Medical Officer - Sexually Transmitted Infections (Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programme)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HHS) programmes leads the global health sector response, towards ending HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections epidemics, to strengthening primary health care, within the framework of universal health coverage, focusing on populations most vulnerable and countries with the highest burden. The HHS program is guided by the integrated Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STI), 2022-2030 (GHSS). The strategies aspire to a common vision to end epidemics and advance universal health coverage, primary health care and health security in a world in which all people have access to high-quality evidence-based people-centred health services and can lead healthy and productive lives and through joint action in areas of convergence while maintaining disease specificities. The goals are aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and WHO's General Programme of Work. The strategies follow the five strategic directions: 1) Deliver high-quality evidence-based people-centred services, 2) Optimize systems, sectors and partnerships for impact, 3) Generate and use data to drive decisions for action, 4) Engage empowered communities and civil society, and 5) Foster innovations for impact. The objective of all three Programmes is to lead an effective, organization-wide effort to support Member States in the implementation of the GHSS. The STI programme provides technical and strategic leadership and leverages the capacity of other headquarters departments to contribute to elimination. The programme also works closely with WHO Country Offices, through the Regional Offices to maximize WHO's impact in the context of the WHO's General Programme of Work guided by the “Triple Billion” targets related to universal health coverage, protection from health emergencies, and promotion of better health and well-being for all.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Project management support (including planning, implementation, monitoring and closing) and technical input into the advocacy activities (for example the STI conference, AMR Day) and into activities related to supporting the CC lead on implementation and monitoring of the global health sector strategies on STIs.
• Responsible for the project management of the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) and monitoring patterns of resistance in STIs. This includes coordination with more than 10 countries that will conduct surveillance activities, and coordinate collaborating centres that support the EGASP project.
• The incumbent validates the surveillance reports and the liaison with the donor and ensures that donor reporting is accurately and timely done.
• Support the CC lead in integrating STIs in the UHC and PHC and other inter-departmental collaborations.
• The incumbent is responsible for collecting/documenting best practices and dissemination of lessons learned as well as guidance on integrated PHC to countries.
• Conduct technical assistance, in coordination with the regional office focal points, to member states on national strategic plan development and programme reviews, EGASP project activities, and support the implementation of the requests for other specialised HQ support, monitoring, recording and reporting.
• Support the CC-Lead STI in relationship management and provide support to stakeholders and partners' meetings and other networks, which includes providing technical and administrative input to convening meetings, trainings, reports and publications.
• Coordinate and organise STI trainings and relevant capacity-building activities.
• Assist with the STI technical grant management and implementation, liaise and communicate with relevant collaborators and partners and preparation of reports.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• An Advanced University degree in Medicine or Public Health.
  

Desirable:

• PhD in public Health or Sexual Health.

Experience

Essential:

• At least seven years of public health experience in the area of communicable diseases and STIs, of which 3 years in strategic information or surveillance.
• Demonstrated professional experience working at the country and/or regional level on public health initiatives promoting public health programmes as well as providing technical advice and support to external partners.
  

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience in a regional/international public health institution on STI surveillance and STIs programmes in an LMIC (Low and Middle-Income Countries).

Skills

• Excellent research, writing and communication skills.
• Resource mobilization, external relations and networking skills.
• Project management in national, regional and global settings with relevant stakeholders.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Producing results

Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.
  

Desirable:

• Beginners 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 6025 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.

·The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The 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.

·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.

·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.

·Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

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

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·For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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