Medical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objectives of the Polio Eradication Initiative are to lead the global eradication efforts of national governments and the global polio eradication partnership to interrupt the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, help integrate polio eradication broader immunization and emergency efforts certify eradication and eventually stop the use of all oral poliovirus vaccine . The immediate strategic objective is to implement WHO's contribution to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategy 2019-2023 in collaboration with GPEI partners and in support of national eradication efforts.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Lead product development projects such as intradermal (ID) IPV patches and VLP, and ID administration devices.
• Facilitate the discussions with development partners, academic institutions, regulatory authorities and donors on pre- and clinical studies.
• Work closely with WHO Expert Committees (e.g. Polio Research Committee) to obtain the necessary guidance in a timely manner.
• Lead the process of technology transfer to vaccine suppliers in developing countries as applicable.
• Serve as a focal point of scientific knowledge and provide technical input for decision making for polio-endgame strategy.
• Prepare and draft summary of scientific data for WHO Expert Committees (e.g. Polio Working Group under Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, Polio Research Committee, and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategy Committee) as well as regulatory authorities.
• Draft journal manuscripts, summary of scientific findings, and other RPC technical documents, to facilitate the implementation of the end-game strategy.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree in Medicine, ideally at doctorate level (M.D.)
Desirable: Training in public health or business administration or equivalent qualification.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of experience in project management in the area of research and product development, vaccinology, clinical epidemiology or clinical medicine. Some experience in an international context, preferably in the area of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Desirable: Experience working in poliovirus vaccine development. Experience working in WHO or another UN organization.

Skills

Experience in vaccine development or primary health care. Excellent qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills. Demonstrated scientific writing skills in English. Ability to function effectively in a team setting in a cross-cultural environment. Knowledge of WHO operations would be desirable.

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: Beginners 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 74,913 (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 5194 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 prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• 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.