Medical Officer (Hepatitis, HIV and STIs)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The main objective of the integrated Hepatitis and STIs programme is to strengthen national capacity of Member States for planning, implementation and monitoring the prevention, treatment and care of Hepatitis and STIs with a focus on elimination targets; collaborate with international organizations, NGOs and other WHO programmes including strengthening of health systems and UHC within the global agenda of sustainable health and development.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of Director, Communicable Diseases (CDS), the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

1. Provide technical support and advice to the Hepatitis, HIV and STI programmes at regional and country level, to support development and implementation of strategic plans for Hepatitis, HIV and STI programmes, including adoption of traditional as well as innovative prevention approaches, policy development and programme implementation, with a focus on elimination targets;

2. Analyze existing and new developments, global and regional trends, facilitate periodic programme reviews of Member countries and identify activities within WHO collaborative regional programme for hepatitis, HIV and STI programmes;

3. Collaborate and coordinate with partner organizations viz. other UN agencies, national and international non-governmental organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners and voluntary agencies to promote the implementation and use of WHO guidance on effective interventions pertaining to Hepatitis, HIV and STI programmes in the Region; support Member countries in the preparation of proposals for resource mobilization and enhancing partnership programmes;

4. Strengthen the national and regional monitoring mechanisms for real-time data in Hepatitis, HIV and STI programme areas;

5. Provide support to development and implementation of regional framework for the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B;

6. Collaboration with other units (esp. IVD, RMNCAH) to ensure coordinated approach for achievement of milestones and targets for hepatitis B elimination;

7. Provide technical support to Member countries in building national capacities for implementation of research priorities, documentation and dissemination of results in collaboration with WCOs, HQ, ministries of health, WHO collaborating centres and other partners; involving community-based organizations and implementation of programme activities within WHO-FENSA Framework;

8. Promote networking of WHO collaborating centres and Centres of Excellence in the Region for Hepatitis, HIV and STI programme areas;

9. Ensure prompt managerial and administrative support to the programme, monitor budgetary obligations and liquidations of regional and country work plans;

10. Advise the Regional Director on ways of leadership engagement, and innovative funding, identification of priorities and strategic actions to meet objectives of the HIV and Hepatitis Regional and National Strategic action plans;

11. Promote and coordinate the activities of international, bilateral and non-governmental agencies and assist national authorities in identifying capacity building needs through national and regional group educational activities;

12. Advise Director, Department of Communicable Diseases and WHO Country Offices on recruitment of different categories of staff as well as capacity building of Member States in synergizing/integrating the health sector response for HIV/STI/Hepatitis;

13. Lead on resource mobilization and development of innovative funding for Hepatitis and HIV programmes; and

14. Any other duties, as may be assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine or public health.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of professional experience, including considerable experience obtained in an international context, in the development and implementation of health programmes.
Desirable: Experience of working in UN organization and/or donor agency/international partners.

Skills

1. Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of a wide range of public health issues;

2. Specialized knowledge of the techniques required to achieve the objectives of the programmes;

3. Thorough knowledge of policy development related to Hepatitis, HIV and STI programmes;

4. Sound knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and activities in the relevant areas of Hepatitis, HIV and STIs as well sound understanding of health systems functioning;

5. Excellent communication and presentation skills; interpersonal skills with sensitivity to cultural difference and stigma of STIs, HIV and Hepatitis;

6. Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

7. Training in management and/or epidemiology and/or public health administration. Specialized knowledge and skill of strategies required to achieve targets of Hepatitis and/or HIV prevention and treatment.

WHO Competencies

1. Teamwork
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
3. Communication
4. Producing results
5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
6. Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Knowledge of any other WHO official 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 89,837 (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 2560 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.