Coordinator

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Special Programme forResearch and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is to foster an effectiveglobal research effort on infectious diseases of poverty in which diseaseendemic countries play a pivotal role. The objective of the unit is to fosterpartnerships and collaborations in order to develop, evaluate and optimize interventionand implementation research that generates evidence for the control and/orelimination of diseases of poverty.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Lead the IIR unit and have overall responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the unit budget,workplan and results. 2. Lead the definition and development of strategies, portfolio of activities and budget for IIR, in consultation with relevant scientific advisory committees.3. Align the intervention and implementation research portfolio in the context of TDR's strategy and overall activities. 4. Take on personal responsibility for cross-cutting projects and activities within the IIR Unit5. Efficiently document and report outputs, outcomes and impact of TDR supported activities to governing bodies and broad audiences. 6. Work and harmonize the intervention and implementation research portfolio with TDR`s Research Capacity Strengthening and Global Engagement functions to ensure synergy across TDR.7. Provide Secretariat support and due responsiveness to scientific advisory committees serving the activities of the research function, and to oversee follow up of their recommendations. 8. Manage, with the assistance of scientific advisory committees, the selection, initiation, monitoring, evaluation, closure and reporting of projects. 9. Promote high level policy discussion at global, regional and national level on issues associated with research in developing countries. 10. Proactively engage in partnerships and collaborations and identify opportunities for synergy and secure funding for the unit activities. 11. In coordination with WHO and other global research efforts develop guidance and advice for international research to inform funders, policy makers and practitioners in the field. 12. Communicate TDR's Research activities effectively and more broadly represent TDR and WHO to a large array of stakeholders, including governmental, international agencies and expert scientific meetings. 13. Serve as the focal point for all aspects of TDR's Research and coordinate TDR's interface in this area with WHO's disease control department and related partnerships.14. Contribute to other TDR projects and activities as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: An advanced level university degree at the PhD level in a health research related field relevant for the position.

Desirable\: Medical degree or Post-graduate degree related to tropical diseases and / or international health.

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years' experience in health research at national and international level with a focus on diseases of poverty. Experience in research leadership and management. Experience in designing, planning and conducting large scale research for implementation programmes. Experience in successfully forming and leading multidisciplinary teams required to answer research questions. Experience working in a policy and practice environment in low and middle income countries. Demonstrated achievements in creating partnerships and securing research programme funding. Good publication record.
Desirable\: Experience in evaluation of interventions for tropical diseases. Experience in policy related research. Experience of working in the UN System or WHO.

Skills

Strong track record in research management, intervention and implementation research in low and middle-income countries, good communication skills and ability to effectively negotiate interactions with internal and external partners including funders, and the ability to promote TDR's catalytic role in research. Ability to develop innovative concepts in a clear and concise manner. Sound knowledge of poverty-related infectious diseases and their control. Demonstrated appreciation of the issues associated with health research in low and middle-income countries.Ability to lead, guide and motivate partners towards success. Ability to contribute to TDR's strategic goals in a senior management group role.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of another WHO offcl. language.

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 5068 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.