Technical Officer (Noncommunicable Diseases), (NO-C), Fixed-term, Beijing, China

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) contribute to more than 70% of the total disease burden in China. The Global Burden of Disease Study between 1990-2017 showed that China had the highest age-standardized death rates of diet-related cardiovascular disease; and hypertension was a major risk factor. Hypertension is common, affecting about 270 million people, of which only 50% are under treatment and 14% under control. Effective response to the rise of hypertension and other major NCDs with an ageing population is crucial to China’s sustainable development.

To address the increasing burden of NCDs, health systems need to be strengthened and the delivery of care should be people-centred, community based in primary health care settings. Since 2009, China launched a new round of health system reforms. One of the recent reform imperatives is to transit the health service system towards a people-centred integrated care (PCIC) model based on strong PHC. In the recently signed WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (2022-2026), NCD remains a major priority in WHO’s collaboration with China. WHO China office has taken a system approach to address NCD risk factors and conditions through one-team approach (disease control and health systems). This is directly responding to the thematic priorities and operational shifts outlined in For the Future vision.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Coordinator of Health Systems and Health Security (Intraregional) in WHO Country Office in China, the incumbent will provide technical support and advice to the WHO China on promoting control and management of major NCDs through integrated health systems approach. The incumbent shall be physically located in the WHO China office in Beijing and to provide technical support and policy advice to WHO China team, as well as to deliver key technical products and to organize events. More specifically, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following:

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of projects aimed at improving control and management of hypertension and other major NCDs and promoting the implementation of the relevant WHO technical guidelines.

• Conduct policy research and analysis regarding NCD management, such as prevention, detection, treatment and control of hypertension and other major NCDs, as well as factors that promote or hinder the effective management of these conditions.

• Provide technical support and advice on evidence-based approaches for management of major NCDs and risk factors.

• Coordinate the organization of meetings, roundtables and consultations with key policymakers and stakeholders in NCD control and management through the systems approach.

• Produce high quality reports, briefings and other documents.

• Perform other related duties as required by the supervisor and WHO Representative.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine, public health or other related fields.
Desirable: Master’s degree (or higher) in public health, Noncommunicable diseases and prevention, epidemiology, public policy or other health-related fields from a recognized university and preferably from an internationally recognized university. Exposure to international research and advanced training in disease control programme management such as cardiovascular diseases would be an advantage.

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: Minimum five years of experience in developing and implementing public health programs or specifically related to prevention, treatment or management of hypertension and major NCD, in working through primary healthcare/or health system for better NCD outcomes and with a strong track record in NCD policy engagement in China.
Desirable: Experience in planning and researching on NCD prevention and control and integrated care model. Experience in public health policy development and advocacy. Frequent contacts inside and outside government agencies and international partners.

Skills

Knowledge in programme planning, project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of noncommunicable diseases.

Proven record of analytical skills.

Ability to develop plans, strategies and proposals, draft policy analysis and prepare documentation and reports in a concise and accurate manner.

Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders, leverage common interests, draw synergies across teams and interact with policy makers in the NCD or public health fields.

Ability to work under short deadlines.

Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States.

WHO Competencies

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

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Chinese.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at CNY 707,195 (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.

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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.

• 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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