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Team Leader, High Threat Pathogens, P5

Copenhagen

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Copenhagen
  • Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Managerial positions
    • EU/WHE WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)
  • Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

(i) to improve health security across the WHO European Region by maintaining regional alert and response operations and assisting countries in building their capacity for surveillance systems, preparedness for, and response to all health emergencies, in line with the requirements of the International Health Regulations and specific country risks;(ii) to promote WHO's leadership in health emergencies and communicable disease prevention and control, including through relevant regional initiatives and specific research projects;(iii) to assist countries in the Region to design, establish and run effective health programmes that are able to tackle the burden of communicable diseases, particularly, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, especially M/XDR-TB, viral hepatitis, influenza, malaria, antimicrobial resistance and vaccine-preventable diseases through strengthened immunization programmes and to achieve/maintain regional elimination/eradication goals as for measles, rubella, malaria, and poliomyelitis;(iv) to ensure, within EURO, the availability of state-of-the-art competency to provide high level technical support to Member States of the Region, in collaboration with Headquarters and in close partnership with relevant institutions of the Region.Within the Division of Health Emergencies and Communicable Diseases, the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) aims to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Lead and coordinate the work on infectious hazards with pandemic potential with a focus on influenza and other respiratory pathogens, including influenza laboratory and disease surveillance and vaccination strategies. Lead and coordinate the development and implementation of policies, guidance and technical support to countries for the monitoring of influenza and the optimal use of preventive intervention including vaccination and works with partners, including academic and research institutions, to improve approaches and methods of monitoring and preventing influenza in different situations.2. Ensure the development, coordination and implementation of a strategic programme to address infectious hazards with pandemic potential with a focus on influenza, particularly, seasonal and pandemic influenza, and other respiratory pathogens,. The work is conducted in close collaboration with relevant partners in the field and other groups within the organization in particular for the function of pandemic preparedness within the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.3. Develop technical guidance and preparedness plan in collaboration with other disease programs and the preparedness groups in WHE and foster research for new tools and approaches to prevent and control infectious hazards with pandemic potential, with a focus on influenza and other respiratory pathogens.4. Develop technical authoritative advice and foster research for new tools and approaches to prevent and control infectious hazards with pandemic potential with a focus on influenza and other respiratory pathogens,. Support the Programme Area Manager and Director DEC in the development of new concepts, tools and strategies and their implementation in the related areas of specialization. Contribute in the development of new concepts, tools and strategies and their implementation in High Threat Pathogens.5. Contribute to the surveillance, risk analysis and risk communication of infectious hazards with pandemic potential, with a focus on influenza and other respiratory pathogens in close collaboration with the risk assessment and information group and other groups in WHE.6. Lead WHO cross-cutting efforts to provide Influenza and other related disease control technical support during emergencies and to use these situations as opportunities to strengthen the long terms health capacities of countries needed to handle communicable diseases in any setting.7. Develop work plans and performance indicators, monitor and evaluate the work of the team and its interaction with other teams so that activities reflect the administrative and budgetary standards, guidelines, priorities and directions of WHE/IHM. Allocate, monitor the use of the team's resources so that adequate support is assured and the work of the team is technically excellent, effectively and efficiently conducted, and completed to a high standard.8. Develop strategic partnerships with the various counterparts and international partners to implement appropriate interventions, including strategic planning, tactical and project planning, facilitation, instruction, and information and documentation development.9. Proactively inform the supervisor of situations which might pose a threat to WHO or its reputation and propose solutions to address the problems.10. Empower and motivate staff to use and support multi-disciplinary, cross-cutting approaches to work where beneficial for accomplishing goals.11. Represent the team at international meetings and conferences, when required.Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree (Master's level) in medicine, microbiology, public health or other area related to the function.
Desirable\: Doctorate (or equivalent) in epidemiology, microbiology, or related field.

Experience

Essential\: At least 10 years' experience working on the prevention of infectious diseases combined with an emphasis on influenza or respiratory pathogens, including at least 3 years working on either infectious disease outbreak control or influenza or dangerous pathogens as related to the function as noted above. At least five out of the 10 years at an international level. Proven experience in managing finances, budgets and staff and clear proof of responsibility for management of work plan activities.
Desirable\: Experience working with or in other multi and bilateral development agencies active in the health sector.

Skills

Four competencies are considered to be mandatory for all WHO staff with managerial responsibilities\: “Teamwork”, “Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences”, “Communication” and “Creating an empowering and motivating environment”.Expert level knowledge of infectious diseases, particularly in those areas such as influenza, critical for promoting a public health perspective and approach, such as infectious disease epidemiology, prevention or control, monitoring and vaccination and significant practical application of this knowledge in an international context. Solid managerial skills, sound knowledge of planning, human resources, budgeting and financing aspects of management. Proven understanding of the management of acute and urgent public health responses, including infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian emergencies. Demonstrated effectiveness in building sustained partnerships and working with others in international settings.

WHO Competencies

Ensuring the effective use of resources
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Moving forward in a changing environment
Setting an example
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of 1 WHO/EURO lang.

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 3743 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.
  • 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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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