National Professional Officer (Neglected Tropical Diseases)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

South Sudan is in the early stages of nationwide building and development of social service delivery systems to foster the transition from humanitarian to development programming. This would have a major impact on global health through efforts and experiences in contributing to the eradication of neglected tropical diseases like Guinea-worm disease and yaws as well as the polio eradication initiative and would significantly contribute to reducing the global burden of these diseases.All of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted by the African Region for control, elimination or eradication, which are responsive to Preventive Chemotherapy (LF, Oncho, SCH, STH and TRA) and Case Management (BU, GWD, Leishmaniasis, Leprosy and Yaws) are endemic in South Sudan. Successful mobilization of communities for mass treatment, screening and case treatment is dependent on the existence and strength of community structures.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Support the Ministry of Health in strengthening national capacity and building partnerships for the control, elimination and eradication of neglected tropical diseases by conducting orientation meetings with policy makers, line Ministries and other stakeholders on intersectoral collaboration at national, state, county, Payam and community (Boma) levels2. Support the Ministry of Health to enhance awareness and advocate for the control of NTDs as well as creation of awareness and ensuring high visibility of NTDs by producing advocacy tools for NTDs and conducting NTD media sensitization and advocacy as well as orientation of community opinion leaders on the importance of prevention, control and elimination of NTDs.3. Provide technical to the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected tropical diseases (ESPEN) and Mass Drugs Administration (MDA) campaigns to effectively tackle the PC-NTDs targeted for elimination and control4. Provide technical support to scale up national strategies and capacity to increase access to mass treatment of NTDs through regular sensitization meetings with decision makers from the education sector at national, state, county, Payam and community levels on integrated NTDs control/elimination and the role of schools in the NTD programs5. Provide technical support and build the capacity for surveillance and progress monitoring towards the attainment of control, elimination and eradication targets.6. Facilitate building and strengthening of coordination structures and mechanisms at all levels in the Country through national and state taskforce and/or technical working groups on NTDs and regular national and state technical working group meetings.7. Building and strengthening human capacity for integrated/coordinated NTD programme implementation.8. Development of strong management systems for timely reporting - Strengthening community involvement and participation 9. Strengthening integration and collaboration within the NTD programme and with other government agencies as well as community based programmes by fostering integration of the NTDs programs with Boma health committee system, strengthening collaboration with other community based health/development programs including but not limited to EPI, School health programs and conducting mapping and regular updates of the inventory of NTD partners10. Broadening the NTD partnership base and improving on resource mobilization and management by popularizing the NTD master plan to stakeholders, development partners for mobilization of resources and commitment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: First university degree in epidemiology or public health from an accredited/recognized institute
Desirable\: An advanced university degree in health related field or epidemiology, specialized training in Neglected Tropical Diseases or Tropical Medicine

Experience

Essential\: At least five years related experience in public health.
Desirable\:

Skills

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 51,596 (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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• 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.