Health Research Officer

Volunteering Medical & Health IT & Telecom

Overview

Support health research coordination for improved public health outcomes.

You have:

• Health research experience at national and/or international level.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with regional or global health research and development implementation.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and database management.
• Ability to work in multicultural teams effectively.
• Self-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Possession of a valid national driver's license and ability to drive 4x4 on rough terrain is desirable.
• Sound awareness of security issues is essential.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) which aims to bring all people to the highest possible level of health, health being defined as " state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not only consisting of an absence of illness or infirmity.

In line with this mission, the Assistant Regional Directors (ARD) Cluster at WHO’s Regional Office for Africa plays a crucial role in driving health improvements across the African Region. The ARD Cluster performs cross-cutting technical functions, collaborating closely with countries and programme areas across various clusters, such as UHC Life Course, UHC Communicable and Non-Communicable, UHC Healthier Population, and Emergency Preparedness and Response. Its focus is on key subject areas to prepare WHO and Member States to make evidence-based decisions and leverage cutting-edge research and innovations.

To further WHO’s goal of Universal Health Coverage and the One Health approach, the ARD Cluster ensures that strategic priorities—such as integrated service delivery, diagnostics, laboratory services, antimicrobial resistance, research and innovation, and data analytics—are embedded in programs at all levels. While each unit within the cluster has distinct responsibilities, their collective purpose is to offer technical support and expert advisory services, strengthening coordination, platforms, and partnerships between WHO, Member States, and regional and global partners.

Among the six technical teams in the cluster is the Research Coordination Unit, guided by the Assistant Regional Director (ARD). The overall objective of the Research Coordination Unit is to lead and facilitate the processes for conducting country-led, well-coordinated, cross-organizational, high-quality, and outcome-focused research to generate impactful health research and improve the health of populations in the African Region. This contributes to building and sustaining resilient health systems that provide equitable access to quality essential health services to people across the life course using people-centered approaches.

The Unit seeks to facilitate the process of applying research to achieve impact on people’s health in the areas of health research and development in the WHO African Region by supporting countries in developing and implementing policies and strategies for scaling-up the translation of new evidence and impact in Member States, promoting and supporting priority research in countries according to the unmet needs of Member States, including strengthening partnerships, and promoting appropriate options for governance for research, including promoting ethical considerations in related decision-making.

To support this initiative, the ARD Cluster is seeking a Health Research Officer to support the coordination of health research at the regional office. The Health Research Officer will report to the Team Lead of the Unit.

• Support the Research Coordination team in the implementation of current and future initiatives; • Ensure coordination of health research across the regional office’s clusters, programme and units; • Participate in the implementation of the research coordination workstream and coordination of activities around health research • Support the implementation of the health research priorities in the regional office; • Strengthen the health research network in the region; • Assist in donor reporting and proposal preparation; • Support the development and strengthening of national and regional health research systems across member states; • Support the publication system and ethics committee activities at the regional office; • Support the harmonization of existing and future health research activities in AFRO; • Support the strengthening of collaborations and engagement on health research in the region; • Support the implementation and coordination of key research activities; • Establish and strengthen partnerships with research institutions and networks in the region to strengthen research and evidence generation; • Support coordination, convention and harmonization of research; • Support the organization of internal and external meetings and training activities on health research; • Support the coordination of the activities of the regional advisory bodies and networks for research in the region; • Support the documentation and dissemination of lessons learnt and best practices in research and their translation to evidence to support countries; • Support the team lead in communicating the achievements and results of health research initiatives; • Undertake any other assignment as requested by the supervisor.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

health research, scientific research capacity or health-related R&D or other relevant programmes, at the national and/or international level; experience with implementation related to research, in particular regional or global health research and development is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth; organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; • Sound security awareness.

This is a family-duty station for most UN staff despite the limited operationality of health facilities; there is an American International school, a French Lycee and several other private institutions of education. All major cards can be used through a network of automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout the city. There is a wide range of housing options including what WHO offers in its multiple compounds (houses and apartments). An entry visa to the Republic of Congo is mandatory. Visas can be obtained at the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Congo in your country of nationality or residence. If there is no diplomatic representation of the Republic of Congo in your country, it is mandatory to please bring the following: • The waiver provided by WHO, with the circular in French; • A copy of your travel authorization or official letter of invitation.

Congo provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in potentially difficult conditions, involving physical hardship and limited comfort, are essential.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org