Technical Officer, Nutrition

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Globally, developments such as rapid economic growth, urbanization and globalization have changed the food system, making inexpensive processed foods which are high in sugar, salt,saturated and trans fats and low nutritional value, more available and accessible. Evidence shows that these foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars or salt influence children’s food preferences, requests and consumption, and are a major contributor to overweight and obesity, which is rising in the Region and affecting most Member States especially Pacific Island Countries and areas (PICs). Today, the Pacific Island Countryis the most overweight subregion in the world with an estimated number of 59% of adults being overweight and 20% being obese.Pacific Health Ministers in 2023 made a call for greater action on the drivers of obesity in young people in the Pacific, including specific support from WHO and other development partners.WHO aims to support Member States to accelerate the national plans to address obesity through implementing effective policies on prevention and management of obesity in order to halt or improve trend in obesity rates across the life course.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Management Strategic positioning – Regional/National workplan:Guided by related global and regional action frameworks, secures andevaluates information and recommends ideas in the formulation of national plans of action on nutrition in particular overweight/obesity, and monitors subsequent progress.Promotes consensus across the networks of internal/external stakeholders.Supports cross-sectoral work in the PICs as necessary.Project/Programme management:Supports the WHO/Division Director/Coordinator in supervising overall project coordination and deployment of resources, and monitors and analyses indicators and surveillance data. Working closely with the National Government, the incumbent also coordinates the implementation and evaluation of the nutrition and related programmes including acceleration plans to address obesity projects and initiatives across the various WHO programmes, and works to integrate these efforts to help ensure a comprehensive approach to complicated drivers behind obesity in the Pacific content and apply effective “Best-Buy” interventions such as nutrition, diet and physical activity, exclusive breastfeeding,fiscal policies etc. via the life course approach.2.Technical capacity Collaboratively develops national recommendations and action plans and provides support to identify solutions to day-to-day programme concerns. Conducts analytical studies, such as research, and introduces new ideas and evidence in the respective field of public health, that are aligned to regional and country strategies.3.Enabling capacityNetworking/Fundraising/Partnership:Establishes and maintains communication with strong support networks, mobilizing resources and securing donors. Plans and utilizes budget efficiently and prepares implementation reports as requested. Takes responsibility for the preparation of proposals with support from team members. Capacity-building:Applies expertise and network as a key resource in developing capacity-building programmes of Member States. Conducts training and designs learning materials and methods. Analyses elements of a system-wide capacity programme and recommends improvement initiatives. Takes responsibility for professional development so as to maintain and elevate standards of competence and credibility.Advocacy/Communication:Spearheads advocacy and communication activities that generate the proper public visibility, and provides the needed technical input.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in nutrition, public health, medicine or other relevant health related fields from a recognized university.
Desirable: Advanced degree in social sciences on addressing drivers on obesity, economic impact on obesity, laws on regulating food marketing and conflict of interest, associated with private sectors.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of seven years’ relevant work experience at national and international level.
Desirable: Experience in working with UN agencies, developmental partners, wide range of national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Experience working in low and middle income settings. Experience working in the Pacific.

Skills

• Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health;• Ability to contribute to the development of norms and standards, as well as training materials;• Capacity to plan and conduct operational activities with political and technical elements;• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team,adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a highstandard of personal conduct;• Ability to demonstrate the gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member States.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

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

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 3132 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.

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• 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.

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