Knowledge Management Advisor

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Regulation and Prequalification Department (RPQ) works with Member States and partners to improve the access to essential medicines and other health technologies of assured quality, safety and efficacy or effectiveness. The strengthening of regulatory systems by training and capacity building has been identified as a contributor to access e.g. in the Access Roadmap. Work in this area is based on WHA Resolution 67.20. Specific technical training and capacity building in regulation is also necessary to support the Department's Prequalification and local production and technical assistance activities.RPQ works within the Access to Medicines and Health Products Division (MHP) in the wider framework of Universal Health Coverage and cooperates with disease oriented programmes (among others HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, reproductive health, maternal and child health, immunization, NCDs and mental health) towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The department works with a wide range of UN organizations, international partners and expert networks, and WHO Collaborating Centres.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will provide support and coordination in the following areas: Coordinate technical expertise across RPQ and contribute to the development of a division-wide, high-level learning strategy; As a component of the MHP learning strategy, develop the RPQ-specific strategy elements for learning activities undertaken to build capacity and strengthen regulatory systems in a manner commensurate with a well-functioning authority and aligned with the department's strategic objectives; Define processes, develop templates and ICT tools (“learning management system”) to support the implementation of the strategy; Establish a central repository for RPQ and all regulatory training activities including information on a) training needs, b) training plans and c) budgets for learning activities and d) evaluation of learning activities ensuring transparency across the department; Based on te information in the central repository, prepare reports to RPQ/MHP management about learning activities, including proposals for improvement; Establish and manage a RPQ learning coordination group, consisting of learning focal points identified by RPQ units/teams; With the support of and input from the RPQ learning coordination group: Develop procedures, tools and templates to enable the consistent implementation of the learning strategy regarding needs analysis, development of plans, delivery and evaluation; Consolidate learning needs analyses from regions and other sources and matching learning plans across the department in consultation with units and other cross-cutting leads; Foster the application a cost-effective approach to conducting learning activities; Facilitate course development and delivery including in-class and eLearning modules; Coordinate the development (online) training programs for (different levels of) regulatory functions, based on the Global Competency Framework, for the different regulatory functions and to support prequalification, local production and technical assistance activities; Introduce improvements to training approaches; Consider best practices and monitor the developments and trends in the area of learning approaches and evaluate them for their applicability within the department/division; Act as the RPQ focal point for the WHO Academy and the Regional Offices regarding external learning activities (not regarding learning activities for WHO staff); Oversee the consistent development of new RQP learning approaches and activities with the guidelines and specifications of the WHO Academy; Provide policy and technical advice to RPQ teams and WHO departments in coordination of learning activities and approaches; Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in the scientific field (pharmacy, medicine, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, related health science or other related field) relevant to the functions of the position.
Desirable: Post-graduate degree or specialization in the regulation of medical products, knowledge management or learning theory.

Experience

Essential: At least ten years' experience in the regulation of medical products, including at least five years of relevant experience at the international level in a senior position. Demonstrated experience in regulatory cooperation activities at the regional or international level, including harmonization and work-sharing initiatives. Experience in learning functions/activities in industry and/or regulatory bodies.
Desirable: UN experience at regional and global level. Experience in writing project proposals.

Skills

Excellent understanding of training/learning concepts and principles, planning and financing, and the regulation of medical products.Strong skills in the field of knowledge management.Strong knowledge and skills in coordination and partnership building.Excellent communication skills, including presentation skills.Proven ability to design, plan and implement new strategies and activities to achieve a goal.Concrete skills in providing advice and guidance to senior management decision maker.Ability to function effectively in a team setting.Time management.Project management.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
Creating an empowering and motivating 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 89,837 (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 6259 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.