Job Detail

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's UHC/Healthier Populations Division is to contribute to reducing health inequalities and reducing preventable disease and injury caused by environmental, social and economic determinants of health. This is achieved through a coordinated inter-sectoral approach aimed at enabling all people to enjoy better health and well-being, in line with the Organization's 13th General Programme of Work (GPW13) and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) is addressing the burden of disease from physical, chemical and microbial hazards in food and unhealthy diets, maternal and child malnutrition, overweight and obesity. The Department aims to ensure universal access to safe, sufficient nutritious food and effective nutrition actions, through setting science-based international food standards, promoting nutrition action in health systems, fostering sustainable food production and consumption, improving food environments and empowering consumers in all situations, monitoring nutrition status, and managing food safety events at the international level, closely working with Member States, UN partner agencies and non-State actors.

The Food and Nutrition Actions in Health Systems (AHS) Unit assists countries with the application of essential nutrition actions delivered through healthcare and community platforms. AHS develops guidance on programmes and policies, creates application tools, provides technical assistance, fosters global partnerships, and supports global advocacy to ensure that proven nutrition interventions are universally accessible to all relevant populations. The Unit addresses multiple forms of malnutrition, including wasting, stunting, obesity, and micronutrient deficiency and supports improvements in infant and young child feeding.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Spearhead the development and implementation of a WHO-wide strategy for the global elimination of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, working across WHO departments and the three levels of the organization.


2. Build strong partnerships between WHO and partner organizations to harmonize policies and programmes and assure full support and implementation of WHO guidance.


3. Provide scientific, technical, and policy leadership to Member States for the establishment of policies and programmes aimed at eliminating vitamin and mineral deficiencies through screening, dietary change, micronutrient supplements, and food fortification.


4. Oversee the development of advocacy materials, training curricula, and other implementation tools to increase the coverage and quality of micronutrient interventions globally.


5. Develop detailed scientific guidance and tools on the assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of vitamin and mineral deficiencies and the programmes implemented to eliminate them.


6. Oversee and ensure the timely reporting to Senior Management, other UN Partners and Member States on micronutrient policy adoption, programme implementation, and deficiency rates,


7. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level University degree in nutritional sciences.
 

Desirable:

• Ph.D. in nutritional sciences.


• Specialization or training in statistics and epidemiology.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 10 years' experience in the area of public health nutrition, including demonstrated experience collecting and analysing nutrition data, developing nutrition guidance, preparing reports and advocacy documents, leading discussions in the scientific community, and developing public health initiatives with multiple stakeholders.


• Demonstrated experience at the international level.


• At least 7 years' experience specific to policies and programmes on vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Desirable:

• Experience in strategic planning and communication.


• Publications authored in the specific areas of vitamin and mineral nutrition.

Skills

• Knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of vitamin and mineral nutrition.


• Knowledge of public health programs to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies.


• Initiative, tact, a high sense of responsibility, and ability to communicate and collaborate harmoniously with people of varied national and cultural backgrounds, both within and outside WHO.


• Ability to work as part of a team.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork


• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences


• Communication


• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond


• Producing results

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
 

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Other WHO 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 88,162 (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 6906 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 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: www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.


• 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.


• For information on WHO's operations please visit: www.who.int.


• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.


• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.


• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.


• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: www.who.int/employment/en/. 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.


• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

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