WHO: Technical Officer (PIP) – Nairobi

Background and Justification

* Purpose of the Position

The Technical Officer, is the regional focal point for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) and leads a team which provides technical support to member states of the Afro/Who region to strengthen the national capacity to detect and monitor influenza epidemic in the region through laboratory and epidemiological surveillance capacity building. The incumbent collaborates with relevant WHO/AFRO clusters and WHO/HQ departments and partners to expedite capacity building, the development of tools and implementation of evidence-based policies, strategies and plans.

2. Job Description

* Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to build the capacity of

Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed,

to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.To increase country capacity to implement international health regulation, to build resilience and adequate preparedness for mounting a rapid, predictable and effective response to major epidemics and pandemics and to manage public health risks associated with emergencies.

* Organizational context (Describe the individual role of incumbent within the team, focusin on work environment within and outside the organization)

Under the broad guidance and support from the HEP manager, the Technical Officer is responsible for regular monitoring of the implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) projects funded by pharmaceutical manufacturers using the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GIRS). The grants cover several areas for improving preparedness such as laboratory and surveillance, burden of disease, risk communications, regulatory capacity building and planning for deployment. Laboratory and surveillance area of work is currently implemented in 9 countries in the WHO African region and coordinated by WHO Country Offices, and WHO Health Emergencies programme in the WHO Regional Office and the Headquarters. The incumbent is required to maintain cohesion and facilitate effective communication with relevant staff at all levels of the WHO, including relevant technical officers from other clusters in the WHO Regional Office, to ensure timely implementation of planned activities and submission of donors reports. S/he functions in close collaboration with an Award/Grant manager on the PIP projects who will oversee the administration and financial parts under the overall coordination of the Technical Coordinator.

* Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected)

– Develop, manage and monitor the implementation of PIP framework in Africa working closely with PIP teams at HQ and other regions.

– Support the organization of the regional scientific meeting on the implementation of the PIP (Surveillance, Laboratory, Communication, Regulatory, Deployment of vaccine and biologicals) framework.

– Contribute to the preparation of the PIP coordination meeting between HQ, RO and WCO focal points- Ensure close follow up with WCO on the implementation of the PIP project in the 9 selected countries within the region.

– Collaborate with Vaccines in Emergencies and MCM Teams in identifying research priorities and novel service delivery models

– Explore integration with other preparedness programs to enhance systems approach in the implementation of PIP program

– Work collaboratively with One Health and laboratory Teams, to ensure influenza pathogens with pandemic potential are identified early, prepared, and responded.

3. Recruitment Profile

Competencies: Generic

Select up to two additional core, management and leadership competencies. See the Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model Guidelines.

*1. Teamwork

*2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

*3. Communication

4. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

5. Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Competencies: Management

For all Positions that possess Managerial/Supervisory responsibilities, an additional mandatory Management Competency is required.

Is this a Supervisory Position? YES

Functional Knowledge and Skills

* Describe the essential knowledge and the skills specific to the position

Skills proficiency and knowledge in project management and operational planning in a multi-partner international context. Broad technical knowledge in Public Health in the context of improving the health of populations and/or health security. Experience and ability to design, evaluate and monitor multi-partners work plans. Good writing skills and ability to draft, evaluate and edit technical reports and publications. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and consultative skills.

Education Qualifications

* Essential

Master’s level university degree in public health and/or Post graduate training in virology or microbiology or related science. Advanced training in Laboratory related disciplines is an advantage

Desirable

Specialized training in public health or related field.

Experience

* Essential

At least 7 years’ experience on working in influenza laboratory and implementing sentinel surveillance of influenza. The assignment requires high level of technical competence in influenza surveillance system as well as writing skills. Proven experience managing projects of a relative large budgets. Experience in multi-partners collaborations from multiple countries, government and non-government organizations and industry. Proven track record in research and scientific publications.

Desirable

Experience working in an international organization. Experience working in developing countries.

4. Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert Knowledge of English. Intermediate Knowledge of French

Desirable: Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

Computer literacy with a sound knowledge of the access software and basic skills in programming.

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 86,027 (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 2,838.89 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 [email protected]

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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

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 [email protected].

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