Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The strategic objective of the Global Malaria Programme (GMP) is to support Member States to adopt WHO's malaria-related technical recommendations, and to advance implementation of theGlobal Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 (GTS). The major functions of the department as identified in the 2019 transformation process are:

1) To play a leadership role in malaria, effectively supporting member states and rallying partners to reach Universal Health Coverage and achieve GTS goals and targets;

2) To shape the research agenda and promote the generation of evidence to support global guidance for new tools and strategies to achieve impact;

3) To develop ethical and evidence based global guidance on malaria with effective dissemination to support adoption and implementation by national malaria programmes; and To monitor and respond to global malaria trends and threats.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the VCR Head the incumbent will:

1) Develop an annual VCAG workplan and update it on a quarterly basis. Manage workplan implementation by VCAG and by the responsible WHO departments, and regularly convene Secretariat meetings.

2) Maintain records of VCAG membership, and manage calls for new membership, membership selection, and rotation of members in line with the terms of reference and skill set required for the group. Onboard new members, including coordinating training and developing/updating onboarding materials.

3) Organize Evidence Review Groups or other advisory groups at the request of WHO when additional expert advice related to VCAG's work is required.

4) Ensure the timely review of data through the following:

a. Establish and maintain relationships with VCAG applicants to ensure regular exchange of information, including submission of datab. Provide initial screening of technical and general content of all submissions prior to the assessment of these materials by VCAG, and seek clarification from applicants where required. Manage the timely review of trial protocols, data and other information provided to VCAG, collate VCAG members' inputs, draft comprehensive feedback based on VCAG's inputs and provide this feedback to applicants.

5) Organize VCAG meetings, with assistance from the VCR unit administrator, and prepare meeting reports for each VCAG convening and ensure posting of reviewed and cleared reports on the website within two months of the meeting.

6) Support the process of policy development and guideline updates related to new vector control interventions where required, including preparation of VCAG recommendations for presentation to the GMP Guidelines Development Group.

7) Maintain feedback channels to identify bottlenecks to the efficient running of VCAG and develop solutions to overcome these as appropriate.

8) Build and maintain relationships with counterparts in external partners, including donors, to present the role and work of VCAG when required and seek funding opportunities to ensure a sustainable funding base.

9) Prepare donor reports or contribute to GMP donor reports as per contractual reporting schedule.

10) Develop and maintain communication tools and channels, including updating the VCAG website on a quarterly basis, managing the VCAG mailbox in a timely manner, and lead development of advocacy products such as information sheets and videos, as needed. In addition, manage the WHO mailing list for vector control established under the umbrella of the Global Vector Control Response.

11) Support related WHO activities such as horizon scanning of vector control interventions under development and the development of Preferred Product Characteristics to articulate WHO's identified public health needs in this area.Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree in public health, epidemiology, medical entomology or a related field in biological sciences.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in public health, epidemiology, medical entomology or a relatedfield in biological sciences. A university degree in business administration or public policy and/or a certificate in project management.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of trials to evaluate public health interventions. At least 2 years' experience in project coordination and/or management of epidemiological trials and/or of a portfolio of diverse products, and of contracts associated with either of these two areas. Demonstrated experience of working in teams; as well as managing processes to produce outputs and deliverables from these teams. Demonstrated experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience at national or international levels in the development and/or implementation of vector control interventions demonstrated through active involvement in product development, including assessment of product prototypes, or through direct involvement in the deployment of new interventions in the field. Previous successful grant writing and grant management experience would also be an asset, as would be experience in the formulation of policy or other forms high level organizational communication.

Skills

Good understanding of epidemiological evaluations designed to ascertain the impact of public health interventions, including a good understanding of trial designs and associated statistical analyses. Effective project, work plan, production and budget management skills. Ability to work quickly and willingness to manage delivery of materials under time pressure and short deadlines; Demonstrated ability to understand and write technical reports, including attention to detail, demonstrated by means of lead authorship on peer reviewed papers or other documents of similar quality that clearly attribute authorship to the applicant. Self-starter, self-motivated, self-manager, including ability to demonstrate initiative and work on her/his own after instructions from supervisors, willingness and ability to take responsibility. Ability to multi-task effectively and prioritize workload, in a pressured environment with competing demands and high expectations. Ability to systematically keep track of actions. Ability to identify key issues, anticipate risks, alert management and propose solutions. Excellent interpersonal skills, including integrity, good judgment and diplomacy. Skills working with, managing, and/or coordinating diverse groups of actors, including product developers/manufacturers of public health interventions and associated research groups. Demonstrated knowledge of the global health landscape, including development partners, public-private partnerships, innovators, research entities, and implementation partners, as documented through direct involvement in advancing disease control initiatives.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate 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 60,962 (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 4547 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.