforts is to reduce new infections, ensure that 90% of people living with HIV know their status, 90% are on treatment, and 90% of those on treatment attain viral suppression – UNAIDS 90-90-90 – as part of the global efforts to ‘END AIDS’ by 2030.  For Sierra Leone, this will mean having a strong national Health Sector Response at the core of the multi-sectoral response; and taking HIV out of isolation by ensuring that HIV is part and parcel of the national Health Sector recovery efforts and building resilient and sustainable health systems which are HIV sensitive.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS), the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS) and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone to strengthen the Health Sector Response to HIV in order to reduce new infections, reduce AIDS-related deaths and combat discrimination as a means to realizing the GoSL vision of a Sierra Leone where HIV is no longer a public health threat by 2030. The post is part of the health sector recovery efforts to both catch up on opportunity lost as a result of the Ebola outbreak, and to accelerate efforts to reach ambitious national targets as stipulated in the National HIV Strategic Plan.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Medical Degree from a recognized university with postgraduate degree or equivalent in public health or epidemiology or related field.

Experience

Essential\: At least 7 years of experience in HIV and TB/HIV control at national or subnational level in developing countries. Practical experience in programme review and strategic plan development.

Desirable\: At least 5 years international experience in working with UN and/or international NGOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies

Familiarity with Global Fund Policies & Procedures

Clinical experience in HIV treatment and care, including paediatric care and treatment

Experience with key populations programming, TB programmes and health systems strengthening approaches.

Functional Skills and Knowledge

Extensive knowledge and experience in HIV prevention and control programming and implementation. Proven experience in HIV technical and programme management at country level.  Knowledge of health systems management and strategic planning at national level. Ability to develop and facilitate the development of HIV guidelines and effectively monitor progress in use of guidelines. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to cooperate and negotiate with technical and funding agencies, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff. Experience with Global Fund proposal development, grant making and implementation processes. Excellent communication skills, including presentation skills, ability to write strategically and speak clearly.

WHO Competencies

1.  Producing results

2.   Teamwork

3.   Communication

4.  Ensuring effective use of resources

5.   Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond.

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Excellent knowledge of English

REMUNERATION

WHO offers staff in the Professional category an attractive remuneration package, which for the above position includes an annual net base salary starting at USD 70 647 (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.

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