Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HHS) programmes leads the global health sector response, towards the elimination of HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections epidemics, within the framework of universal health coverage, focusing on populations most vulnerable and on countries with the highest burden. The HHS programme is guided by the three Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 2016-2021 towards ending the epidemics. The strategies follow the following five strategic directions:

1) Information for focused action;

2) Interventions for impact;

3) Delivering for equity;

4) Financing for sustainability; and

5) Innovation for acceleration.The Testing, Prevention and Populations (TPP) unit is located within the HHS and its goals are consistent with the larger department goals.

To reach these goals, this unit focuses on innovative approaches to HIV prevention through the following sub-fields:

(1) voluntary medical male circumcision, (2) pre-exposure prophylaxis, (3) key populations: sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people, (4) Adolescents, and (5) HIV, hepatitis and STI testing services.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Provide technical leadership expertise in development and updating of all new WHO normative and implementation guidance on HIV Testing Services (HTS), including but limited to the development of a proposal to the guideline review committee, guideline development group, conducting and overseeing commissioned systematic reviews, synthesizing evidence, technical writing of guidelines and recommendations, coordinating guideline meeting, lead contact for launching final approved WHO guidelines as decided by TPP Coordinator and HIV senior management. Provide technical expertise on HIV testing service delivery, including other facility- and community-based testing approaches, partner testing services, quality of testing and HTS differentiated service delivery and integration of services. The incumbent will also provide technical expertise to support developing norms and standards and tools related to hepatitis and STI testing, for example SRT (spell out), hepatitis C self-testing and dual HIV-syphilis testing. Provide technical assistance to countries on HIV testing services, with a special focus on HTS differentiated service delivery, HIV self-testing, integration of HTS into clinical and community services. Support national advocacy agendas based on the latest evidence to alter testing policies, national algorithms, testing strategies and regulatory systems to include HIVST, HCVST and dual and multiplex tests. Participate in a range of external technical advisory boards on testing including for HIVST projects across project countries to review study findings and foster sharing of approaches, tools, and lessons learned across regions, countries and teams. Organize WHO country and regional capacity building workshops and international meetings with stakeholders to disseminate new evidence-based guidance, tools and best practices et cetera. Work with relevant WHO departments and regional and country offices on HST strategic information and contribute to reporting on uptake and implementation of WHO recommendations regarding HIV testing services. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders on HST monitoring as needed. Work with WHO Pre-qualification (PQ) and relevant stakeholders to accelerate the approval processes of HIV RDTs rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and enable public and private sector procurement of quality assured HIV and HCV self-test kits. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders HST work/projects and agree on advocacy and investment agendas to support different HST implementation models following epidemiological settings, risk populations, and country contexts. Coordinate HTS website information and other relevant information Apps.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Masters level degree in Nursing, Medicine, Public Health or equivalent Social science degree.
Desirable: An additional degree in epidemiology or health systems would be an asset.

Experience

Essential: Seven years relevant work experience in HIV testing and counselling (including self-testing) of which at least one year in LMICs and four years at international level. At least three years' experience in developing norms and standards on HIV testing services and project/grant management.
Desirable: Experience and knowledge of Hepatitis and/or STI testing would be an asset. Experience in collaboration with international stakeholders on HIV, Hepatitis and/ or STI testing. A proven track record of publishing in peer reviewed journals. Documented experience in project management.

Skills

Good analytical and technical writing skills are required.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

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 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 5336 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.