National Professional Officer for sexual, reproductive, maternal newborn child and adolescent health

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 underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. The 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.Mission of the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Objective of the Division of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Health through the Life CourseThe 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

To incumbent will provide technical support to the government of the respective Member State in developing, implementing and evaluating national strategies in the area of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) at national and local levels, as well as support the implementation of WHO activities related to this technical area.1. Support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in developing, implementing and evaluating national strategies in the area of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) at national and local levels;2. Support the MOH in updating and adapting relevant guidelines, materials and tools by providing the necessary technical advice and guidance;3. Support MOH in performing training needs assessments and organizing and implementing training activities; 4. Coordinate together with MOH counterparts joint actions such as working groups, roundtables, meetings to facilitate SRMNCAH programme implementation at national and subnational levels;5. Document experience for later review; 6. Facilitate smooth information flow of BCA activities between MOH and other involved institutions through sharing of reports, meetings, etc.; 7. Prepare the missions for WHO staff and external consultants addressing SRMNCAH programme areas and monitor and follow up their recommendations;8. Undertake jointly with MOH counterparts regular monitoring of the implementation of BCA;9. Prepare regular reports and updates to WHOCO and EURO;10. Facilitate partner and stakeholder coordination in the area of SRMCAH;11. Explore opportunities for fund raising for the area of SRMNCAH;12. As required by DNP, support the MOH in developing, implementing and evaluating national strategies in NCD/NCCs prevention and control;13. As required by DNP, support the MOH in updating and adapting relevant guidelines, material and tools in NCD/NCCs;Provide support to cross-divisional and intercountry activities as requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University degree in medicine or related area, or equivalent professional qualification.
Desirable\: Post graduate training in public health, paediatrics, obstetrics and family medicine or similar.

Experience

Essential\: 5 years professional experience in public health, disease prevention and or health promotion at national or international levels, with at least 2 years' experience working with sexual, reproductive, mother, newborn or child health programmes. Public health experience.
Desirable\: Experience working with or in other multi and/or bilateral agencies active in the health sector. Knowledge of WHO programmes in the area of SRMNCAH , or working with another UN or bilateral agency in the area of SRMNCAH.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of the situation of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health in the country, and the major government and non-governmental programmes and initiatives to address mortality and morbidity and promote healthy growth and development. Knowledge of the health systems of the country is important. Knowledge of the WHO and UN system would be an asset.Excellent computer skills, including a standard package of office applications.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Expert knowledge of Russian.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 19,888 (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.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.