Scientist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Polio Eradication is a mission critical objective for WHO, as mandated bymultiple WHA resolutions. The overall objectives of the Global PolioEradication Initiative (GPEI) are articulated in thePolio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023.The main goals of which are to:

-->Interrupt transmission ofall wild poliovirus (WPV)

-->Stop all circulatingvaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks within 120 days of detection andeliminate the risk of emergence of future VDPVs

-->Contribute to strengtheningimmunization and health systems to help achieve and sustain polio eradication

-->Ensure sensitive poliovirussurveillance through integration with comprehensive vaccine-preventable disease(VPD) and communicable disease surveillance systems

-->Prepare for and respond tofuture outbreaks and emergencies

-->Certify eradication of WPV

-->Contain all poliovirusesIn order to helprealize these goals, GPEI is establishing a Hub to coordinate the inputs andsupport provided by the GPEI Partnership from regional and global levels to thecountry programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan with the goal of ensuring the fullimplementation of GPEI's 2019-2023 Strategy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting inmaintaining the EMR Polio Laboratory Network activities and polioviruscontainment activities linked to the completion of different Phases of GAPIII.As the authority in the field of laboratory aspects of polio eradication andpoliovirus containment activities, the subject post provides technical support to member states and relevant institutions. Specifically,the incumbent will perform the followingduties:

Manage the WHO regional poliomyelitis laboratory network by directing and coordinating its key activities; regularly evaluating their performance for annual accreditation and providing necessary technical advice to the national and regional laboratories.

Ensure strategic planning and coordinates with all member states of the Region for effective implementation of different phases of the Global Action Plan III (GAPIII) including containment of potentially infectious materials.

Collaborate with the Regional Polio Laboratory Coordinator in guiding the National Containment Coordinators (NCCs) and national task forces (NTFs) on poliovirus containment activities.

Coordinate risk-elimination in non-essential facilities through destruction of all infectious and potentially infectious Wild Polio Viruses and Oral Polio Vaccine /Sabin2 materials, as described in GAPIII.

Collaborate with other WHO offices, including headquarters, in the organization of training courses on GAPIII implementation for management and technical staff of laboratory facilities, polio vaccine production facilities, and containment oversight bodies.

Participate in other regional activities aimed at ensuring all countries in the region attain Polio Eradication targets and milestones as articulated in the Polio Endgame Strategy 2019-2023, and thereby achieve requirements for the Region to be certified as free from wild poliovirus.

Provide authoritative advice to Member States in further development and implementation of polio lab network and poliovirus containment initiatives taking into account the evolving needs for the polio eradication initiative (PEI), especially during post-certification and OPV cessation Phases of polio eradication and ensure effective implementation of these plans.

Prepare various technical reports related to the fields of responsibility. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Universitydegree in Medical or Biological Science. Master's degree in Virology ormicrobiology
Desirable: Masterdegree in epidemiology, microbiology and biomedical technology

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of combined experience at thenational and international levels in Virology and Polio Eradication and controlof other communicable diseases of public health importance.
Desirable: Experience in laboratory diagnosis of enterovirusesand other viral diseases and containment of polioviruses.

Skills

Solid knowledge of virology and epidemiology of Poliovirusand enteroviruses, and other epidemic viral diseases of public healthimportance

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of WHO 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 2763 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.
• WHO global Competencies model at http://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=1