Medical Officer (End TB)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To achieve the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases and mental health throughout the Western Pacific Region by targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such conditions and diseases. The division supports integrated people-centred care approaches by strengthening primary health care services for prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment of target diseases and conditions along the life course while ensuring reaching the unreached and achieving universal health coverage and GPW14.

The Integrated Communicable Disease Control (ICD) Unit is placed at the core of the division to tackle communicable disease in the Western Pacific Region in achieving the goals of “Reaching the Unreached”. The ICD unit harmonises and integrates programs on End TB, HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases and Surveillance to take a systems approach for impact-oriented implementation if communicable disease control programmes at regional and country levels. The ICD Unit works for action across government and society in strengthening integrated, people-centred care, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of communicable diseases in the Western Pacific Region by advocating for bold policies and supportive systems, intensified research and innovation, establishing strong partnerships and strengthening surveillance, monitoring and evaluation. Focus areas of the programme are regional and country adaptation of evidence-based policies and strategies, facilitation of coordinated multisectoral actions, community and individual empowerment, enhancement of cross-programmatic interventions and integrated service delivery.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator and guidance from the Director, the incumbent performs the following duties:

1. Provide technical support to the regional office and country offices of WHO in the area of Ending TB, ensuring that the activities in this area are carried out efficiently and effectively.

2. Develop and implement action plans for interventions in high-risk groups and environments and recommend measures for special attention.

3. Substantively contribute to the development of national strategies and policies through policy advice and guidance on plans of action for improvements in existing health systems for prevention and care of tuberculosis.

4. Research, compile, and evaluate a variety of data and information related to tuberculosis; provide recommendations concerning appropriate responses, and implementation of preventative measures.

5. Develop improvements and innovate existing information systems on Ending TB and the monitoring of progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), facilitating integration with the national health information systems.

6. Serve as a technical resource to the public concerning tuberculosis in the countries and the region; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related practices, procedures, issues, and measures, in consultation with the communications team, the Coordinator or the Director.

7. Support the WHO Country Offices for designing tools and approaches to help frontline providers. outreach activities and community empowerment concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis; prepare and deliver presentations; compile, develop, and distribute related informational materials.

8. Liaise with WHO Country Offices, national counterparts, donors, development partners (UN and bilateral), and other WHO technical divisions and departments to harmonize recommendations on policies and strategies related to Ending TB and resolve issues or concerns.

9. Ensure quality assurance and relevance of contractual engagements with partners and institutions and make recommendations regarding WHO’s support.

10. Participate as a resource person in training and orientation programmes in the related areas for capacity building.

11. Advocate, convene, and enable Member States and partner agencies to use integrated systems approaches to strengthen primary health care to reach the unreached.

12. When delegated, represent WHO at various meetings.

13. All other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine with a master’s degree in public health or communicable diseases.

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/ .

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, including relevant international exposure, in communicable diseases focusing on the areas of investigation, surveillance, and control, as well as developing strategies and action plans for implementing disease prevention programmes. Experience in tuberculosis control and other public health programmes/policies at national or sub-national levels. Demonstrated professional experience, providing technical advice and services to national counterparts, and other partners on communicable disease related issues.

Desirable: Familiarity with health system and socio-cultural contexts in the Asia-Pacific regions is an asset.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of country situation with regard to Communicable Diseases with good understanding of relevant country’s needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting.
• Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
• Excellent knowledge of Health and safety regulations.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills.
• Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

WHO Competencies Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of written and spoken English.
Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

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 77,326 (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 3183 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

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