Unit Head, Research Capacity Strenghtening

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is to foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty in which disease endemic countries play a pivotal role. The objective of the unit is to contribute to improving health through development of excellence and leadership in research and decision making in disease endemic countries.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Provides technical leadership, coordination and managerial support within the Department/Programme, in the Unit of Research Capacity Strengthening ensuring that activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Develops and proposes technical health policies and strategies for implementation through collaboration with Regional and Country Offices and provides advice in developing further the Research Capacity Strengthening for strengthening and improving technical capacity of target clienteles.
• Oversees a unit of technical teams specialized in various domains within their area of expertise and facilitates the efficient flow of team synergies.
• Manages the programme area in delivering its objectives through efficient managing a small team of technical staff, financial resources and effective work planning to optimize the programme's deliverables in line with the mandate of the Organization.
• Leads and conducts research on best practices in implementing programmes and activities and dissemination of information for capacity building in the respective area of work.
• Manages the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the subject area of work of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables.
• Serves as the technical reference among the peer community, UN Agencies and other stakeholders at the technical levels in the respective area of expertise.
• Liaises with and utilizes partnerships in other UN Agencies, Donor, or research institutions in the Research Capacity Strengthening to position the technical area of work and implementation into Global and/or National policies.
• Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for Research Capacity Strengthening.
• Effectively manage the RCS Unit, including advising, leading and directing RCS staff and activities to achieve the objectives of its workplan.
• Take the lead in planning, implementing, monitoring cross-cutting projects and activities within the RCS Unit Work and harmonize the RCS portfolio with TDR's Research for Implementation and Global Engagement functions to ensure that research capacity strengthening activities are integrated in research.
• Provide Secretariat support and due responsiveness to scientific advisory committees serving the activities of the RCS functions, and to oversee follow up of their recommendations on strategic matters as well as management of the selection, initiation, monitoring, evaluation, closure and reporting of projects.
• Identify opportunities for synergy with partners and potential partners and secure funding for the unit's activities.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

An advanced level university degree in a health research related field relevant for the position.

Desirable:

A PhD related to tropical diseases and / or international health

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the management of international programmes.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and management experience in managing multi-stakeholder projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources.

Desirable:

• Experience in the area of capacity building, developing and establishing training tools, policies and strategies at national or international level.
• At least 10 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience of working in the UN System or WHO.

Skills

• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health/disease control programmes.
• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies.
• Good skills in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including Ministries of Health, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the Health Subject area.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to effectively negotiate interactions with internal and external partners including funders.
• Good understanding of research capacity development needs in LMIC.
• Demonstrated appreciation of the issues associated with health research and capacity building in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

Intermediate knowledge of WHO official 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 90,664 (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 6158 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.