Programme Manager, Violence and Injury Prevention

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

All Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the General Programme of Work. The 13th General Programme of Work defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable. The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritising impact and outcome at country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.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 European Region (EURO) of WHO is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. 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 the society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate and, more specifically, how these bear upon the way the health system stewardship function of health ministries is carried out.The over-riding public health policy framework in Europe is Health 2020, adopted by unanimous decision in 2012. The core objectives of this policy, feeding into the work of all technical units, are\:--> improving health for all and reducing health inequalities--> improving leadership and participatory governance for health.Mission of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Objective of the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Health through the Life Course (DNP)The DNP Division aims to improve health during all stages of life by addressing the social, environmental, behavioural and biological determinants of chronic diseases. The Division achieves this aim by applying the principles and practice of health promotion as well as integrating the prevention, control and management of disease in order to\:(a) assist countries in the Region to design, establish and run effective health and intersectoral programmes that are able to tackle the burden of chronic diseases and conditions, particularly focusing on\: (i) noncommunicable diseases (cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and chronic respiratory diseases) as well as related conditions and risk factors (harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs, tobacco use, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity); (ii) mental health and neuro-degenerative disorders; (iii) violence and injuries.(b) assist countries to promote health across the life course, particularly focusing on\:(i) child and adolescent health; (ii) sexual and reproductive health, including making pregnancy safer, women's health and rights; (iii) healthy ageing.(c) maintain regional integrated surveillance systems and assisting countries in developing disease and risk factor surveillance systems, to determine and monitor burden of disease, risks factors and health determinants, and to propose relevant applied research projects, health interventions and partnerships to tackle the acute and long-term health impact of those diseases and risk factors. The main objective of the Violence and Injury Prevention Programme is to\:1. Prevent violence and injuries in the population, focusing on socio-economic determinants, environmental and behavioural risk factors throughout the lifespan.2. Reduce inequalities in violence and injuries through the life-course, with a special focus on reducing the burden in groups at risk as defined by gender, age and deprivation, and as well as minority groups.3. Deliver evidence based prevention programmes, integrated with health and other support systems. 4. Develop linkages with other sectors such as transport, justice, welfare and education relevant to violence and injury prevention. 5. Build capacity and the competencies of all staff dealing with violence and injury prevention.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To direct and supervise the implementation of activities and strengthen strategic leadership and capacity of the Regional Office in the area of violence and injury prevention. Management of the technical programme including formulation of country projects, implementation, monitoring, and participation in evaluation of outcomes. To advise European Member States on a day to day basis with regard to strengthening national and sub-national capacities in developing and implementing policies, strategies, tools and capacities in relation to violence and injury prevention.To remit of this position is to\:- Direct and supervise the implementation of activities and strengthen strategic leadership and capacity of the Regional Office in the area of violence and injury prevention. - Manage the technical programme including formulation of country projects, implementation, monitoring, and participation in evaluation of outcomes. - Advise European Member States on a day to day basis with regard to strengthening national and sub-national capacities in developing and implementing policies, strategies, tools and capacities in relation to violence and injury prevention.Under the guidance of the supervisors, the incumbent will assume the following responsibilities and achieve the following objectives\:A. Core responsibilities in assisting Member States in relation to noncommunicable diseases and health promotion issues linked to violence and injury prevention as part of country efforts to strengthen health systems include\: (I.) dialogue with and advice to policy makers on healthy evidence-based, effective and equitable policies, measures and strategies. Advise and guide on responsibilities in health systems and involvement of stakeholders with clear lines of accountability and transparency; (II.) developing and implementing innovative approaches, adapted to regional/country needs in the technical areas; (III.) technical assistance with the development of mechanisms, instruments and tools (such as national health strategies and policies, monitoring and evaluation, performance assessment and performance management and approaches to enhance effectiveness of stakeholder involvement) as well as the estimation of the required resources (human, financial, infrastructure and technological) and knowledge (i.e. through research, evaluation, performance measurement and knowledge management) to build understanding and capacity for improving and assessing issues relating to violence and injury prevention issues (i.e. leading policy development and coordination, transforming information into intelligence and applying this to the development and assessment of health policies and strategies; mobilizing its legal and regulatory powers to attain health system goals; recommending that the health system is designed to adapt to changing needs; and exerting influence across other sectors than health and advocating for better health); and (IV.) advocacy, knowledge transmission and advice for the enhancement of the capacities and skills of health ministries in carrying out their function particularly in areas related to violence and injury prevention.B. Core responsibilities in providing intellectual and technical leadership and guidance in directing the development of environmental health issues in the field of violence and injury prevention include\: (I.) acting as the WHO EURO content expert and focal point for violence and injury prevention issues; (II.) ensuring technical quality and competence in the Violence and Injury Prevention Programme and to be responsible for the overall timeliness and quality of all programme deliverables of both country and inter country work plans; (III.) developing regional plans to implement global and regional strategies in the area of violence and injury prevention and harnessing European and other experience and knowledge (e.g. including influencing other sectors to incorporate health concerns in their policies and enhance effectiveness of donor and other stakeholder involvement), documenting gaps therein for the definition of the research agenda on the subject matter;(IV.) ensuring consistency and cohesiveness with the WHO guidelines, approaches, and messages, contributing to the WHO normative function; (V.) coordinating international activities with relevant organizations and partners in the technical area;(VI.) managing and synthesizing related knowledge to build the evidence base for dissemination to Member States as required;(VII.) producing authoritative and relevant policy papers and briefs on the subject matter; (I.) documenting and rendering explicit the pros and cons of various policy options applicable to violence and injury prevention issues in terms of their implications and their impact on the level and distribution of health, responsiveness, and financial protection based on country experiences; (II.) supporting Divisional efforts to support attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Targets 3.6, 5.2, 16.1 and 16.2.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree in medicine, public health or related areas relevant to the post.
Desirable\: Doctorate or additional post-graduate qualification in public health or life sciences or health related disciplines.

Experience

Essential\: Ten years of experience in violence and injury prevention of which at least five years should be at the international level. Practical experience in implementing or advising on key domains of violence and injury prevention. Experience of advising on such technical issues in lower and middle income countries.
Desirable\: Experience working with or in other multi and bilateral development agencies active in the health sector.

Skills

In depth knowledge of political, social and health systems of countries in the European Region would be an asset. Knowledge of the WHO and UN system would be an asset.Knowledge of standard text, spreadsheet and presentation software applications required.

WHO Competencies

Producing results
Ensuring effective use of resources
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French,Russian,German

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 85,543 (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 4612 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.