Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

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.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1.Provide technical input to the work programe in the area of antimicrobial resistance.

2. Analyse and do research to contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance related programmes and activities.

3. Support the development and implementation of global initiatives and instruments, policies and guidelines to control antimicrobial resistance.

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

5. Analyze information on best practices in antimicrobial resistance policies and health systems and participate in capacity building activities.

6. Contribute to the drafting of relevant reports and act as a focal point in relevant areas of work.

7. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree in pharmacy, medicine, public health, international relations or law.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in pharmacy, medicine, public health, international relations or law.

Experience

Essential: At least two years of professional experience working on antimicrobial resistance in an international context. Experience conducting analysis and research on public health topics.
Desirable: Working experience at country level.

Skills

Knowledge of public health topics and health systems development and management with good understanding of relevant country's needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO's policies, practices, guidelines and procedures on the control of antimicrobial resistance.

Ability to conduct research and analyze results, identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening health care systems.

Ability to draft policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Proven knowledge of technical aspects in antimicrobial resistance policies.

Public speaking techniques.

Excellent drafting and communication skills.

Ability to develop innovative approaches and solutions; communicate complex ideas to non-technical experts in a clear manner.

Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Team spirit and time management skills.

Work efficiently under time pressure.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Promoting innovation and organizational learning

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 48,805 (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 3400 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.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.