Technical Officer (Public Health, Vector Control and Environment)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Within the UCN Cluster, the objectives of the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) are to reduce the negative impact of endemic tropical diseases through the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of selected endemic tropical diseases, as specified in the WHO NTD Road Map: Accelerating work to overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: a roadmap for implementation (2020). To attain this, the Department prioritizes five public health strategies, namely: (i) preventive chemotherapy; (ii) innovative and intensified disease-management; (iii) vector control; (iv) safe water, sanitation and hygiene; and (v) veterinary public-health services to control neglected zoonotic diseases. The objective of the Department is to lead an efficacious and expanded effort to support Member States in the implementation of these strategies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the VVE Head and in close collaboration with Team Lead (PQ/VCP) the incumbent will be responsible for the following:VCAG activities:

1) Ensure the timely review of data and preparation of the meeting report through the following:

a. Working closely with the Project manager of VCAG, and building relationships with VCAG applicants of NTD vector control tools to ensure regular flow of information, including submission of data and review of draft meeting reports.

b. Provide an initial technical review of all information provided for the assessment of VCAG and seek clarification from applicants where required.

2) Participate regularly in secretariat meetings and support the planning and follow-up activities relating to VCAG meetings, including preparation of meeting reports.

3) Work closely with all members of the coordinating teams of VCAG, to develop/update technical and normative guidance documents, as well as the development of Preferred Product Characteristics that articulate WHO's identified public health needs in this area.

4) Organize Evidence Review Groups or other advisory groups at the request of WHO when additional expert advice related to VCAG's work is required.

5) Support the process of policy development and guideline updates related to new vector control interventions where required, including preparation of VCAG recommendations for presentation to the NTD management.

6) Develop and maintain communication tools and channels, including updating the websites on a quarterly basis.

7) Liaise with PQT-VCP on the development of the new PQT website to ensure appropriate alignment of information pertaining to vector control products and to provide input to inform PQT-VCP of VVE specific stakeholder needs.

8) Collaborate with PQT-VCP on the development of the vector control product label improvement plan which aims to improve current labelling in order to provide relevant vector control product information to internal and external partners and stakeholders and inform VCAG.GVCR activities:

9) Support the updating of online platforms for the reporting of activities performed under the umbrella of the GVCR.

10) In addition, support the management the WHO mailing list for vector control established under the umbrella of the Global Vector Control Response.

11) Support VVE unit in capacity building for GVCR implementation focused on NTD vectors.

12) Develop reports for senior management and stake holders upon request of PQT/VCP review technical documents developed by PQT/VCP to ensure alignment with NTD on technical issues and operational policy.

Other activities:

13) Support NTD departmental activities, by acting as the focal point of one of the specified priority countries. 14) Other tasks upon request of the Unit Head.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree in public health, or medical entomology, or closely related field.
Desirable: An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in public health, or medical entomology, or closely related field.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in the design and implementation of trials to evaluate public health interventions and/or research in vector-borne diseases. At least 2 years' experience working independently in project coordination and/or management of a portfolio of vector control tools and associated research. Demonstrated experience of working in diverse and inter-disciplinary teams; as well as planning and managing the process to produce outputs from these teams. Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
Desirable: Thorough knowledge of vector biology and control and entomological aspects of vector-borne diseases and familiarity with contemporary issues relating to public health vector control. Demonstrated knowledge of WHO's coordinated global approach to controlling vector-borne diseases. Understanding of the general principles and standard procedures for laboratory and field evaluation of public health vector control tools including research and development of innovative technologies, and how to interpret research data. Sound understanding of vector control product development processes and procedures at global levels, including WHO policies for public health vector control product testing and evaluation. Excellent presentation skills. Ability and integrity to handle confidential documentation provided to WHO.

Skills

Comprehensive understanding of vector-borne diseases, and epidemiological evaluations designed to ascertain the impact of public health interventions against relevant pathogens, including that of trial designs and associated statistical analyses. Ability to work quickly and willingness to manage delivery of materials under time pressure and short deadlines; Demonstrated ability to understand and write technical reports; including ability to demonstrate initiative and work on her/his own after instructions from supervisors, willingness and ability to take responsibility. Ability to multi-task effectively and prioritize workload, in a pressured environment with competing demands and high expectations. Ability to systematically keep track of actions. Excellent interpersonal skills, including integrity, good judgment and diplomacy. Ability to work as a team in the VCAG secretariat, and other cross-cutting projects, including delegating tasks based on the skills of colleagues. Extensive knowledge on vector-borne disease transmission, epidemiology and associated control of such diseases, developed through experience working in the field of vector-borne diseases, particularly on one or more NTDs.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Expert knowledge of UN 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 62,120 (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 4628 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.

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