OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Under the WHO Representative, provide support and guidance for the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the National Policies to help improve access to essential medicines and other health technologies and assure their safety, quality and rational use; develop and manage the organization’s programme of technical cooperation at country level and coordinate the Organization’s assistance to improve access to health technologies through the strengthening of the supply chain for health products

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Facilitate collaboration between the WHO Country Office and stakeholders in the health sector to help develop, adapt, implement and monitor national policies and strategies for health technologies and improve access to and use of these technologies, including monitoring of and advice on the impact of relevant trade agreements and globalization on access to health products Promote instruments for effective medicines regulation and quality assurance systems to promote access to and rational use of good quality, safe and effective health technologies through the review of policies, adaptation of guidelines, norms and standards and technical cooperation with the national regulatory agency and promote laboratory quality assurance systems.Provide guidance on financing the supply and increasing the affordability of health products and technologies and raise awareness and provide guidance on cost-effective and rational use of the set technologies with a view to improving access and use by health professionals and consumers Promote and advocate for financial protection for Universal Health Coverage for health products and promote integrated health service delivery by development, implementation and monitoring of policies and strategies to improve patient safety, client satisfaction and participation of patients and the community in quality governance structures. Ensure the provision of the required technical assistance for country programmes for successful implementation of interventions and advocate for and mobilize resources for programme implementation from within the country, the regional and headquarters level of WHO.Assist in monitoring the pharmaceutical sector to assess problem areas and help define technical support to be provided taking into consideration evidence-based information and best practices in the region.Perform any other tasks for the provision of technical support for the development, implementation and monitoring of national policies to improve access to health technologies and promote quality assurance and quality of care in the country.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, Medicine or Public Health
Desirable: An advanced university degree (MSc or PhD) in Pharmacy, Public Health or post graduate training in supply chain management or related field

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of practical experience in planning, implementing, monitoring, and supervising of Essential Medicines activities at national, regional or district level
Desirable: Experience in implementation of public health programmes with emphasis on developing and implementing national Policies on Health Technologies and Regulation of Health Products would be an added advantage

Skills

Excellent technical knowledge in the field of medical products with focus on treatment of diseases with high public health impact. Excellent understanding of the concepts of access to medical products, supply chain management, rational selection and use. Independent judgement; and ability to anticipate new trends in the field of medical products and take actions accordingly. Working knowledge of medical product regulation is an asset.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at ZMW 1,051,479 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• 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.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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