Technical Officer (Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance & System Strengthening), (NO-B), Fixed-Term, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Universal Health Coverage, Lifecourse and Healthier Populations programme in the WHO Country Office in Papua New Guinea is to support the Member State to attain universal coverage of health services for better and equitable health outcomes. Health sector development acts as the foundation that both underpins and unifies public health efforts aimed at combating diseases and building healthy communities in an efficient and equitable manner, especially for high priority, excluded and underserved population groups. A strong health system foundation enables effectiveness of individual programmes and efficient use of shared system resources for all programmes. A strong health system also promotes appropriate integration of pro-poor, equity-enhancing, gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator, UHC, Lifecourse and Healthier Populations, and the Technical Officer, Essential Medicines and Technologies, in the Country Office and in collaboration with the Division of Health Systems and Services and the Division of Health Security and Emergencies, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, the incumbent will be assigned the following responsibilities:

1. Support provision of technical and policy advice to the national authorities to strengthen capacity at the community- and health-facility level to mitigate the emergence, spread, and public health consequences of AMR and achieve the vision of building a sustainable system to contain AMR;

2. Provide technical support to national authorities and coordinate efforts with other technical units and partners to strengthen the health system's response in addressing AMR through national/local surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programmes, antimicrobial consumption monitoring and awareness-raising to achieve behavioural change regarding the optimal use of antimicrobials both by health professionals and patients/consumers;

3. Support the development, coordination, and implementation of educational AMR initiatives at different levels of the health system in close collaboration with the National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, partners, civil society, the private sector, and other programmes within the Country Office;

4. Build and maintain effective coordination and collaboration with the National AMR focal point in the National Department of Health, and other teams within WHO, both within and outside the AMR team;

5. The latter include medicines, WASH, infection prevention and control, universal health coverage, One Health, primary healthcare, and disease programmes;

6. Provide support to the Technical Officer, Essential Medicines and Technologies to advocate, coordinate, and build partnerships with bilateral and multilateral financing institutions, national governments, civil society, and the private sector to mobilize resources and ensure ownership of and support for AMR strategies as developed and implemented by WHO and partners;

7. Support visualizing data and information and develop communication materials accordingly to raise awareness on the AMR burden, progress made and key challenges in supporting policy advocacy;

8. Liaise with and utilize partnerships with quadripartite and other UN agencies, donors, or research institutions in the cross-cutting multi-faceted AMR field to position the technical area of work and implementation into national policies;

9. Represent the programme area of work at various meetings to advocate for AMR and WHO AMR and antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial surveillance strategies; and

10. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in public health, health sciences, pharmacy, microbiology or related areas from a recognized university.
Desirable: Master's level degree or qualification in epidemiology/public health from a recognized university.

Experience

Essential: Minimum two years' work experience in programmes or public health activities related to AMR, microbiology, surveillance or One Health at national level.
Desirable: International exposure in public health in related areas.

Skills

1. Strong programme management skills.

2. Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to coordinate activities and multitask.

3. Ability to work and make decisions under pressure; to elaborate strategies and organize priorities through strong analytical skills and good judgement.

4. Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, discretion and diplomacy.

5. Ability to effectively coordinate with development partners/donors and collaborating agencies.

6. Technical expertise and overall attitude at work.

7. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of the team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain ahigh standard of personal conduct.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Knowing and managing yourself
• Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at PGK 116,831 (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.

• 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.

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• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.

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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• 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.

• 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.

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