Technical Officer, Laboratory and Containment

Brazzaville

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Brazzaville
Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Biology and Chemistry
- AF/WHE WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)
Closing Date: Closed

To reduce mortality, morbidity and societal disruption resulting from epidemics, natural disasters, conflicts and environmental, chemical, radio-nuclear and food-related emergencies, as well as antimicrobial resistance, through prevention, preparedness and response in the context of the International Health Regulation (IHR 2005).

To increase country capacity to implement international health regulation, to build resilience and adequate preparedness for mounting a rapid, predictable and effective response to major epidemics and pandemics and to manage public health risks associated with emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities which are performed according to the needs and agenda\:

To provide leadership in developing norms, standards, policies, plans, guidelines and other laboratory tools for laboratory performance in line with IDSR and IHR guidelines and establish targets and measurable indicators for the monitoring and evaluation of laboratory services;

To actively participate and lead the enhancement and expansion of regional laboratory networks for disease surveillance and response of IDSR priority diseases, conditions and public health events in the Region, and introduce and coordinate quality assurance activities including proficiency testing of network laboratories;

To closely collaborate with and contribute to the establishment and sustainability of the network of Centers of Excellence in the Region;

To fully participate, (in term of content and facilitation), in laboratory training courses and regional or sub regional meetings on public health laboratory networks and WHO's global alert and response activities;

To lead the WHO/AFRO support to Member States in strengthening biosafety and biosecurity including proper handling of specimens with the aim of improving country capacity and capability in the area of bio-risk reduction and containment of highly infectious pathogens,Â´. In addition, collaborates with Member States to monitor antimicrobial resistance;

To strengthen alliances with regional and sub-regional partnerships related to the One Health Approach, in particular public and animal health laboratories, to assess common issues and concerns and establish working groups and forums to discuss and recommend shared actions and robust strategies;

To perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

An advanced University degree in medicine or pharmacy or biology with a post graduate degree in microbiology or bacteriology or virology or related laboratory speciality.

Desirable

University degree or diploma in Public Health or Epidemiology,

Experience

Essential

At least ten years of experience in laboratory management, evaluation, planning and training.

Experience in disease surveillance, prevention and control at national and or international level.

Previous experience in field epidemiology related activities.

Desirable

Field experience on the implementation of IHR (2005) including IDSR

Experience with intergovernmental agencies, the UN System or WHO and knowledge of national, regional and global partnerships and networks.

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 diffÃ©rences

4.Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Excellent knowledge of English or French

Desirable\: A good working knowledge of one of the above languages as a second additional language. Knowledge of Portuguese would be an asset.

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.