Team Lead

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of the Health Security and Emergencies Cluster is to contribute to the reduction of the health consequences of public health emergencies, natural disasters, conflicts and minimize social and economic impact in the African Region through prevention, early warning, early detection, and rapid and effective response operations in acute and protracted emergencies arising from any hazard with health consequences.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office in Sierra Leone and the direct supervision of the HSE Cluster Coordinator, the incumbent will perform the following functions:–> Provide authoritative guidance and technical support to national laboratory counterparts, the WHO country office, and international response team in the diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic fevers and other priority diseases of public health importance.–> Lead the development of a laboratory system that contributes to national capacity to respond to public health threats including antimicrobial resistance prevention, control and surveillance.–> Facilitate the development of policy and guidance documents for the national laboratory system–> Organize laboratory trainings to build capacity in identified areas of need, in coordination with other WHO office’s focal points.–> Lead the development of technical documents and Standard Operating Procedures for the national laboratory system; establish a directory of laboratory network members with their respective expertise–> Facilitate the timely sharing of data among network members.–> Promote the institution of safety and quality management systems within the national laboratory network.–> Develop communication and advocacy environment to promote the work of WHO Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory Network (EDPLN) and to the implementation of the International Health Regulations

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced University degree in any of the Laboratory Science disciplines or a post-graduate Fellowship in Laboratory Medicine or Public Health Laboratory.
Desirable: Qualification in Administration and Management, Laboratory Leadership or Project Management

Experience

Essential: –> At least Seven (07) years of relevant experience in the field of public health and outbreak emergency response, including the management/ coordination of laboratory projects related to public health.–> Experience with design and conduct of laboratory based research including the use of novel diagnostic point of care technologies–> Experience with the development and management of laboratory information systems and technologies–> Experience with development and implementation of antimicrobial resistance national action plans.
Desirable: Experience in organisational administration

Skills

Analytical skills, writing skills, good organisationalskills. Skills in using quantitative and qualitative research methods such as semi directed and focus group interviews. Tact, discretion and diplomacy

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 3667 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.

• 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 shws@who.int.

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