HEALTH SOCIAL SCIENTIST

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

1. To support the 47 Member States in managing health emergency risk using proven high quality interventions ,

2. Managing expert networks to rapidly characterize the threats and define mitigation measures,

3. Facilitating the production of high quality, evidence-based guidance, its dissemination to affected countries, and the transfer of knowledge/capacity building of implementers, and

4. Ensuring the availability of life-saving interventions (vaccine, treatments and diagnostics) reach the target populations during emergencies due to infectious hazards.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will act as the regional focal point responsible for providing technical guidance on generating evidence, on social and behavioral aspects of health emergencies, translate scientific evidences to suitable communication for target populations; effective guidance on communication channels/means/methodsto manage risks and infectious hazards in the Region.Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties\:

1. Lead the development of a network of social scientists and partners to facilitate the integration of the cultural/societal components in outbreak investigation, risk assessment for effective communication, preparedness, response strategies and operations,

2. Coordinate and guide the development/dissemination/use of regional guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for frontline responders and community to address the social dimensions of risk and improve cultural relevance, thereby improving acceptability and efficacy of outbreak investigations, and preparedness and response interventions,

3. Coordinate the building of the capacities of frontline responders on application of standard guidelines and SOPs of response to outbreaks,

4. Coordinate the work of social science team with other teams in the field and with teams in WHO-AFRO, particularly with HPD and COM, and HQ to ensure that the work is technically, effectively and efficiently implemented with high standards

5. Lead the documentation and dissemination of experiences and lessons learnt in managing outbreaks of health emergencies, ensuring sensitivities of operation response toward population diversity (varied by gender, economic income, ethnicity, and other social gradients) in the African Region,

6. Support the development of partnerships with various religious groups, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to solicit their involvement in public health emergency interventions, response, preparedness, and recovery.

7. Manage an interactive global social scientist network that communicates and disseminates to improve epidemic policy/intersectoral strategy development, communication, and social mobilization

8. In close collaboration with research institutions and partners, articulate and facilitate formative research, as well as development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery and behavior change,

9. Link with other groups within and beyond WHO to promote cultural adaptation of response strategies and interventions,

10. Ensure the highest level of technical accuracy and evidence-base of technical emergency guidance,

11. Plan, manage and monitor the social science in health emergency activities to reflect the administrative and budgetary standards, guidelines, priorities and directions.

12. Any other duties assigned by the supervisors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Essential\: Advanced university degree from a recognized university in medical sociology and/or medical anthropology, or health social science.

Desirable\: PHD or specialized training in behavioural sciences

Experience\:

Essential\: At least 10 years of national and international experience at country and/or regional level in social science research in the public health domain.

Extensive experience in convening and organizing regional meetings with tangible outcomes .

Extensive experience of having worked in developing countries

Proven experience in capacity building and mentoring for at least 10 years

Record of extensive documentation and publishing experience in quality domains

Desirable\: High level experience in training and mentoring University students in social and public health field research in the African setting would be a distinct advantage. Experience working on health programme(s) at regional level in Africa..

Skills

• Ability to design, coordinate and implement social science research
• Excellent writing and publishing skills
• Ability to convey and transfer knowledge
• Demonstrated effectiveness in building sustained partnerships and working with others in multi-cultural settings

WHO Competencies

1. Moving forward in a changing environment

2. Fostering integration and teamwork

3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

4.Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Fluent in English or French.

Desirable\: A working knowledge of one of the above languages as an additional second language.

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.


• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.


• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.


• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.


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


• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.


• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.