Scientist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To enable high-burden countries to ensure evidence-based policies and strategies are in place to achieve universal access to high quality health services for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH), and increase coverage and quality of effective MNCAH interventions among pregnant women, newborns, children and adolescents, and to create mechanisms to measure the impact of those strategies. As part of the Division for Universal Health Coverage - Life-Course, the work of the Department for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing is embedded within the Life Course Approach and contributes to the overarching goal of enabling countries to strengthen their health systems to address population-specific health needs, reduce risk factors for ill health and address barriers to equity through multisectoral action, with the aim to achieve that 1 billion more people benefit from universal health coverage.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. To coordinate and identify, in consultation with leading experts from within and outside of WHO, research priorities in the area of newborn health with particular focus on the improved prevention and management of newborn problems in health facilities and the community. 2. To promote andlead research in priority areas for newborn health and provides technical support in their implementation. 3. To coordinate and promote research in support of the delivery of newborn and child health interventions at health facilities and the community level, improving survival of preterm birth and other newborn complications, and including infant and young child feeding, 4. To oversee and design effective clinical and public health interventions for reduction of neonatal mortality based on scientific evidence. 5. To provide technical expertise and assistance to the Regional Offices to develop policies and to provide authoritative advice to countries on newborn health strategies as part of the integrated approach to maternal, newborn and child health and on accelerating the delivery of facility and community based interventions for newborn and child health. 6.To collaborate closely with Member States and partners in seeking consensus on technical matters and joint action required for improved management of newborn and childhood illness through promotion of public health. 7. To advocate and mobilize resources for research on newborn health. Achievement activities include: Promotes and coordinates research on effective prevention and management of newborn problems as part of the maternal, newborn and child survival strategy; develops and reviews existing guidelines to include new research findings in effective facility-based and community delivery of interventions for newborn and child health and survival; facilitates the assessment of country needs for improved newborn health; develops technical guidelines for management of newborn problems and participates in organizational activities related to newborn health, ensuring that highest technical standards are consistently reflected in WHO's work in this field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A degree in medicine from a recognized university withan advanced degree (masters level of above) in newborn and child health or public health.
Desirable: Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in epidemiology.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of ten years of experience in research on neonatal and child health at national and international level, especially intervention trials in low- and middle- income countries. Experience in development of guidelines for newborn and child health. At least 10 primary research publications in peer reviewed journals with emphasis on neonatal and child health. Demonstrated experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience in the design and evaluation of newborn and child health interventions. Experience of analysis of large data sets.

Skills

Ability to identify priority issues for newborn health, in particular in the context of national strategies for maternal, newborn and child survival and in the delivery of interventions in facilities and at the community level; to maintain close contact with research partners, Member States and associated funding agencies on all matters related to planning, coordination and monitoring of activities in this field. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with international and national staff at all levels. Ability to manage research projects, develop guidelines, produce manuscripts and reports for dissemination. Ability to present information clearly, both orally and written. Knowledge of statistics and statistical and data analysis.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French. Beginners knowledge of Other UN 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 88,162 (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 6509 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.