National Professional Officer (Tuberculosis)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Myanmar is not only one of the 30 Global TB High Burden countries but also high TB/HIV and MDR-TB burden countries. WHO provides technical support to the NTP on all aspects of TB control and to all geographical areas of the country. WHO also serves to support the coordination of all organizations supporting TB care and prevention in the country to ensure that the NSP along the End TB Strategy is implemented and the international standards for TB diagnosis, treatment and care are followed. WHO has been taking a role of secretariat of TB Technical and Strategy Group meeting (TB-TSG) under Myanmar Health Sector Coordination Committee (MHS-CC).The TB Team aims to support the member state in fast-tracking strategies to achieve the milestones and targets in alignment with the WHO "End TB Strategy" by ensuring adaptation and implementation of the global guidelines, policies and recommended tools for tuberculosis care and prevention in Myanmar in collaboration with other relevant units and teams.. The TB Team has been coordinating with all partners and funding agencies to mobilize resources as well as synergise efforts towards ending TB. The TB team is also taking a leading role of TB monitoring and evaluation to facilitate establishment of TB surveillance system and support periodic surveys and operational researches to develop evidence based policy and strategies.Currently two major technical agenda of the programme are “Accelerating case detection for Bending the TB incidence curve” and “Drug Resistant TB”.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Officer (TB) and overall guidance of the WHO Representative, the incumbent will :

• Provide technical advice according to WHO guidelines related to all forms of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) as part of the implementation of the End TB Strategy, National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control and Care 2016-2020 and their future updates;
• Support MO as part of Secretariat team of TB Strategic and Advisory Group meeting (TBTSG), and contribute to development and dissemination of National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control and Care 2021-2025
• Assist National TB Program (NTP) and partners through their capacity building opportunities for the introduction and implementation of new TB drugs and treatment regimens with emphasis on DR-TB, in line with the latest WHO recommendations;
• Provide technical support, in collaboration with relevant units or teams in WHO SEARO and country office for the implementation and monitoring of pharmacovigilance of anti-TB drugs;
• Support collaboration with the Global Fund, USAID, the Global Drug Facility (GDF) and other relevant partners for cooperation to Myanmar in the procurement of quality assured first and second line TB drugs.Coordinate national technical officers for procurement, supply and logistics to monitor on drug management to prevent stock outs;
• Provide Secretariat support to the DR TB expert committee in Myanmar; and facilitate the cooperation with Regional Green Light Committee (rGLC) for technical assistance to country with an DR-TB component of their Global Fund grant;
• Assist NTP and the DR TB expert committee to develop, implement and monitor innovative approaches for DR-TB prevention and control in vulnerable populations for TB (children, indigenous people, prisoners, drug addicts and migrants, among others);
• Cooperate with Technical officer for TB/HIV to provide technical assistance to NTP to ensure appropriate TB and DR-TB prevention including infection control;Assist in periodic monitoring visits to affected states and regions by the DR-TB;
• Develop and/or review reports for submission to WHO, the Global Fund and USAID;
• Assist in documenting progress, achievements and technical assistance needed on DR-TB in country; and follow-up on the implementation of mission recommendations and implementation of WHO DR-TB guidelines;
• Assist NTP and NTOs to review the annual TB data collection from states and regions, contribute to the analysis of the data and monitor and advice NTPs on the DR-TB indicators in Myanmar;
• Contribute to the development, review and update of biennial programs and budgets, semi-annual work plans and periodic evaluations for assigned projects;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree of Medicine
Desirable: Master degree for public health or any relevant field such as MSc for epidemiology, or disease control

Experience

Essential: At least two years of experience in the area of specialization:
Desirable: Experiences of related fields such as HIV; Experiences of Supervisory or Monitoring & Evaluation activities of DR-TB; and Experiences of Trainer, Teaching, role on DR TB management

Skills

Expertise in public health, program management in TB control and care. Good understandings in health related project management in Myanmar. Very good communication skills. Good knowledge on DR TB

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Myanmar.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 26,662 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

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• 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.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.