Scientist (Prevention, Treatment and Care of Neglected Tropical Diseases)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The position provides primary technical expertise in interventions to control and eliminate soil-transmitted helminthiases and secondary support for other neglected tropical diseases (NTD) targeted by community-based, integrated strategies of preventive chemotherapy such as lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis. The position supports the team in developing the technical policy and guidance to member states to meet global NTD targets. The Scientist will use a wide range of established partnerships with health ministries, UN agencies, donor institutions, counter parts in WHO Collaborating Centres, public health institutions and other stakeholders in their development of solutions to public health issues.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Liaise with national Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) programmes to identify and understand new challenges faced and lead the development of WHO technical products (guidelines and other strategic guidance) aimed at assisting health ministries to overcome these challenges.
• Determine where new evidence is needed to inform new guidance and keep global research initiatives and institutions informed of these priorities.
• Provide technical expertise in the development and evaluation of diagnostics for soil-transmitted helminthiases and other NTDs.
• Identify opportunities for integrating NTD activities across established community and primary care-based platforms and develop and evaluate new tools/strategies to recommend the most effective, efficient and pragmatic solutions.
• Monitor and report on a global level, progress towards achieving the 2030 targets and milestones for soil-transmitted helminthiases and other NTDs.
• Forecast needs at the global level and ensure access to essential medicines and diagnostics required to control and eliminate soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis and other NTDs as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• An advanced university degree in Epidemiology, Parasitology, Public Health, Medicine or related fields to the functions of the position.
  

Desirable:

• PhD in Epidemiology, Parasitology, Public Health, Medicine or related fields to the functions of the position.

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of NTD Control or Elimination Programmes, including experience in developing health policies and strategies.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience at the international level.
  

Desirable:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of integrated NTD activities at the national and sub-national levels.
• Experience working with Multinational, National, Government and Non-government Organizations, academic institutions, and with global partnerships related to NTDs.
• Experience with guideline development or other policy development.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of the science of neglected tropical diseases, particularly in relation to intestinal helminths and schistosomiasis
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of disease elimination or control programmes.
• Strong skills in developing and establishing polices and strategies
• Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners including health ministries, Donor institutions, Civil Society, and other stakeholders.
• Commitment to collaborate effectively with all key partners in the neglected tropical disease area.
• Demonstrated skills in mobilizing and managing resources.
• Skills in applied epidemiology, survey methodology, parasitology and data analysis
• Ability to document and apply findings from public health research
• Ability to translate policies and guidelines to practical implementation
• Experience with the GRADE method for the formulation of recommendations
• Excellent writing skills

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Driving the Organization’s Position in Health Leadership

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 92,731 (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 6437 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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