Unit Head, Testing, Prevention and Populations

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HHS) programmes leads the global health sector response, towards ending HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections epidemics, within the framework of universal health coverage, focusing on populations most vulnerable and on countries with the highest burden. The HHS programme is guided the integrated Global Health Sector Strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections (STI), 2022-2030(GHSS) .The strategies aspire to a common vision to end epidemics and advance universal health coverage, primary health care and health security in a world in which all people have access to high-quality evidence-based people-Centre health services and can lead healthy and productive lives and through joint action in areas of convergence while maintaining disease specificities. The goals are aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and WHO’s General Programme of Work. The strategies follow the five strategic directions: 1) Deliver high-quality evidence-based people-centered services, 2) Optimize systems, sectors and partnerships for impact, 3) Generate and use data to drive decisions for action, 4) Engage empowered communities and civil society, and 5) Foster innovations for impact.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Generic duties:

1. Coordinates and provides senior technical leadership in establishing new approaches, evidence-based policies and strategies, surveillance, and capacity building initiatives for implementation across Regional and Country Office programmes in the respective area of work.
2. Provides senior level health technical expertise and advice to the Director and Senior Management in the area of testing, prevention and populations for HIV, Hepatitis and STIs on the development and establishment of new health strategies and policies for implementation into and/or the monitoring and evaluation of national and global policies.
3. Ensures effective coordination, management, and accountability of the programme area in delivering its objectives through efficient management of a diverse team of technical experts, financial resources and effective work plan coordination to optimize the programme’s deliverables in line with the mandate of the Organization.
4. Maintains excellent relationships with partners, donors and stakeholders; coordinates fund raising opportunities.
5. Leads a team of technical staff and consultants, and serve as part of the senior management team. Ensures the coordination and management of the monitoring and evaluation and reporting of the Department’s area of work of key performance indicators and global reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Department deliverables.
6. Serves as the scientific/technical reference among UN Agencies and the partner community on the testing, prevention and populations for HIV, Hepatitis and STI.
7. Builds technical partnerships with other UN Agencies, donors, research institutions and other stakeholders working on testing, prevention and populations for HIV, Hepatitis and STI to position the technical area of work into respective policies, practice and implementation.
8. Represents the programme area of work in global fora and capacity building activities Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Specific duties:

1. Provides technical leadership and coordination on norms and standards development related to biomedical and combination prevention, quality assurance & improvement in testing and prevention, and support the development of operational research agendas in the area of biomedical and combination prevention (including long-acting PrEP and PEP).
2. Works across WHO, with UN partners and other key stakeholders on the complex and sensitive issues related to key populations services and on gender issues more broadly.
3. Assures the development, revision and promotion of key HIV, Hepatitis and STI diagnosis and prevention guidelines and packages for key populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, trans and gender diverse populations, people in prisons) and other vulnerable populations.
4. Works with WHO departments of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health & Ageing (MCA) on cross-cutting HIV and sexual reproductive health integration and linkages for key populations, adolescents and other vulnerable populations.
5. Works across WHO including with the department of Regulation and Prequalification (RPQ) on developing guidance and supporting prequalification and post-market surveillance of HIV, hepatitis and STI point of care diagnostics and prevention commodities and devices (including for VMMC).
6. Provides WHO leadership to the UN prevention working group and Global Prevention Coalition, and leads on work to advise keypartner (including UNITAID, Global Fund and PEPFAR, and BMGF) investments in HIV, Hepatitis and STI testing, prevention and populations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in medicine and Masters degree in public health, and/or social or behavioral sciences or a related field.
Desirable: PhD in public health, epidemiology, social or behavioral sciences.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of Testing, Prevention and Populations in a national and international context.
• 7 years of work experience on HIV prevention technologies, HIV services for key populations and HIV testing in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Experience providing senior level advice and guidance to Senior Management/Decision makers.
• Experience in managing human and financial resources.
• Experience in the area of developing and establishing policies and strategies.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level.

Desirable:

• Management experience in leading multi-cultural teams.
• Successful grant writing and grant management skills.
• A good track record of publication of articles in peer reviewed journals, related to the field of testing, prevention technologies and innovation.
• Experience translating science into policies for LMIC.

Skills

• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing polices and strategies
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Strong understanding and skills in mobilizing resources.
• Ability to engage, build consensus and communicate effectively and diplomatically with Member States, communities, partners and media. Commitment to collaborate effectively with other key partners in the health subject area
• Globally-respected level of technical expertise and knowledge in HIV, Hepatitis and STI prevention.
• Proven leadership skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health/disease control programmes.
• Demonstrated knowledge to analyse evolving evidence and best practice related testing, prevention and issues relating to key population and adolescent and young people services and to translate those into public health action with particular impact on resource limited settings.
• Tact, discretion and diplomacy including in relationship to issues pertaining to KP and gender

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Driving the Organization’s Position in Health Leadership
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of any other UN 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 106,023 (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 7307 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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