Director, Division of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Life through the Life-Course

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 Division of Noncommunicable Diseases and Health Promotion 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.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The purpose of this post is to lead, inspire and direct all the programmes in the area of Noncommunicable diseases and Promoting Health through the Life Course both politically and technically. Furthermore, to develop a vision, strategy and plan of action for the overall area of Noncommunicable diseases and Promoting Health through the Life-Course in line with the RD's vision and that for other Divisions and which is consistent with the overall European Health Policy, H2020. To champion and promote H2020 in general and the Noncommunicable diseases and Promoting Health through the Life-Course strategy and plan of action, in particular for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Europe.The incumbent reports to the RD. S/he leads, directs, supervises, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the programmes under his/her supervision in the area of overall Office policies and strategies, strategic partnerships with countries, stakeholders (including the EU and the Russian Federation in relation to the work of the NCD Project Office in Moscow). The incumbent is also responsible for the evidence base of policies, strategies and programmes and the quality assurance of scientific and technical outputs of the programmes in the Division.Under the overall supervision and guidance of the RD, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities\:1. Lead and direct the Programme Managers in the relevant technical programmes, provide technical leadership in the formulation of evidence based regional policies on noncommunicable diseases and promoting health through the life-course.2. Lead and manage the NCD Geographically Dispersed Office in Moscow, via the Head of the Office, in coordination with the Russia Country Office and the rest of the Organization.3. Ensure effective management of human and financial resources for programmes under his/her direct supervision.4. Promote intra- and inter-Divisional teamwork in planning and management of programmes that work to strengthen actions addressing the noncommunicable diseases and promoting health through the life-course.5. Initiate and coordinate capacity building in order to strengthen the noncommunicable diseases and promoting health through the life-course function within the Organization.6. In the area of noncommunicable diseases and promoting health through the life-course, coordinate and maintain liaison with partner agencies within the UN system as well as with other multilateral and bilateral development agencies (including development banks) and WHO Collaborating Centres for reviewing, planning, management and evaluation of sector-wide approaches.7. Within WHO's overall policy framework advise countries in the Region on taking innovative actions, and harmonize the work of EURO's technical units at regional and country levels, as well as with national authorities on follow-up actions on major global conferences, conventions, global and regional declarations/resolutions related to noncommunicable diseases and promoting health through the life-course.8. Support the Regional Director and Director, Programme Management as part of the technical secretariat for the WHO governing bodies (World Health Assembly, Executive Board, Regional Committee and the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC)) and other senior management and advisory meetings.9. Serve as a member of EURO's senior staff management and other senior advisory bodies, including acting as RD/DPM or other Division directors during their absence when so designated by RD/DPM.10. Work in close partnership with all relevant partners and stakeholders in Europe and in the countries as appropriate and play a role in resource mobilization.11. Perform other duties as assigned by RD/DPM.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree in health, social sciences or related fields.
Desirable\: Medical degree and/or PhD in a related field.

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience of which 5 years are at the international level with a proven track record in positions that require strong public health leadership of high-skilled professional teams in multidisciplinary settings.
Desirable\: Experience in modern management techniques and in WHO technical programme management. Experience in management of health programmes in the area of noncommunicable diseases and promoting health through the life-course.

Skills

Strategic knowledge of the areas under supervision. Leadership qualities including managerial skills to manage staff and budgets. Political and diplomatic skills. Thorough knowledge of WHO's mission, goals, policies, rules and regulations.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Promoting WHO's position in health leadership
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French,Russian or 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 97,805 (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 5273 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.