Technical Officer

Purpose of the Position

To provide assistance on technical issues to the Team Lead OPS within the Department of Global Coordination and Partnership on Antimicrobial Resistance (GCP) in relation to impact initiatives and research coordination in line with the mandate provided in WHA resolution 68.7 and the declaration of the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on antimicrobial resistance.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

The mission of the Antimicrobial Resistance Division is to define, advance, promote and monitor comprehensive policies and strategies that prevent, reduce, and mitigate drug-resistant infections and the overall impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally based on the Global Action Plan on AMR and the 13th Global Programme of Work of WHO and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides global direction and strategic leadership for the global response to AMR in coordination with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and other United Nations (UN) and international agencies and facilitates the creation of common goal and vision through innovative partnerships, political engagement and promoting multisectoral engagement and synergy across the One Health spectrum in humans, animals, plants, food, feed and the environment. Its main objective is to support the development, implementation, and monitoring of One Health National Action Plans for Member States and facilitate the mainstreaming of effective strategies and actions, including on the prevention and control of infection, antimicrobial stewardship, awareness creation and communication, research and development in their health and development agendas in partnership with FAO, OIE and other key partners.The Department of Global Coordination and Partnership on AMR leads and coordinates the global One Health multisectoral response to AMR in cooperation with FAO, OIE, the UN as well as other agencies, civil society, and the private sector, towards a world free from the suffering of drug-resistant infections. The Department has the following functions in line with WHO's General Programme of Work to protect antimicrobials important for human health and mitigate drug-resistant infections: Leads the global One Health multisectoral response to AMR across the human, animal, plant, food, feed and environment sectors, through multisectoral engagement and interventions, and strengthening advocacy and awareness; Facilitates global coordination and interagency engagement and partnership for creation and sustenance of shared global vision and goals; Shapes the research and development agenda through innovation, priority setting and supporting global initiatives that enable the generation, translation and dissemination of knowledge; Facilitates, nurtures and scales up evidence-based interventions to enhance stewardship, awareness, and understanding of AMR across the One Health spectrum. The Impact Initiatives and Research Coordination (IRC) unit is responsible for the priority setting and coordination of research and development across the One Health spectrum. It develops and supports global initiatives, innovative partnerships and targeted instruments to enhance the global AMR response, in close collaboration with bilateral and multilateral financing institutions and other stakeholders.

Organizational context

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Team Lead OPS. The incumbent will perform as member of a team and will be responsible to support antimicrobial resistance research and development coordination, development of antimicrobial resistance public health norms and standards and furthering innovative impact initiatives. The position works in collaboration with counterparts in Regional Offices as well as other teams within WHO and with technical partners outside WHO.

Summary of Assigned Duties

1. Provide technical input to the work program in the area of Antimicrobial Resistance.

2. Undertake research, on antimicrobial resistance research and development and impact initiatives topics.

3. Support the development and implementation of priority research agendas on antimicrobial resistance including promoting research coordination and priority setting.

4. Monitor work plans and budgets including resource mobilization for the work programme and follow up on the implementation of planned activities.

5. Conduct capacity building in the area of antimicrobial resistance and technical support to countries.

6. Serve as a technical resource at the counterpart level concerning antimicrobial resistance; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.

7. Participate in outreach activities concerning antimicrobial resistance; prepare and deliver oral presentations; compile, prepare and distribute related informational materials.

8. Exchange information with counterparts in technical departments at HQ, Regional and Country Offices, and with donor and development partners (UN and bilateral) on implementation of policies and strategies related to antimicrobial resistance.

9. Provides technical support to the development and implementation of global, regional and national antimicrobial resistance initiatives working closely with counterparts in technical departments across the Organization and liaise with counterparts in partner UN agencies, donors and other stakeholders.

10. Contribute to the annual update of the preclinical and clinical antibacterial and antifungal pipeline reviews and other norms and standards documents.

11. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

3. Recruitment Profile

Competencies:

1. Teamwork

2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

3. Communication

4. Producing results

5. Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Functional Knowledge and Skills

Work under tight deadlines on a results-oriented basis; develop innovative approaches and solutions; communicate complex ideas to non-technical experts in a clear manner and to produce, and consolidate complex information in a concise manner.

Education Qualifications

Essential

A first university degree in pharmacy, medicine, public health, or natural sciences.

Desirable

An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in pharmacy, medicine, public health, or natural sciences. Additional degree or professional training and experience in antimicrobial resistance.

Experience

Essential

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communicable diseases with some years in antimicrobial resistance and a minimum of 1-2 years in an international context related to the functions. Proven track record demonstrating excellent writing and presentation skills. Demonstrated exposure at the international level.

Desirable

Experience in One-health, research policy,developing and implementing relevant standards, instruments, policies and strategies on antimicrobial resistance . Experience with WHO, UN or other relevant international organizations.

4. Use of Language Skills

Languages

Expert knowledge of English required.

Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Excellent computer literacy and up to date knowledge on information and communication technology.