Scientist

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Regulation and Prequalification Department (RPQ) works with Member States and partners to improve the access to essential medicines and other health technologies of assured quality, safety, and efficacy or effectiveness. RPQ works within the Access to Medicines and Health Products Division (MHP in the wider framework of Universal Health Coverage and category 4 of the General Programme of Work and cooperates with disease-oriented programmes (among others HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, reproductive health, maternal and child health, immunization, NCDs and mental health) towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The department works with a wide range of UN organizations, international partners and expert networks, and WHO Collaborating Centers.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the responsibility of the Team Lead, Regulatory Systems Strengthening (RSS), Regulation and Safety (REG) Unit:

1. In the context of strengthening of national regulatory systems, conducts benchmarking missions to document the status of regulatory systems for medical products using the WHO global benchmarking tool, according to defined priorities.

2. Provides technical assistance in the formulation of institutional development plans, including appropriate capacity building and technical support activities to address identified gaps following the benchmarking, including technical seminars, workshops and or country/regional training courses and learning opportunities.

3. Plays a crucial role in the development and continual improvement of the WHO benchmarking tool, Global competency framework and related policy and procedures.

4. Provides input to the development, improvement and maintenance of IT tools related to regulatory system strengthening activities, including the electronic benchmarking tool and other relevant applications and databases.

5. Provides technical advice on regulatory system strengthening activities including responses to questions and requests from Regional and Country Offices.

6. Contributes to the development and implementation of guidelines related to regulatory system strengthening, as well as development and implementation of other RSS initiatives to support countries such as WHO listed authorities (WLA) framework and Collation of interested parties (CIP).

7. Assesses regulatory preparedness of, and contributes to any subsequent support that is needed, by the Member States, to accelerate access to products needed during public health emergencies.

8. Works in collaboration with regional and country offices in executing regulatory system strengthening and the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned.

9. Participates in advocacy and contributes to fundraising for the WHO regulatory strengthening programme involving multilateral and bilateral partners.

10. Responsible for execution of work plans, and on-time reporting of results and outcomes for onward reporting to management and partners.

11. Undertakes other duties as assigned by Team Lead, RSS/REG.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:
University degree in pharmacy, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, microbiology or related sciences. Post-graduate degree in afore-mentioned areas.

Desirable:
Specialization in medicine or vaccine regulation and/or production and/or quality assurance of medical products.

Experience

Essential:
1. At least 7 years' experience in regulation and/or production/control/quality assurance of medical products acquired by working with a national or regional regulatory authority or medical product manufacturer.
2. At least three years of experience at international level.
3. Experience in the implementation and management of collaborative projects at national and regional/international/levels.
3. Familiarity with WHO Regulatory system strengthening programme, including evaluation of national regulatory capacities and capacity building.
4. Relevant experience working with low and middle-income countries.

Desirable:
1. Specialization in medical products regulation and/or production and/or quality assurance.
2. Familiarity with regulatory system strengthening, regulatory preparedness and initiatives such as WHO Listed Authority, Coalition of Interested Parties (CIP) and WHO prequalification programme.
3. Familiarity with quality management principles and project management.

Skills

1. Expertise in the regulation of medical products and good understanding of WHO's policies and strategies in this area.
2. Good knowledge of medical product development, production and control.
3. Recognized ability to work with experts at national, regional and international levels.
4. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; and to manage programmes, budgets, individuals and teams.
5. Experience in leading and training staff in developing countries.

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:
Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:
Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 77,326 (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 5271 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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.

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• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

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