WHO JPO - Technical Officer, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP)

IMPORTANT: Under the UNDP JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of the United Kingdom. For the full requirements and information about the JPO Programme, please visit: https://www.undp.org/jposc

The UNDP Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme:

The  JPO Programme equips outstanding young leaders with the skills and experience required to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a positive difference in the world. As a pathway into the world of development, the programme offers young professionals excellent exposure to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development while providing a valuable entry point into the UN system.

As a JPO and young professional, you should be interested in pursuing a global career with aspiration to work for a field-based organization in support of the development agenda.

The JPO will work as part of a team and be supervised by an experienced UN staff member, including :

• Structured guidance and feedback, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing of responsibilities
• Establishment of a work plan, with clear key results
• Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise
• Completion of the Annual Performance Review including learning and development objectives

The JPO will benefit from the following learning and development opportunities:

• Use of yearly JPO duty-related travel and training allocation (DTTA), as per the online DTTA guide
• On-going Masterclasses on relevant and inspiring themes
• Career development support mechanisms and activities
• Networking with fellow JPOs, young professionals and senior UN colleagues
• Mentoring programme
• Other training and learning opportunities  

Achieving the following learning objectives

• Have deep knowledge and understanding of the PIP Framework as an instrument for strengthening pandemic influenza preparedness and ensuring greater equity in a future response.
• Understand the mandate, function and scope of WHO at three levels as well as the role of PIP Framework in building and sustaining a partnership with key PIP stakeholders.
• Build collaborative and rewarding professional relationships and networks within WHO.

Objective of the WHO Programme/Department:

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (“The Programme”) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention (EPP) advances global efforts to prevent and control existing and emerging infectious diseases by increasing access to evidence-based interventions; fostering impactful innovation; and leveraging technical, operational and strategic partnerships. In addition, EPP develops global mechanisms to facilitate coordination and collaboration between countries and multi-sectoral partners for catastrophic events of natural, accidental or deliberate origin. The department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention is committed to delivering GPW13 Outcome 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented, through: a) Delivering risk assessment, technical guidance, interventions and control strategies for country impact, b) Promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies, c) Aligning and coordinating international action through trusted partnership, and d) Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving interventions and supplies. The PIP Framework is an access and benefit sharing instrument that was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2011. It aims to ensure the rapid, systematic and timely sharing of influenza viruses with pandemic potential, on the one hand, and the fair and equitable access to benefits arising from such sharing, on the other. The PIP Framework has three main components: the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential, with laboratories of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (also known as GISRS) ; benefit sharing through two mechanisms – the Standard Material Transfer Agreements and the Partnership Contribution; and governance. Continued implementation of the Framework’s benefit sharing component requires work to ensure its ability to operate in a changing environment, notably the increase of national access and benefit sharing laws, rules, or regulations.

Assignment Summary:

The JPO will support the PIP Framework Secretariat in developing and presenting the PIP Framework principles, objectives and mechanisms, as a potential model for approaching access and benefit sharing for pathogens.

Duties, Responsibilities and Output expectations

Under the overall supervision of the Unit Head, the JPO’s tasks will include:
1. Conducting research on access and benefit sharing mechanisms (such as the PIP Framework and the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture) to develop a paper, presenting the state of play on issues including progress by the parties to the Nagoya Protocol to develop criteria for
specialized international access and benefit sharing instruments (Nagoya Protocol article 4) and digital sequence information.
2. Assisting the PIP Secretariat to develop relevant papers and related policy and technical considerations, presenting the PIP Framework to Member States in the context of Intergovernmental Negotiating Body discussions
3. Support the PIP Framework Secretariat Partnership Contribution (PC) team in developing advocacy materials and work to develop the evaluation of the High-Level Implementation Plan II.
4. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

 

WHO competencies required for the assignment:
1. Teamwork
2. Communication
3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
4. Producing Results

 

Qualifications and Experience:

 

Education:
Minimum: An advanced degree in public health, law or a science-based field.

 

Work experience:
Minimum: At least two years’ relevant experience.
Desirable: Experience in research and drafting in English.

 

Skills required for the assignment:
Minimum: Excellent spoken and written English. Strong drafting, analytical and interpersonal skills.
Desirable: Knowledge of international affairs, diplomacy or negotiations.

 

Nationality:

Under the UNDP JPO programme framework, the following position is open only to nationals of the United Kingdom. For the full requirements and information about the JPO Programme, please visit: https://www.undp.org/jposc

 

Attachments:

• A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you're the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements 
• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your Master degree

 

 

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