OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall mission of the Science Division is to harness the power of science and innovation to improve health in a systematic way, by ensuring the excellence,relevance and efficiency of WHO's core technical functions, including norms and standards and research. The Office of the Chief Scientist coordinates, guides and oversees the programmatic and administrative cohesion of the departments of the Division, ensuring optimum delivery of services and output in line with Governing Body resolutions, including the General Programme of Work and the Programme Budget, and within the available resources. The office also aims at achieving synergies between individual departments, programmes and their implementations, in compliance with the regulatory framework of the Organization. The mission of the Science Division is to harness the power of science and innovation in a systematic way, by ensuring the excellence,relevance and efficiency of WHO's core technical functions, including norms and standards, digital health and research.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of the supervisor, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

  • Support the WHO Science Council, acting as a Secretariat member, ensuring that all activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively.
  • Coordinate and facilitate the internal engagement of WHO technical departments and divisions with the work of the WHO Science Council ensuring cohesion of proposals submitted to the Council and their alignment with the WHO priorities.
  • Liaise and utilize partnerships with key stakeholders including other UN agencies, donors or research institutions to position the work of the WHO Science Council and link to technical departments.
  • Lead within the Secretariat for the WHO Science Council on the coordination and support for the work of the Science Council, to ensure the smooth and efficient running of its operations.
  • Research and prepare relevant background documents and liaise appropriately with relevant technical departments depending on the areas of work to support the development of Science Council reports and recommendations, by desk research, literature reviews, expert consultations and ensure the finalization of the documents in accordance with WHO policies on publications.
  • Coordinate the planning and execution of all Science Council meetings and workshops, with support from administrative staff.
  • Monitor the implementation of activities of the WHO Science Council to ensure milestones are met, and deliverables are completed within agreed timelines.
  • Document lessons learned and propose sustainable and efficient processes for future activities.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree (Master's level or above) in health sciences or life sciences.
Desirable: PhD degree in biomedical scientific research is a strong asset.

Experience

Essential: A minimum of seven years of experience working in a scientific research capacity or coordination role in global health sciences, including experience at the international level.
Desirable: Prior experience in coordinating or supporting scientific boards or advisory groups is a strong asset. Experience working in an international organization. Experience of global health in the context of low and middle-income countries.

Skills

  • Excellent scientific/biomedical knowledge and understanding of global health, preferably gained through health research positions and coordination roles.
  • Strong skills in drafting policy and reports on various health research scientific topics.
  • Excellent skills in project management with a sound understanding of work planning and prioritization of health topics.
  • Strong people skills and ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with internal and external partners, including high-level experts, donor institutions, civil society and other stakeholders.
  • Strong presentation skills.
  • Strong skills in coordinating large groups or consortia across multiple countries.
  • Knowledge of the architecture of global health and international biomedical research.

WHO Competencies

  • Teamwork
  • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
  • Communication
  • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
  • Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of WHO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian).

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 75,602 (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 4845 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.
  • 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.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.