Technical Officer (Inspection Services)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Regulation of Medicines and other Health Technologies unit (RHT) works with Member States and partners to improve the access to essential medicines and other health technologies of assured quality, safety and efficacy or effectiveness. RHT works within the Access to Medicines, Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals (MVP) cluster departments in the wider framework of Universal Health Coverage and category 4 of the Global programme of Work, and cooperates with disease oriented programmes (among others HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, reproductive health, maternal and child health, immunization, NCDs and mental health) towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The department works with a wide range of UN organizations, international partners and expert networks, and WHO Collaborating Centres.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To provide guidance to the department and team aiming at the highest level of quality, efficacy and safety in the provision of the selection and appropriate use of essential health technologies. More specifically the incumbent should, under the supervision of the Group Lead, Inspection Services and in liaison with the Group Lead, Diagnostics Assessment, contribute to:

1. the scheduling and conduct of inspections of manufacturing lines of IVDs for the Inspection Services team;

2. the development, review, update and finalization of guidelines related to inspection of manufacturing processes of IVDs for prequalification;

3. the provision of technical support and guidance as related to quality management systems;

4.to ensure development of, training materials, and the facilitation of WHO training activities on implementation and assessment of quality management systems of manufacturing lines of IVDs (in collaboration with regions);

5. the development of information and documents for PQT web pages, in particular those related to prequalification of IVDs; and 6. other duties, as assigned by the Group Lead, Inspection Services and/or Coordinator, PQT.

Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in a related health science such as microbiology, biology or pharmacy.
Desirable: Training or certification as an assessors/inspectors/auditors for Quality Management systems.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years' work experience in the area of IVDs, and or laboratory technology. At least three years of experience with inspections and/or compliance with ISO standards and quality management systems for laboratories and/or manufacturing lines of IVDs. Work experience collaborating with industry. Demonstrated experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience working within the UN system would be an asset.

Skills

1. Good knowledge of and experience in, the practical application of ISO Quality Management Systems (QMS) and related ISO standards.

2. Knowledge of regulatory issues associated with IVDs, including laboratory accreditation.

3. Proven ability to write technical reports, in particular inspection and/or audit reports.

4. Understanding of the IVDs industry.

5. Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with international and national staff at all levels. 6. Motivation to work in an international environment and in a team.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French.

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 73,516 (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 5091 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.