National Professional Officer - PIP

Contract

This is a NO-B contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 3,231 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in the area of infectious hazard management, specifically in the areas of influenza prevention and control, pandemic influenza preparedness, surveillance and response to other high-threat pathogens and laboratory system strengthening under the Better Labs for Better Health initiative.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO All Member States of WHO in the European Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO's actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying value of equity as described in the General Programme of Work. The 13th General Programme of Work defines the mission of WHO as one to promote health, to keep the world safe, and to protect the vulnerable.

The GPW calls for heightened accountability, prioritizing impact and outcome at the country level, and to improve the lives of three billion people, through universal health coverage, through addressing health emergencies, and promoting healthier populations. WHO’s mandate revolves around six core functions:

(i) providing leadership on global health matters;

(ii) shaping the health research agenda;

(iii) setting norms and standards;

(iv) articulating evidence-based policy options;

(v) providing technical support to countries; and

(vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.

The European Region (EURO) of WHO is made up of 53 countries, with over 880 million people. The diversity of people and health situations requires, on the demand side, a solid understanding of the emerging socio-economic, epidemiologic, and demographic patterns and trends at both aggregate as well as national and sub-national levels, with due sensitivity to disadvantaged populations and vulnerable segments of society. On the supply side, it is equally crucial to have a solid understanding of the commonalities and divergences of the health systems, the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate, and, more specifically, how these bear upon the way the health system stewardship function of health ministries is carried out. The WHO Country Office supports the Member States to shape their health policy in line with WHO's principles and values and advocates for an integrated approach to health development. By means of a single, unified, and functionally integrated country representation, WHO facilitates the implementation of the BCA with the Member States and their corresponding country work plan. WHO helps the country to improve its health system and provides technical support as necessary. The WHO Country Office administers, consolidates, manages, and enhances WHO collaboration in the country including all resources deployed in the country either permanently or temporarily to maximize WHO impact. The Country Office also has a representation, fund-raising, and resource steering function, as needed.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the supervision of the Head of the WHO Country Office, Ukraine and technical guidance of the Programme Area Manager, Infectious Hazard Management (IHM), the incumbent will work closely with the Ministry of Health to implement the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework and to strengthen laboratories as part of International Health Regulations core capacities and will be part of the WHO Country Office team. He/she will contribute to the operational direction,

Implementation, and effective coordination of all WHO activities in these areas in line with programme objectives defined in the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) and PIP country work plan. Guidelines available include WHA, EB, RC documents and resolutions; GPW and respective PB; the Health Systems Strengthening Strategy; EURO's Country Strategy, Biennial Collaborative Agreement, PIP Framework, IHR (2005); WHO Manual, EURO Policy and

Procedures Handbook Series. The incumbent exercises judgment and flexibility in the application of guidelines and selection of administrative course of action. For activities not covered by established guidelines and for ad hoc unforeseen situations the incumbent uses initiative and common sense, drawing from experience. The incumbent may seek guidance for solutions to complicated administrative matters from relevant staff.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in the area of infectious hazard management, specifically in the areas of influenza prevention and control, pandemic influenza preparedness, surveillance and response to other high-threat pathogens and laboratory system strengthening under the Better Labs for Better Health initiative. Specifically, the incumbent will assume the following responsibilities and achieve the following objectives:1) Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in developing its' systems to prevent and control influenza, whether seasonal, zoonotic or pandemic, and other high-threat pathogens through:

a) Providing technical advice on improving the quality of systems for the surveillance of influenza and other high-threat pathogens (epidemiological and laboratory surveillance);

b) Support activities related to strengthening seasonal influenza vaccination programmes;

c) Support the continued implementation of guidelines and training programs for outbreak investigation and response and the clinical management of severe respiratory infections;

d) Support revision and testing of the national pandemic influenza preparedness plan and associated guidelines.2) Support implementation of the national laboratory policy, strategy and action plans developed under the Better Labs for Better Health initiative:

• Support the coordination of activities by the National Coordination Council on Laboratory including facilitation of working group sessions, meetings, and trainings;

• Support the national programme for laboratory quality mentors;

• Provide input to further developments of the laboratory system as the system evolves;3) Provide input to advocacy products related to the described duties.

Perform other surveillance and related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

*1. Teamwork

*2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

*3. Communication

4. Producing results

5. Knowing and managing yourself

Education Qualifications

Essential: University degree in medicine, biological sciences, or related area. Additional academic specialization in communicable diseases, epidemiology, biological sciences, or equivalent professional qualification.

Desirable: Post graduate degree in public health, epidemiology or laboratory science.

Experience

Essential: At least two years of relevant work experience in communicable diseases surveillance and/or laboratory programmes/projects.

Desirable: Experience with working for WHO or other international organizations. Experience implementing surveillance systems. Experience with laboratory quality management systems.

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of other Official WHO Languages.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

2. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

3. A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

4. In the event 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.

5. 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.

6. Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and E-Manual.

7. 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 workforce. 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.

8. 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

9. 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 (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice.

10. 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 short-listed candidates.

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

12. 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.

13. The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int

14. This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

15. 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. 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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