Technical Officer (High Threat Pathogens)

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 IHM of WHE SEARO unit is responsible for establishing risk mitigation strategies and strengthening response capacities for high threat infectious hazards.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

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

1. Providing technical support to develop regional and country policies, roadmaps, strategies and SoPs related to High Threat Pathogens (HTP);
2. Providing technical expertise to Member States (MS) with specific focus on Clinical management, infection prevention and control, diagnosis, curative and prevention interventions, medical counter measures related to diseases caused by HTP and other aspects together with HIM, CPI and EMO units;
3. Coordinating

(a) review of existing literature,

(b) review of secondary data and

(c) research to generate primary data to build evidence base for informed decision making in HTP.

4. Engage in development of regional training curricula/ training modules and country capacity strengthening through trainings related to HTPs;
5. Provide technical expertise and coordinate external technical expertise to MS on preparedness and response to Epidemics/pandemics caused by HTP including outbreak response and being deployed to MS for outbreak support Support coordination of the appropriate regional and global expert networks including but not limited to Cholera, Nipah, Meningo-encephalitis, (eg Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), the Emerging Disease Clinical Assessment and Response Network (EDCARN));
6. Collaborate with the Laboratory Focal Point to implement the regional laboratory strategy in a harmonized manner to improve detection and characterization of HTPs for prevention and control of diseases due to HTP;
7. Monitoring and evaluation of activities related to HTP conducted by WHO and provide technical support to MS for M&E of HTPs;
8. Assist RED/IHM in resource mobilization for HTP, efficient and effective implementation of funds, grant monitoring and report writing for HTP related grants;
9. Assist and coordinate with the global programmes relevant to HTP (eg Cholera) to implement global polices and strategies and conduct Monitoring and Evaluation in SEAR MS;
10. Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping duties as assigned;
11. Submit an end of assignment report (mandatory).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (masters level or above) in Medicine or Public Health related field.
Desirable: Degree, or diploma or advanced training in Infectious Hazards/diseases, High Threat pathogens, Bio security, Infectious Diseases epidemiology.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years' experience in the management of infectious diseases some of which should have been obtained in an international context.
Desirable: Experience of working with the UN and in a developing country is an advantage.

Functional Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge in infectious hazards, infectious diseases epidemiology, High Threat Pathogens, One Health, Zoonoses, Outbreak management and public Health.
• Proven organizational and analytical skills, together with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to promote and implement collaboration and exchange with partners.
• Proven ability to write technical documents in a clear and concise manner.

WHO Competencies

1. Fostering integration and teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Producing results
4. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
5. Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

Computer literacy.

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 2016 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.