Scientist

PURPOSEOFPOSITION

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is based in Lyon, France.

The Early Detection, Prevention, and Infections (EPR) Branch focuses its research on the evaluation of multi-level/multi-component interventions (i.e. vaccination, screening) to decrease cancer incidence, improve cancer early diagnosis, and decrease cancer mortality in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) using implementation research frameworks. EPR studies will contribute towards WHO global cervical cancer and Hepatitis elimination targets for 2030, as well as WHO global breast cancer initiative targets.

EPR is investing in projects aimed to evaluate new and existing cancer early detection and prevention strategies and programs globally, including performing field research and providing evidence-base for effective country level actions in the context of national cancer control planning and implementation. The projects involve coordinating networks of stakeholders (including MoH representatives and WHO national/regional offices), with the long-term objective to improve cancer control plans and quality assurance on cancer early detection programmes.

Cancer control is receiving increased priority globally as governments recognize and respond to the non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda, led by the World Health Organization (WHO). As an international Agency and part of the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has a pivotal role to support research and evidence synthesis in cancer prevention and screening and identify context-appropriate public health solutions. This involves conducting implementation research, finding context-appropriate solutions in collaboration with stakeholders and evaluate them in real healthcare settings.

The position contributes to the implementation and coordination of implementation research projects to enhance cancer early detection outcomes within both vulnerable and general populations across diverse settings.

DESCRIPTIONOFDUTIES

1 1. Work alongside the supervisor to coordinate implementation research, epidemiology studies, and public health projects in cancer control with a specific emphasis on enhancing population-based cancer early detection programmes in alignment with pertinent WHO/IARC guidelines and quality standards. Key responsibilities include:

a.Implementing and monitoring the progress of the funded project CBIG-SCREEN- Working collaboratively with vulnerable women to identify the best implementation gains by screening cervical cancer more effectively in European countries.

b. Implementing and monitoring the progress of the funded project HPV FASTER- IMPLEMENT- offering combined HPV vaccination and HPV test-based cervical screening to vulnerable populations. A hybrid efficacy and implementation study.

c.Conducts capacity assessment of health systems with the framework of CBIG-SCREEN and HPV FASTER IMPLEMENT projects and designs context-specific interventions

c. Oversees implementation and evaluation of intervention trials in multiple European countries within the framework of CBIG-SCREEN project and preparing reports, manuscripts and deliverables

d. Conducts studies assessing barriers and opportunities to improve access to cancer early detection in different countries using validated tools.

2.Contributes to the development and implementation of new or ancillary projects related to cancer early detection. This involves developing grant proposals aiming to attract funding from competitive sources. The incumbent is expected to assist on specific grant applications

3.Contribute to the design, planning, and/or conduct of training activities relevant to EPR objectives.

4.Supervise junior staff and scientists (MSc, PhD and/or post-doc students).

5.Carries out other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

WHOCOMPETENCIES

·Producing results.

·Teamwork.

·Communication.

·Creating an empowering and motivating environment.

·Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

·Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of cancer control (notably early detection and prevention) and cancer epidemiology.

·Excellent knowledge of functioning of health care systems in diverse settings.

·Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external partners across multiple regions and cultures

·Ability to analyse results of research conducted, identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening health care systems.

·Ability to draft evaluation reports on health systems capacity especially in relation with cancer screening

·Familiarity with the preparation of grant applications.

·Ability to deliver scientific manuscripts.

Desirable:Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from implementation research projects.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Essential:PhD degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Science or any other closely related discipline.

Desirable: Specialisation in cancer field. Additional qualifications in related disciplines.

PROFESSIONALEXPERIENCE

Essential:At least two years of professional experience in conducting implementation research in cancer prevention and early detection. Experience in the following areas is also required:

·Developing protocols and tools for implementation research

·Write scientific reports and manuscripts for peer reviewed journals

Desirable: Experience in evaluation of health systems and/or writing research grant proposals.

USEOFLANGUAGESKILLS

Expert knowledge of English is essential, working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Other Considerations (e.g. Physical Workplace Condition, if other than normal office environment; IT Skills; etc.)

Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 package.

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 50,377 (subject to applicable deductions), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2,497 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.

ADDITIONALINFORMATION

·This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level or lower.

·Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

·A written test and/or presentation/seminar may be used as a form of screening.

·If 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. IARC/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 noting that first year of fixed term contracts is a probationary period which maybe extended subject to performance evaluation.

·For information on IARC’s operations please visit: https://www.iarc.who.int, and for more general information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

·IARC/WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The IARC/WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

·IARC/WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Participating Stateshttps://www.iarc.who.int/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-at-iarc are strongly encouraged to apply for IARC/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. IARC/WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the IARC/WHO Values Charter https://www.iarc.who.int/about-iarc-who-ethics into practice.

·IARC/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 IARC/WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to IARC/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, IARC/WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

·IARC/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

·IARC/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 fully express and develop their talents.

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

·Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with IARC/WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service.Candidates appointed to an international post with IARC/WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.