Scientist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is to foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty in which disease endemic countries play a pivotal role. The objective of the unit is to strengthen capacity to undertake this research (with a focus on implementation research) to address health needs through evidence-based approaches, thereby advancing health and development in disease-endemic countries.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1) Manage and support the development of innovative training tools and courses to strengthen research capacity (particularly through remote learning) by the RCS unit;

2) manage the development adaptation, dissemination, and promotion of uptake of new training tools and courses developed (particularly for remote learning) by the RCS unit;

3) engage with research organizations, academic institutions, WHO and global partnerships in seeking opportunities to adapt, disseminate, and promote the uptake of training tools and courses to strengthen research capacity (particularly through remote learning);

4) collaborate with colleagues in the RCS unit and key external partners in compiling reports and developing means of evaluation of training tools and courses to strengthen research capacity;

5) Conduct capacity building and strengthening for health research and implementation research, in low- and middle-income countries, as well as conducts periodic reporting on RCS activities.

6) Contribute to other TDR projects and performs all other related activities as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced university degree related to infectious diseases of poverty and / or international health.
Desirable: PhD in afield relevant to the position.

Experience

Essential: At least seven years' demonstrated experience in strengthening capacity for health research (particularly implementation research) in low- and middle-income countries, including developing, adapting, disseminating, promoting the uptake of, and evaluating training tools and courses (particularly for remote learning). At least ten first author publications in good quality, peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrated experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience of the UN System or WHO.

Skills

- Strong track record of managing activities to strengthen capacity for health research in low- and middle-income countries, including developing, adapting, disseminating, and promoting uptake of training tools and courses, particularly for remote learning.

- Good written and oral communication skills and ability to manage and effectively negotiate interactions with internal and external partners including funders.

- Ability to manage TDR's facilitating role in developing, adapting, disseminating, and promoting uptake of training tools and courses through its networks.

- Good understanding of implementation research and a broad public health understanding of infectious diseases of poverty.

- Demonstrated appreciation of the issues related to development and use of training tools and courses, particularly for remote learning, in strengthening individual and institutional capacity for health research in low-and middle-income countries.

- Demonstrated project management skills, ability to lead, guide and motivate partners towards success, and capacity to manage and plan projects in relation to objectives.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another WHO Official 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 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 5391 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.