Medical Officer (Tuberculosis)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The main objective of the programme is to reduce mortality and morbidity of tuberculosis including drug resistant tuberculosis in line with End TB Strategy, and EMR Regional TB Action Plan 2023 - 2030 goals and targets. The programme is responsible for strengthening of prevention, control and care for ending tuberculosis in the countries of the Region in line with the aims, principles and approaches of End TB Strategy as part of the Universal Health Coverage and overall development agenda and the corresponding targets in political commitment made at UN High-Level Meeting 2023

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties: 1. Provide strategic and technical guidance to the countries of the Region to scale up all aspects of quality TB programmes in line with End TB Strategy goals and targets. 2. Manage and organize relevant TB programme review missions and meetings, validate and disseminate reports and follow up on recommendations and action planning. 3. Develop regional and support country contextual capacity building plans on various aspects of TB programme such as TB prevention, diagnostics, treatment and patient support. This would also include support for introduction of a vaccine, as and when available. 4. Provide/ coordinate provision of technical guidance to the development of national strategies and policies through policy advice and guidance on country level strategic plans to reach End TB Strategy goals and targets. 5. Lead the monitoring, evaluation and reporting for all forms of TB including its drug resistant forms. 6. Liaise with national counterparts, donors, development partners (UN and bilateral), and WHO technical departments to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to TB and resolve issues or concerns. 7. Provide support to the regional and country level resource mobilization initiatives. 8. Lead the planning and organization of the inter-country meetings, workshops and trainings and actively participate in global meetings, as required. 9. Support procurement and supply chain management of TB drugs, laboratory and other TB related commodities as per need of the Member States. 10. Provide required guidance to EMR Member States including to those in complex or protracted emergency situations for improving implementation of the End TB Strategy components, including on TPT, PMDT, childhood TB, TB and comorbidities, TB diagnosis, case finding strategies, people-centered models of care, PPM and digitalization. 11. Support operational research and innovation for newer intervention to address current gaps in programme implementation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master's degree in public health or medicine or equivalent.
Desirable: Training on programmatic management of Tuberculosis and drug resistant tuberculosis.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years' experience in communicable diseases including tuberculosis control
Desirable: Experience in programmatic management of tuberculosis including drug resistant tuberculosis and/or Childhood TB and/or TB and comorbidities. Experience of working in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Skills

Broad knowledge of tuberculosis and drug resistant control and elimination principles, methodologies, techniques and practices. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities. Ability to analyse information, data and write concisely.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

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 2139 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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 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.

• 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.

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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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