Scientist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) is the main instrument within the United Nations system for identifying research priorities on sexual and reproductive health and rights; 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.HRP is operated from within the World Health Organization's Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research(SRH). The Department draws on HRP research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines, and to support programme development in sexual and reproductive health and rights. More information about SRH and HRP can be found athttps://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-researchThe Addressing needs of Vulnerable Populations Unit (AVP) 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 that seek to overcome discriminatory factors and inequalities in sexual and reproductive health that contribute to risks and vulnerability, including in specific populations like adolescents, problems like gender based violence/violence against women and girlsandharmful practices, and conditions like health emergencies, migration, disability.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Focussing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights the incumbent will:
(1) Serve as technical and scientific reference in adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights among the peer community, Member States, cosponsors and other UN Agencies, and other stakeholders.
(2) Contribute to research priority setting, drawing on the scientific literature, recommendations of HRP advisory bodies, input from Member States and cosponsoring agencies, colleagues, managers 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.
(3) 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) identify and collaborate with data management companies or organizations,
(viii) management of the network of institutions participating in the research projects,
(ix) analysis, write-up and publication of results,
(x) evaluation of processes and results in preparation for subsequent research projects.

(4) Conduct capacity building of research centres to carry out high quality research that is compliant with generally accepted scientific and ethical standards.
(5) Synthesize evidence, carry out and commission systematic reviews of the literature in the field, input to evidence-based clinical and managerial guidelines.
(6) Provide guidance to counterparts in Member States, UN agencies, other inter-governmental and non-governmental agencies on scientific and technical matters, working in close collaboration with WHO Regional and Country Offices.
(7) Prepare technical progress reports governing and advisory bodies, WHO reporting requirements, and donors.
(8) Develop and draft manuscripts adequate publication in the scientific literature of research outputs, and coordinate related communications activities to strengthen the dissemination, adaptation and use of WHO and HRP outputs by WHO Member States,working in close collaboration with the HRP communications team and the WHODepartment of Communications
(9) Collaborate with counterparts in governments,, NGOs, private sector and other stakeholders to generate and use evidence forincreased access to sexual and reproductive health and rights;
(10) Undertake fundraising activities for increased financial supportfor this programme of work
(11) Carry out other 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 adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Desirable: None

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of experience in research and research management relating to sexual and reproductive health, including exposureat 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.

Essential knowledge and skills

Expert knowledge of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights and its public health aspects. Strong research,analytical and scientific writing skills, as evidenced by a strong track record of peer-review scientific publication in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights.Fundraising knowledge and skillsStrong communication and diplomatic skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Other UN Language.

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 5181 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.