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 High Threat Pathogens (PAT) develops strategies, guidance, global mechanisms and interventions to address high threat pathogens responsible for epidemics or pandemics thereby reducing their impact on affected populations and limiting their international spread.

This group deals with known high threat pathogens such as influenza, Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF), Zika, Chikungunya, cholera, yellow fever, coronaviruses like the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), meningitis and plague.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities\:

1. Lead and coordinate GISRS projects including influenza laboratory diagnostics and surveillance e.g. development and update of laboratory protocols, the EQAP, and evaluation and application of new emerging technologies related to GISRS.

2. Undertake Biennial influenza vaccine composition consultations.

3. Design and develop GISRS capacity building programmes in collaboration with other departments in charge of laboratory capacity building.

4. Provide influenza laboratory connected technical support to WHO influenza outbreak and pandemic response, in areas including laboratory diagnostics, and relevant WHO recommendations and other support for on-the-ground outbreak response.

5. Provide influenza virological expertise in influenza risk assessment and emergency response.

6. Serve as point of contact on influenza laboratory related issues and provide virological expertise to influenza preparedness and response process.

7. Promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHE/IHM/PAT and key partners.

8. Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Master level or equivalent level of academic qualification in science on microbiology, virology, diagnostics or other related area.

Desirable\: Phd or equivalent level of qualification in microbiology or virology or other related areas. Postgraduate training in public health, epidemiology or related field.

Experience

Essential\: A minimum of seven years' experience, in laboratory diagnosis and/or virologic surveillance of influenza infection in humans. A minimum of three years' bench laboratory experience including molecular technology. Proven experience in influenza laboratory protocol and/or SOP development. Demonstrated work experience in international context.

Desirable\: International experience in the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and experience in a National Influenza Centre. Experience in influenza outbreak response.

Skills

Three competencies are considered to be mandatory for all WHO staff\:

- Teamwork

- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

- Communication

Comprehensive knowledge of the functioning of National Influenza Centers (NICs) and familiarity with the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

Excellent analytical skills complemented by good interpersonal and presentation skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Setting an example
Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate 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 72,637 (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 4625 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's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• 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.