Scientist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The World Health Organization's Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRP is the main instrument within the United Nations system: for identifying research priorities on SRHR; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. The Department draws on research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines on SRHR. More information about SRH and HRP can be found at https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-researchThe Sexual Health and Reproductive Cancers Unit (SRC) is responsible for research and development, innovation, evidence synthesis, development of guidance and implementation tools, provision of specialized technical support, and dissemination of information on evidence-based practices on sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections, sexual functioning and well-being, sexuality-related communication and counselling, and reproductive cancers.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Focusing on sexual well-being and functioning across the life course, the incumbent will:

(1) Contribute to research priority setting, drawing on the scientific literature, recommendations of HRP advisory bodies, input from Member States and cosponsoring agencies, professional associations and other non-state actors, affected communities, research institutions and other stakeholders. Based on research priorities developed, the incumbent will develop short-term operational plans and longer-term strategic plans for research and development in this area.

(2) Design and implement innovative research activities, including:
(i) the development of research protocols,
(ii) identification and recruitment of national partner research institutions,
(iii) drafting and production of research agreements,
(iv) organization of scientific meetings,
(v) organization and facilitation of training workshops,
(vi) conducting research site monitoring visits,
(vii) management of networks of institutions participating in multisite research projects,
(viii) analysis, write-up and publication of results,
(ix) evaluation of processes and results in preparation for subsequent research projects.

(3) Conduct capacity building of research centres to carryout high quality research on sexual well-being and functioning that is compliant with generally accepted scientific and ethical standards.

(4) Synthesize evidence, carry out and commission systematic reviews of the literature in the field, and coordinate input to evidence-based clinical and programme normative guidelines and standards on sexual well-being and functioning.

(5) Provide guidance to counterparts in Member States, UN agencies, other inter-governmental and non-state actors, and affected communities on scientific and technical matters, working in close collaboration with WHO Regional and Country Offices.

(6) Prepare technical progress reports for governing and advisory bodies, WHO reporting requirements, and donors.

(7) Develop and draft manuscripts adequate for publication in scientific journals, and coordinate related communications activities to strengthen the dissemination, adaptation and use of WHO and HRP outputs by member states and other stakeholders, working in close collaboration with the HRP communications team and the WHO Department of Communications.

(8) Collaborate with counterparts in governments, HRP cosponsors, NSAs, private sector and other stakeholders to generate and use evidence for increased access to information and services relating to sexuality, sexual well-being and functioning;

(9) Undertake fundraising activities for increased financial support this programme of work

(10) Carry out allother tasks, as required by the Unit Head and Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, or another field related to sexual well-being and functioning.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of experience in research and research management relating to sexual health, including exposure at the international level.At least 5 years of direct experience of coordinating or leading research projects.
Desirable: Working experience in a UN agency or an international nongovernmental organization in low- and middle-income countries..

Skills

Expert knowledge of sexual well-being and functioning, sexuality and sexuality communication, and their public health aspects.

Strong research, analytical and scientific writing skills,as evidenced by a track record of peer-review scientific publication in thearea of sexual well-being and functioning.Fundraisingknowledge and demonstrated skills.

Strong communication and diplomatic skills.

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 Other UN Languages.

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 5219 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.