NPO – Leishmaniasis and Helminthiasis Elimination

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. More about NO-B contracts.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies, and plans in NTDs, and effective services towards Universal Health Coverage. The WCO-lndia Programme of work supports the Government of India (Gol) in: 1. Providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and programmes activities for elimination of NTDs including leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, snakebite, rabies and others contributing to the strengthening and monitoring of the prevention and control of NTDs. 2. Facilitating adoption of evidence based public health interventions in NTD and relevant areas (such as related co-morbidities) and transitioning of existing programmes and health systems reforms with the aim to promote people centered care, equity and accelerate the movement towards Universal Health Coverage and NTD elimination. 3. Strengthening strategic information for evidence-based planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment of results of the national response to NTD elimination. 4. Facilitating the integration of NTD services with the general health services/National Health Mission.

Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO All the Member States of WHO in the South-East Asia 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 values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO's mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable development goals; (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products; (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.The South-East Asia Region of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India's population of 1.4 billion. 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 as well as of the circumstances and political economy under which they have evolved and operate. Mission of the WHO Country Office for India: Within the framework of WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative to India and the direct supervision of Team Leader (Communicable Diseases) and Deputy WHO Representative, with a view to achieve the expected results set out in the relevant WCO-lndia biennial work plans in accordance with WHO's Country Cooperation Strategy with India, and as part of the WCO-lndia team working on communicable diseases, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities to:

1. Provide technical and strategic advice to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in strengthening prevention, control, treatment and care, strategic information/M&E of kala-azar, soil transmitted helminthiases (STH) and other NTDs (such as some zoonoses) as well as promoting the One Health approach for NTD elimination.

2. Provide strategic and technical support to the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) and Child Health division in adoption of evidence-based guidelines, policies, standard operating procedures, training materials for Kala-azar, STH elimination and other relevant NTDs.

3. Facilitate partnerships and multi-sectoral collaborations with other partners, national institutions, civil society and stakeholders to strengthen coherent implementation of the kala-azar and STH elimination programme at national and subnational levels.

4. Facilitate collaborations to strengthen the One Health approach for zoonoses and NTDs through strengthening collaborations within communicable disease team, WASH focal point, health systems and other programmes in WCO-lndia in the movement towards universal health coverage with the focus on the rights to health, equity and quality of health services.

5. Contribute to resource mobilization including funding proposals, management of grant, management of donor relationships and management of human resources for implementation of workplans.

6. Support the building of capacity, documentation and dissemination of implementation research in the area of kala-azar and STH elimination and other zoonoses including utilization of evidence to inform policy and decision making, working with NCVBDC, Child health division and national research institutes and other stakeholders.

7. Support the supervision, guidance and mentoring of the NTD field network of consultants supporting at national and subnational level on policy, programmatic and operational aspects of the broad areas of NTDs and the integrated, comprehensive, people-centered health care services, including building their capacity in policy dialogue and communication.

8. Support the national programmes in ensuring sustainability of procurement, forecasting and supply chain management, use of quality assured products and support strengthening of pharmacovigilance programme for NTDs drugs.

9. Undertake any other tasks and responsibilities assigned by the supervisors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Degree in medicine (MBBS) from a recognized university. Desirable: Post graduate degree in Medicine/Public Health/Communicable Diseases/ Epidemiology or related fields.

Experience

Essential: At least two (2) years of professional experience in the development and implementation of communicable diseases at national/state level. Desirable: Proven experience working on kala azar or other neglected tropical disease (NTD) elimination programme. Experience of work in UN and/or other international organization in health programmes.

Skills

The incumbent should identify with the core values of the World Health Organization. Thorough knowledge of the situation in India about NTDs, especially on kala azar, soil-transmitted helminths and other neglected tropical diseases with good understanding of country's needs and priorities, of issues and policies in various aspects of control of health systems organisation. Very good knowledge of WHO policies, programmes and guidelines in the related areas.

1. Sound technical and policy advisory skills, based on evidence.

2. Leadership, coordination and supervision skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with government and colleagues in a team setting at national and subnational levels, to share information and data and make oral and written presentations on technical issues.

3. Ability to analyse, synthesize, evaluate, interpret and consolidate information from multiple sources and use for public health decision making and advocacy.

4. Proven ability to build and maintain relations and network with national authorities and other stakeholders across relevant sectors. Understanding of the potential motivating factors within national context and ability to adjust to new approaches in an increasingly complex environment.

5. Modem management skills (planning and evaluation, etc.).

6. Demonstrated skill in the formulation, design, development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

7. Capacity to prepare terms of reference and to prepare and monitor and manage the implementation of contractual agreements.

8. Capacity to convey information and options in a structured and credible way; ability to speak and write clearly.

9. Proficiency in computer applications and ability to draft reports.

10. Knowledge of WHO/UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at INR 2,626,256 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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 [email protected].

• 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.

• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates