Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. The Department of Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) supports countries in prevention and control of high threat diseases of pandemic & epidemic potential through forecasting, characterization of diseases /infectious risks and development of evidence-based strategies to manage infectious hazards. The Unit of Expert Networks & Interventions (ENI) builds on a set of technical assets to ensure access to knowledge and life-saving interventions to address any emerging pathogens. It includes but is not limited to (i) managing expert networks to rapidly characterize the threats and define mitigation measures, (ii) facilitating the production of high quality, evidence-based guidance, its dissemination to affected countries, and the transfer of knowledge to implementing partners and (iii) ensuring the availability of life-saving interventions (vaccine, treatments and diagnostic) during emergencies due to infectious hazards.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities\:1. Support the coordination and management of the global laboratory network including the existing sub network of the Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory Network (EDPLN) and its projects.2. Provide laboratory technical support to the implementation and operations response of outbreaks of dangerous and new pathogens. 3. Support real-time monitoring of capacity building efforts for the detection of dangerous and emerging pathogens in countries in WPRO,SEARO, EMRO, and AFRO.4. Participate in laboratory evaluations, trainings and laboratory capacity strengthening activities. 5. Coordinate the development and distribution of proficiency panel in AFRO, WPRO, SEARO and EMRO and promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHO/WHE/IHM and key partners. 6. Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: First university degree in medicine, pharmaceutical or life sciences, with a specialization in laboratory sciences.
Desirable\: Training in epidemiology of communicable diseases.

Experience

Essential\: At least 5 year of experience in laboratory practice including at least 2 years of experience in international laboratory strengthening projects.
Desirable\: Experience of work in international organizations.

Skills

- Knowledge of project management in the area of international laboratory strengthening.

- Knowledge of national laboratory systems including quality systems, especially in resource-limited countries.

- Interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

- Ability to address multitasks and to manage competing demands with tact and discretion.

WHO Competencies

1. Producing results
2. Moving forward in a changing environment
3. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
4. Setting an example
5. Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of WHO language.

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 60,233 (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 3393 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 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.

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

• 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.

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