Technical Officer, Laboratory

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

The Infectious Hazard Management Unit of the Health Emergencies programme is responsible for establishing risk mitigation strategies and capacities for priority high-threat infectious hazards. This includes developing and supporting prevention and control strategies, tools and capacities for high-threat infectious hazards, establishing and maintaining experts networks to detect, understand and manage new or emerging high threat infectious hazards as well as providing secretariat support for the management of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of PAM/IHM and overall guidance of RED SEARO, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities\:

1. Coordinate laboratory diagnostics for influenza and other High Threat Pathogens, including protocols and the EQAP, and provide expertise in both viral and bacterial laboratory surveillance and diagnostics to strengthen GISRS and surveillance for other High Threat Pathogens, including the development/update of laboratory surveillance and diagnostics protocols and standards.

2. Participation in biennial influenza vaccine composition consultations, and in other vaccine consultations as they reflect the priorities of the WHE

3. Design and develop laboratory capacity building programmes in collaboration with other departments in charge of laboratory capacity building

4. Provide laboratory related technical support to WHO influenza outbreak and pandemic response, and other areas of High Threat Pathogens in areas including laboratory diagnostics, and relevant WHO recommendations and other support for on-the-ground outbreak response.

5. Provide influenza virological expertise in influenza risk assessment and emergency response.

6. Serve as point of contact on laboratory related issues for the WHE programme and provide expertise to preparedness and response processes.

7. Promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHE/IHM/PAT and key partners.

8. Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping as required.

9. Submit an end of assignment report at the end of assignment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University Degree in laboratory sciences.

Desirable\: Master Degree in laboratory sciences, molecular biology or public health.

Experience

Essential\: At least two years' experience in the area of specialization.

Desirable\: Experience of working with the UN and in a developing country is an advantage

Skills

• In-depth knowledge in veterinary medicine and/or infectious diseases, public health.
• Proven organizational and analytical skills, together with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to promote and implement collaboration and exchange with partners, toward the implementation of best practices.
• Proven ability to write technical documents in a clear and concise manner.
  

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Ensuring the effective use of resources
   

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable\:

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 47,322 (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 1313 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.