Medical Officer (Noncommunicable Diseases)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To achieve the control of communicable and noncommunicable diseases throughout the Western Pacific Region by targeting the reduction of morbidity and mortality of such conditions and diseases. The division supports integrated people-centred care approaches by strengthening primary health care services for prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of target diseases and conditions along the life-course, while ensuring to reach the unreached and achieving universal health coverage.

The Management of Noncommunicable Diseases (MND) unit supports action across government and society in managing noncommunicable diseases – cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease – and their risk factors, as well as eye health and hearing impairment. Focus areas of the programme are improving service delivery at primary healthcare through a risk-based approach to early detection and treatment as part of the continuum of care and strengthening health systems to support the achievement of global and national targets to reduce premature mortality due to NCDs.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Provide high-level, specialist technical support to the work program in the area of Noncommunicable Diseases.

2. Develop and propose action plans for interventions in high-risks groups and environments and recommend measures for special attention.

3. Contribute to the development of or amendments to national strategies and policies through policy advice and recommendation on plan of action for improvements in the existing health systems for prevention and cure of Noncommunicable Diseases.

4. Research, compile and evaluate a variety of data and information related to Non-Communicable disease treatments; identify disease sources and provide recommendations concerning appropriate response to identified risks, and implementation of preventative measures, and the preparation of related technical reports.

5. Develop and support the implementation of a research agenda on NCDs including promoting operational research on cost effectiveness of community-based interventions for NCDs.

6. Develop and monitor work plans and budgets including resource mobilization for the work programme and followup on the implementation of planned activities.

7. Develop guidelines and tools for NCD health interventions using an integrated approach, and in consultation with other WHO programs and partners to assist Member States in identifying and implementing key interventions aimed at curbing the current trend and managing the burden of NCDs and to also promote the use of relevant national health policies, strategies and programs relating to management of chronic diseases by Member States.

8. Undertake or coordinate high-level analyses of data and information on best practices and partners’ experiences in implementing NCD prevention and control strategies and prepare and disseminate information.

9. Develop and conduct capacity building in the area of NCD.

10. Serve as a technical resource to the public concerning NCD in the country(ies); respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures.

11. Conduct a variety of community outreach activities concerning the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of NCD; prepare and deliver oral presentations; compile, prepare and distribute related informational materials.

12. Maintain liaison with and coordinate with national counterparts, technical departments at HQ and with donor and development partners (UN and bilateral) on harmonization of recommendations on policies and strategies related to NCD and resolve issues or concerns.

13. Review and ensure quality assurance and relevance of contractual engagements with partners and institutions and make recommendations regarding WHO’s support.

14. Represent WHO at various meetings.

15. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Specific roles to be undertaken within this job:

(1) Supporting the implementation of the Regional Framework for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, including:

a. Planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of national multisectoral NCD plans of action in the countries under the Western Pacific Region;

b. Support WHO country offices and national counterparts for the implementation of the WHO Package of Essential NCD (PEN) interventions, and HEARTS package, including adaptation of PEN and HEARTS tools to suit their local context, developing specific delivery models and the use of NCD tools and education material.

(2) Support activation and monitoring of WHO Collaborating Centres for NCD to contribute to a harmonized plan of action;

(3) Support NCD health delivery system strengthening through integration of essential NCD health services into primary care to promote resilient, sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness at national and subnational level;

(4) Provide technical inputs and support to the NCD Coordinator and other staff in planning and developing relevant tools and advocacy products related to NCD management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in medicine with master’s degree in public health or noncommunicable diseases.

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 seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, including relevant international exposure, in non‑communicable diseases focusing on investigation, surveillance, and control. Within this experience demonstrated professional experience working at the country and/or regional level providing technical support to government partners as well as developing strategies and programmes for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Desirable: Experience in writing proposals and reports. Programme experience in community-based health programme development and management, especially with regard to noncommunicable diseases. Work experience in an international organization and developing country setting highly desirable.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of country level situations with regard to Non-Communicable Diseases with good understanding of relevant country’s needs, priorities and policies, along with WHO’s policies, practices, guidelines and procedures in the related areas and ability to apply them in the country office setting.
• Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to review and revise policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Excellent knowledge of Health 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

• Broad knowledge of concepts and strategies related to NCD prevention and control.
• Skills in planning, training, monitoring, and evaluation of interventions, and in development of locally adapted tools and instruments.
• Good communication skills; ability to synthesize knowledge and effectively express ideas in writing.
• Ability to coordinate with external partners as well as work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

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

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 written and spoken English.

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 3183 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

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