Job Detail

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness (GIH) advances global efforts to prevent and control existing and emerging infectious diseases by increasing access to evidence-based interventions; fostering impactful innovation and leveraging technical, operational and strategic partnerships. In addition, GIH develops global mechanisms to facilitate coordination and collaboration between countries and multi-sectoral partners for catastrophic events of natural, accidental or deliberate origin. The department of Global Infectious Hazards Preparedness is committed to delivering GPW13 Outcome 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented, through :

• Delivering risk assessment, technical guidance, interventions and control strategies for country impact. 


• Promoting innovation and adoption of new technologies.


• Aligning and coordinating international action through trusted partnership.


• Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving interventions and supplies.

The Emerging Diseases and Zoonoses (EZD) team develops strategies, guidance, global mechanisms and interventions to address high threat pathogens responsible for epidemics or pandemics thereby reducing their impact on affected populations and limiting their international spread. This team deals with known emerging and re-emerging high threat pathogens such as:

(i) zoonotic diseases (for example Nipah virus and Hendra virus).

(ii) arboviruses (for example zika and chikungunya).

(iii) respiratory pathogens (for example MERS and plague).

(iv) bio-risks (for example smallpox).

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

1. Support the technical work on zoonotic diseases and biorisks including coronaviruses, including the development and revision of guidance and guidelines.

2. Support the development of a global evidenced-based strategy for high threat respiratory pathogens, biorisks and other zoonotic diseases.

3. Assist with knowledge sharing with expert networks and partnership, identifying gaps in knowledge and develop plans and study protocols to address gaps.

4. Collaborate with the transfer of knowledge team on user-friendly materials for risk communication and training.

5. Work with WHO Regional and Country Offices on the development of strategic plans to strengthen regional and national response to EZD.

6. Support the Unit Head, EZD in the incident management structure for COVID-19 and work with other teams/departments at WHO and other partner agencies to cover the various aspects of the public health response to COVID-19.

7. Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first level university degree in medicine or life science.
Desirable: Advanced degree in infectious disease epidemiology, or similar.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in zoonotic disease. Experience working in budget operations and donor relations. Experience with high threat respiratory pathogens, including MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Demonstrated exposure at the international level.
Desirable: Experience working for WHO, UN agency or international organization.

Skills

• Knowledge in managing work plans. 


• Evaluate technical progress.


• Prepare project materials & reports.


• Experience in setting project priorities and activities, and ensure general efficacy and timeliness of work activities.


• Ability to work and produce results under pressure and meet deadlines.


• Excellent interpersonal skills, diplomacy, tact and discretion.


• Sound judgment and initiative.


• Excellent analytical and drafting/writing skills are essential

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork


• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences


• Communication


• Producing results


• Knowing and managing yourself


• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Beginners 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 62,120 (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 4260 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.


• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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