OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The objective of the programme is to support the Regional Office in advancing integrated, people‑centred and primary health care–oriented public health approaches across the Region, with a focus on strengthening health systems, promoting equity, and addressing priority public health challenges in line with global and regional strategies.
The immediate strategic objective of the position is to provide regional‑level technical and advisory support to WHO country offices and Member States to facilitate the implementation of global and regional public health strategies and frameworks. This includes promoting integrated service delivery, reducing fragmentation and siloed approaches, strengthening preparedness and response capacities, and supporting evidence‑informed planning, monitoring and reporting to improve public health outcomes across the Region.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The incumbent will report to the Coordinator (Accelerated Communicable Disease Control) with overall guidance from the Director, DPC in the Regional Office. Within the delegated authority and in collaboration with specialists at headquarters and in WHO Country Offices, the Technical Officer will participate as a member of the team in the implementation of public health programmes related to the End TB programme, including liaising with counterparts in multiple stakeholders, United Nations agencies, donors and academic institutions to support policy dialogue and the advancement of public health initiatives across the Region.
Summary of Assigned Duties
1. Provide input to the work programme in the area of the End TB programme at the regional level and support the Responsible Officer in the coordination and monitoring of public health priorities across multiple countries.
2. Undertake research on End TB programme topics to facilitate the development and implementation of End TB programmes and activities relevant to regional priorities.
3. Draft, revise and further develop End TB programme guidelines, regional strategies and frameworks, and provide recommendations on plans of action for improvement in existing End TB programme policies and health systems.
4. Monitor work plans and budgets, including resource mobilization for the work programme, and follow up on the implementation of planned activities by country offices and partners.
5. Conduct data analyses and compile information on best practices and partners’ experiences in implementing sustainable public health systems and disseminate information to inform regional decision-making and guidance.
6. Participate in capacity building in the area of public health systems and the management and financing of health systems, including through technical guidance, regional workshops and knowledge sharing platforms.
7. Analyze and evaluate best practices from a variety of public health databanks and information related to disease outbreaks; identify trends and risks at regional level and provide technical recommendations on appropriate preparedness and response measures.
8. Serve as a technical resource to counterparts at regional and intercountry level concerning End TB programme and communicable diseases; respond to inquiries and provide detailed technical information on related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.
9. Plan and coordinate regional technical assistance, advocacy and monitoring missions, and provide technical backstopping and advisory support to WHO country offices, in close collaboration with WHO Collaborating Centres and relevant technical partners, with attention to integrated systems approaches, multisectoral actions and community engagement.
10. Monitor alignment between scale‑up of diagnostic, laboratory, surveillance and service‑delivery capacities across priority public health programmes, identify gaps or imbalances, and support corrective planning to optimise service pathways and programme performance at regional level.
11. Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Education
Essential : A university degree in medicine, public health or a similar field specializing in communicable diseases preferably TB.
Desirable : An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in medicine, public health or similar field
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 : At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communicable diseases programmes, developing public health capacity and policies or strategies that promote health and preventive measures, investigation, surveillance, preparedness and control of various diseases including significant experience in TB. Demonstrated relevant experience at the international level.
Desirable : Experience working with regional or intercountry public health programmes. Relevant experience in WHO, other UN agencies or another international organization.
Skills
Knowledge of regional public health priorities and health system challenges, with good understanding of Member States’ needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures, and the ability to apply them in a regional office setting
Ability to conduct research and analyze results, identify issues, formulate opinions, and make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening health systems across multiple countries.
Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned programmes and activities
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Excellent knowledge of health systems and safety regulations
Proven knowledge of technical aspects in the field of specialty
Public speaking techniques
Excellent drafting and communication skills
Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work
Team spirit and time management skills
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Producing results
Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf
Use of Language Skills
Essential : Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable : Intermediate knowledge of Other UN 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 71,335 (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 2188 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.
The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.
Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. 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.
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 may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.
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