Systematic Reviewer (WHO/IARC Classification of Tumours)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the supervision of the Head of the WHO/IARC Classification of Tumours Group (WCT) and the Head of the Section of Evidence Synthesis and Classification (ESC), the incumbent to this new position of Systematic Reviewer with the WCT Group\:

- Provides systematic review expertise and evidence evaluation and synthesis for the WCT Group and WHO Blue Books by working in close cooperation with staff within WCT.

- Assists the WCT team to identify experts for appointment to the WHO Blue Books editorial board, and contributors to the books.

- Provides systematic review expertise and support across the Agency.

The role of Systematic Reviewer is intended to increase WCT’s capacity to produce high quality systematic reviews on cancer pathology, working with pathologists and other scientists within IARC and internationally to support the classification of cancer. The incumbent has considerable independence in running the systematic review process and in guiding the teams developing these reviews.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the WCT Group is to improve the classification of tumours for diagnosis, epidemiology and cancer research. WCT is responsible for the preparation and publication of the WHO Classification of Tumours series (WHO Blue Books), which are the international standard of histopathological and genetic classification of human neoplasms.

- IARC provides a timely, definitive synthesis and evaluation for tumour classification based on expert consensus review of reproducible peer-reviewed published evidence.

- The WHO Blue Books provide the user with a unique synthesis of histopathological diagnosis with digital and molecular pathology to guide cancer diagnosis. This underpins individual patient treatment, as well as research into all aspects of cancer causation, prevention, therapy, and education.

- The WHO Blue Books are available in multiple formats to meet the needs of users in low, middle and high income countries.

More information about the WCT Group at IARC can be found at the following link\:

http\://www.iarc.fr/en/research-groups/WCT/index.php

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall supervision of the WCT Group Head and ESC Section Head, the key duties of the incumbent are as follows\:

1. Provide support for systematic reviews and evidence evaluation required to produce the WHO Blue Books. Specific tasks include the following\:

·         Participate in the production and management of the WHO Blue Books, particularly in the assessment of evidence for changes in tumour classification.  This includes the design of systematic review protocols, extraction and critical appraisal of data, and presentation of findings at scientific meetings.

·         Participate in editorial board meetings as an IARC observer, with particular emphasis on evidence assessment.

·         Assist contributors in developing their content for the WHO Blue Books, including assessment of evidence.

·         Work with editorial staff within IARC to ensure the accuracy of the WHO Blue Books.

·         Assist in the production of high quality online content for the WHO Blue Books.

2. Within the WTC Group, develop research in tumour classification using systematic review methodology.

3. Contribute to systematic review support within IARC for existing research groups. This may include\:

·         Advise groups within IARC on research needs relating to systematic reviews, including pre-analytical and analytical methods.

·         While focussing efforts on the classification of cancer, may develop own research (80\:20% time split envisaged).

4. Train Pathologists attending courses or working within IARC in systematic review methodology and practice to underpin the use of evidence-based pathology in the classification of cancer.

5. Assist in the training of junior staff in systematic review methodology, including visiting pathology fellows, within WCT and more widely within IARC.

6. Undertake training to stay abreast of enhancements and developments in relevant technology and best practices.

7. Write grants with a view to attracting research funding from competitive sources.

8. Participate in WHO Blue Book Editorial Board meetings and Research Conferences.

9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Degree in relevant biomedical science subject area in addition to MSc or equivalent in systematic review methodology.

Desirable\: Postgraduate degree in biomedical research (e.g. Masters, MD, or PhD)

Experience

Essential\: At least two years’ experience in systematic review preparation at a level comparable to that of the position under recruitment.

Desirable\: Research and teaching experience in systematic review methodology.

Skills

Required WHO competencies\:

Ability to\:

1/ Demonstrate good skills and relevant knowledge of needs and priorities in own area

2/ Work collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results

3/ Product quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience.

4/ Produce and deliver quality results

5/ Move forward in a changing and moving environment

Languages

Expert knowledge of English with at least a basic level of French.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration for WHO/IARC staff in the Professional and higher category is quoted in US dollars.

The fixed remuneration for the above position comprises an annual net salary plus a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station.

Total fixed remuneration for this position currently amounts to USD 69801 per annum which is the sum of\: 1) annual net salary of USD 46472 at Level P2/Step I of the UN professional salary scale, plus 2) post adjustment for Lyon, France currently amounting to an annualized figure of USD 23329.

The fixed remuneration is expressed net of income tax but before deduction of the employee share contributions for mandatory participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and in the Organization’s private insurance plans covering health, accident, illness and disability.

Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave and allowances for dependent family members.

Subject to certain conditions, internationally-recruited staff may also be entitled to relocation travel & shipment, settling-in grant upon appointment, home leave and/or education grant for dependent children.

More information about the remuneration and benefit package applicable at WHO/IARC can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/careers/what-we-offer/en/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• It is mandatory to attach a full list of publications. To add this list, please go to your profile under the dedicated "publication" tab.

• Application profiles should include the details of all of the candidate's work experiences to date (full career details).

• All candidates are strongly encouraged to add a cover letter (in English) to their online application.

• Candidates called for interview will be expected to give a seminar (in English).

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• 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/IARC is committed to workforce diversity. Applications from women are particularly encouraged.

• WHO/IARC has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.