Technical Officer (Epidemiologist)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To effectively manage communicable diseases through surveillance and response programme in the country in order to reduce morbidity and mortality, to minimize the social and economic impact from communicable diseases and to promote the development of epidemiological and laboratory related services, by strengthening surveillance including reporting, investigation, response and epidemic preparedness for communicable diseases.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

(1) Support in strengthening surveillance,risk assessment and response capacities for COVID-19 and other health security threats under the framework of the APSED III;

(2) Assist in strengthening epidemic analysis for response decision-making capacity at the subnational level using multiple sources of surveillance;

(3) Participate in timely response in the field to outbreaks/epidemics in collaboration with national health officials, WHO staff and staff of other organizations;

(4) Support the strengthening of health facility-based and event-based surveillance;

(5) Support the Laos Field Epidemiology Training (FET) Programme, including lecturing, mentoring of trainees and supervision in the field;

(6) Assist in the revision of the FET curriculum and development of FET training materials;

(7) Support Laos FET alumni activities; and

(8) Support the WHO Country Office Incident Management System Team Information and Planning Pillar.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in health sciences or relevant areas from a recognized university.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (master's level or higher) related to epidemiology.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of five years' relevant work experience related to epidemiology.
Desirable: Experience in conducting training courses related to epidemiology, supporting FET programmes or equivalent and experience working in South-East Asian countries at the international level.

Skills

•Skills and knowledge in field epidemiology in low- or middle-income countries.

•Skills and knowledge of conducting outbreak investigation planning, policies and standard operating procedures in low- or middle-income countries.

•Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds,and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

•Ability to demonstrate gender equity andcultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to the Member States.

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 written and spoken English.
Desirable: Expert knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

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 62,120 (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 1796 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.

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